Thanks to the OLLI program at the University of S. Maine for making this material available to anyone who would like to give conference presentations.

1. Use handouts or visuals to enhance your presentation.
• Remember: a picture is worth 1,000 words.
• Highlight your key points with bullets.
• A chart can help clarify a complex issue.

2. Prepare your presentation ahead of time.
• Put together the presentation early.
• Avoid information overload – your audience can only remember 4 or 5 points every 20 minutes, so keep it   simple.
• Contact your co-presenter (if there is one) to coordinate your presentations and avoid overlap.
• Bring handouts for your session.
• Practice and time your presentation.
• Make sure that your presentation is what is promoted in the conference brochure – think of it as a “contract”   with your audience and make sure you deliver what you promised.

3. First impressions last.
• Start the session on time.
• Arrive early to test the equipment and make certain everything is in order for your presentation and alert   conference organizers if it is not.
• Briefly introduce yourself and your topic to your audience.
• Set forth any “rules” or limitations – a road map for the session.
• Stand at the door of your session to greet attendees as they arrive – this can help calm your “jitters”   and   also give you a sense of your audience.

4. Be certain to leave time for questions from your audience.
• Be flexible so that you can entertain spontaneous questions and comments from your audience. Many times,   they can make your point for you!
• Always look directly at your audience when speaking. Strategically place yourself within each room so that   everyone can see you.
• Speak slowly, clearly, and loudly and wear the microphone provided.
• Repeat all questions and answers that come from the audience. This allows everyone to hear the question.

5. Finish strong.
• Summarize your key points to reinforce your message.
• If your presentation is running long and you haven’t covered your major points – don’t run on. It is   better to   quit on time and allow time for questions. Many times you can find a way to make your final points and answer   the questions.