Wildfire Prevention Conducting School Programs Guide - National ...

Presentation
When the time comes to perform, try to relax. If you are nervous,
experts on public speaking suggest that you take a deep breath and
exhale slowly. Before you are introduced, be sure your uniform is in
order and then leave your attire alone. When you are introduced, rise,
face the person who introduced you, pause a few seconds to let things
settle down, and then make your opening statement.
Personality is one of the most important ingredients of your talk. You
have the ability and prestige, or the group (or your supervisor) would
not have asked you to speak. You arrived at your present position
because of your talents and effort, coupled with knowledge and years
of personal experience.
All of these together help make up your personality, which is the most
effective tool you possess. A little humility and a smile will put your
audience at ease and gain their support.
• Good posture before an audience is a must. Stand upright.
Let your hands rest naturally at your sides or rest them on the
lectern. Do not hold eyeglasses, pens or pencils, books,
magazines, other objects, or jingle change in your pocket.
Handling these objects is a nervous habit that tends to distract
your audience from what you are saying.
• Maintain good eye contact with your audience. Visually scan
the audience. Do not settle on one individual, the wall, ceiling,
floor, or podium. If reading something, look up frequently to let
your audience know you have not forgotten them.
• Use gestures. They add interest. Do not flail your arms, but use
gestures pertinent to your remarks. Let your gestures be natural,
not artificial.
20 – Presentation Skills CONDUCTING SCHOOL PROGRAMS –GUIDE