Here is a basic guide to follow for giving presentations.

Be early
Even if the train is delayed, you have an urgent phone call to take, the video shoot is running late or the meeting is brought forward by one of the key invitees, being early means you have some flexibility, without having to rush to your meeting or presentation. So if your call time is 1000hrs, be there and know where you need to be at least 20 minutes earlier than the call.

Be present
Start engaging with any other contributors or attendees who are early, or indeed engage other crew or staff in conversation. Doing this will help to develop a rapport which could assist you during the recording or meeting, or at the very least you could gain a new contact.

Be prepared
If technology is being used make sure everything is working before you start. Test all the hardware and software you are planning to use beforehand and in case of any problems have handouts ready. If recording for video you will be asked to rehearse and demonstrate what you are planning so that the technicians and Director can get a feel for your story and make you look your best.

Avoid death by PowerPoint
If you are using graphics or PowerPoint, don’t just read the content of every slide. This is tedious for the viewers and slides are only meant to highlight the key points. Too much graphical information will detect from what you are saying, and with video a key element is audience engagement, with YOU!

Don’t go by the numbers
Have supporting documents ready for people to access if they need more information, or ask them to contact you for fuller details – then you have a chance to make a face to face meeting and state your case personally rather than third person. However, have a summary of the facts and key statistics to highlight just the really vital points.

Do your homework
For a live recording with an audience, research and learn about the product, service or development. Know the product, service or development inside out. Don’t get caught out by probing questions – the camera can spot unease only too easily. It’s best to say you don’t know but that you will find out and then make sure you speak to the questioner separately.

Build in breathing room
Ensure you have breathing space in your presentation, don’t be tempted to fill your whole allocation of time with words because your audience needs space to take in what you saying.

Following a few simple guidelines will have you to be prepared and give you the confidence that nothing can go wrong, or if it does then you can manage it. So, rehearse and prepare, listen to the technical crew and organizers, make friends with them, particularly the cameraman, sound engineer and director – they can all help you if things go wrong so make sure they are in the right position to offer support!