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Guide to presentations

How to review your presentation

Whatever happened with your presentation on the day – it is always helpful to review and learn from the experience. 

Review checklist  

This checklist is just an example. Not all the boxes will be relevant to your presentation. Please adapt and personalise this checklist to review your own presentation, or create your own entirely.

If you have received feedback on your presentation, add those comments to your checklist where appropriate. 

 

Firstly, give yourself credit for what went well  Identify why it went well so you can use the same techniques again Identify things you would like to improve  Identify some strategies to help you improve 
The topic  I increased my knowledge of the topic  I did the right amount of relevant research  I need to allow more time for research and understanding a presentation topic  Make a presentation timetable, building in time slots for specific research
Preparing and delivering a presentation   developed my skills in this area I practised using signposting language in my presentation I need to allow enough time to prepare and practise the presentation

Make a presentation timetable, building in time slots for preparation and practice.  

Ask one of my friends to watch my presentation and give me some feedback
Use of presentation software (e.g. PowerPoint, Prezi, Sway)  I am more skilled at using PowerPoint I used the Presenter Coach function on PowerPoint.  I need to develop my PowerPoint skills further Watch some videos on the Digital Hub and Microsoft support pages
Team work (if working in a group)  I developed my team working skills I established suitable roles for every member of my team I need to develop my team working skills

Look out for any opportunities where I can work as part of a team e.g. student societies, paid work, volunteering.  

Look at the Study Zone resources on group work. 
Confidence  My confidence about speaking in a group has grown I practised the presentation with a group of friends beforehand, which built up my confidence I need to develop my confidence further, particularly when dealing with questions from the audience

Take up as many opportunities as I can to deliver presentations, however short or informal the opportunity may be.  

Look at areas to focus on when practising, like answering questions from the audience.  

Practise my next presentation in front of a friend and get them to ask some questions
Other 

 

 

Other general strategies for improving your presentation skills: 

 

  • Watch staff, students or presentations online. Make a note of things which you think work well and if appropriate adapt them for your own presentations.

 

  • If you have been given some feedback on your presentation, ask for further clarification or advice from the lecturer or students who provided the comments. 

 

  • Record yourself making a presentation and evaluate the results. You could also ask a friend to do the same and give you some feedback. 

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