From time to time you may have to present your findings or solutions to problems in the discussion classes or tutorials. There are a few things to pay attention to when giving presentations.
Try to switch places and assume you are listening to a presentation. When will you find it a pleasant experience with the time well spent and something learned? When will you find the opposite?
Remember, when giving presentations you are not satisfying the requirement of the teacher. Rather, you are engaged in collaborative learning. You try to learn something in the process, and you also try to engage your classmates to learn at the same time.
Here are a few tips for giving good presentations:
Have sufficient preparation in case the content was released before the class. Lack of preparation is not only bad to yourself but it also affects the experience of your classmates.
Balance between writing and speaking. Don’t keep writing without speaking (try not to pause for more than 10 seconds), and don’t keep speaking without writing because that will be hard to follow.
Write down the appropriate amount. Don’t write down all the details (many of which can be replaced by verbal explanation); instead write down the main points.
Position yourself so that you don’t block the views of your classmates when you write.
Speak to your classmates; not just to the teacher; not to the board.