Presenting is the act of formally communicating information to an audience of one or more other people, usually large groups. Presentations are used to inform, motivate, persuade, or even entertain people and oftentimes are formatted as lectures, speeches, or demonstrations. A person can present in a variety of ways, but usually they stand on a stage or simply at the front of a room before the audience, and may use technology or physical artifacts to help convey information further.
Presenting is a critical activity common throughout schooling, where teachers and professors give presentations as a form of teaching, and where students even learn how to present. Presenting is also an important skill in many professions, particularly in business-related fields.
Presenting has long been a crucial part of human communication. In ancient times, storytelling, an early form of presenting, was used to pass down knowledge, cultural values, and traditions orally. Leaders and orators in ancient civilizations, like Greece and Rome, used public speaking to persuade, inform, and lead, playing a pivotal role in politics and society. The art of rhetoric, or skillful speaking, was highly valued and taught as a key discipline.
Over the centuries, presenting styles and methods evolved, influenced by cultural changes and technological advancements, from public speeches in town squares to elaborate presentations in academic, religious, and political institutions. This evolution reflects the enduring importance of effectively sharing information and ideas, a cornerstone of education, leadership, and social progress.
In the future, the style of presenting is likely to be heavily influenced by advancements in technology and shifts in audience engagement. Interactive elements such as real-time polls, augmented reality demonstrations, and AI-driven content customization could become commonplace, making presentations more engaging and tailored to audience needs. With the increase in remote working and global connectivity, virtual presentations may become more sophisticated, using platforms that simulate a shared space for presenter and audience.
Additionally, storytelling and visual communication might take precedence over traditional slide-based formats, as audiences seek more compelling and memorable presentation experiences. Despite these technological integrations, the core principles of clear communication, audience connection, and effective storytelling will remain essential in making presentations impactful and resonant.
There are many ways to record yourself giving a presentation. Using a screen recording and video editing tool, the presentation can be video recorded from PowerPoint with audio and webcam. First set up the presentation video recording; make sure the recoding options are customized. After recording the audio then the webcam, record the presentation.
Being confident in your subject matter and the presentation you plan to give helps to alleviate the nerves before the presentation. This can be prepared in advance by practicing. Other methods that may help include breathing from your stomach to calm the nervous system, visualizing your success, and making eye contact and engaging your audience.
When giving a presentation, the outward appearance should be clean and professional. The clothing should be comfortable and something that makes you feel confident. In a professional setting women can opt for a skirt, dress, or pants, paired with a blouse, jacket, or cardigan. Men can wear dress pants, a button-down shirt, a tie and jacket.
