Tips for interviews with presentations

Think about:

• your audience. What are they looking for? What is their background and level of knowledge of the subject? During interviews and assessment centres, they will be looking for evidence that you match the job criteria. Look at tips on presenting your research to different audiences
• your aims. How will you ensure that you meet the needs of the audience? For example, do you want to persuade, inform, amuse, impress? Keep the job criteria in mind
• the content. Research the topic well. Prioritise your content (must include, should include, might like to include). Identify the key message and the aspects of the topic you will talk about. Decide on the level of detail and depth appropriate to the audience
• the structure. Beginning, middle, and end. Use the introduction to highlight the subject and briefly explain how you will lead the audience through it. Prepare a middle section that moves logically through more detailed aspects of the topic and summarise the content at the end
• practice. Rehearse your presentation in front of friends or colleagues
• delivery. It's your presentation, develop your own style
  • voice - audible, enthusiastic
  • notes - use as a reminder but do not read verbatim from them
  • visual aids - use sparingly for emphasis, allow time for the audience to read them
  • pace - vary this to maintain interest
  • timing - consider the timing for each section. Do a practice run to check your timing. You may be cut off if you exceed the time allowed
  • nerves - some are necessary but try to relax and believe in yourself
• questions. Always allow time for questions and prepare in advance for the most likely. Repeat the question, reply to the whole audience, use your replies to reinforce your message, and if you don't know the answer, say so.
• afterwards. Reflect on your performance and consider what you would do differently next time - and keep on practising.