• Know your opening lines. The opening lines are crucial; have them down pat.

They must be delivered in a confident and relaxed manner. This is where credibility is established with the audience. You cannot afford to fumble over the opening lines or say something that may alienate the audience.

• Use the 3-T approach in your presentation:

• First, tell them what you are going to tell them (your outline).

• Then, tell them (the body of your presentation).

• Finally, tell them what you told them (your summary).

• Talk to the audience, not at it. Maintain as much eye contact with the audience as possible, and refer to your notes as little as possible (you will be glad you practiced plenty of times beforehand).