By rehearsing your presentation, you'll boost your confidence and gain a better knowledge of the topic or subject matter. Rehearse it and time yourself before a helpful and supportive audience if possible - just one person is often enough. Ask for feedback about things like the clarity of your voice, legibility of your visual aids and technical terms and jargon which may need further explanation. You also need to think about the questions that the real audience might ask and prepare your answers to these.

Rehearsals are also important for two reasons. Firstly, they help you to overcome nerves. Secondly, until you have actually said the words that so far have only existed in your head, you cannot be absolutely sure what will come out when you start to speak

Preparing the Presentation Area

The location and seating arrangement can influence what you do. If the room is unfamiliar to you, make sure you familiarise yourself with it in advance. You should check it for:

• size - if necessary, arrange it so the audience is together and will clearly see and hear what you present
• the area where you will be presenting - sit in the audience space beforehand to get an idea of the lines of sight to you and to any visual aids being used
• lighting - make sure that it is not too bright or too dim and that your visual aids will be seen
• where you will be standing or sitting - will you be able to communicate effectively in this position?
• temperature - can it be regulated and altered if necessary?
• external noises such as cars and construction work - will these disrupt what you are presenting?
• equipment - you should practice using unfamiliar equipment