Certificate IV in Training and Assessment: Making and Giving a Presentation

One of the competencies to complete the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course at Success Training Academy (STA) is to make a presentation (BSBCMM401A Make a presentation).

 

What does it mean and take to prepare and make a presentation?

Making a good presentation is important in obtaining a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment because eventually the holder of said certificate will be teaching and training others either for future employment or to become trainers as well.

 

Thus, to make an excellent presentation means crafting good content. No matter how compelling the message is, if the speaker can’t present it and visualise it in a simple way, the speaker will be met with a sea of blank faces during your delivery.

 

1. The content must be easy to follow

Always remember the basics of making presentations: Introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Compelling introduction – This needs to briefly sum up what the talk is about, and why it is essential or useful to the audience.
• Body of evidence – In the presentation, hit the audience with the facts and evidence to back up the main points.
• Summarise with key points – In the conclusion, loop back and give the audience key points on how they can put into practise what they have learned.

 

2. Limit the amount of presentation

Less is more in a presentation because the audience will start reading if there is too much text instead of looking at the speaker and feeling the message.

• Only have six words per slide.
• Only have no more than ten slides maximum.
• Use “bite-size” information – Information is better retained if broken down into bite-sized chunks.

 

3. Don’t overdo the slide details

• Use colour sparingly – Don’t use too many bright colours to dazzle. Stick to one or two colours only, so the slides look and feel consistent.
• Use only one font – Again, the look and feel of consistency will have a more receptive audience.

 

4. Polish by editing ruthlessly

   Minimise technical jargon, remove long and clunky words, and get someone to watch your presentation prior to delivering to your audience.

 

5. During the presentation, have a strong opening.

• Tell a story – An amusing story will make the audience sit up and take notice.
• Ask a question – Make is a rhetorical question to catch the audience’s attention.
• Tailor the introduction to the audience – The more is known about the audience, the better.

 

6. Just be yourself, use humour, and be ready to “open up.”

   Speak from the heart and never make a presentation to impress. Opening with a humorous story can break the ice and make you more likable, but leave it out if it doesn’t feel like you.  The talk should educate because it’s a presentation in line with the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

 

7. Plan ahead for a smooth delivery.

   Have a practice run through and record on video to review later. Using a remote will keep the speaker in front of the audience. Always have standby and backup materials available in case of small emergencies.

 

8. In conclusion, leave an emotional impression on the audience.

   End your presentation with something inspirational, like a video clip with moving music, and motivational words.  If you want your audience to remember something specific, use pauses at the end of every key point that is summarised, to emphasise your point.

 

Need to know more? Need to enrol in a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course? Why not visit Success Training Academy (STA) at their website, https://successtrainingacademy.com.au/. At Success Training Academy, your needs are discussed, starting from the initial enquiry.