Pre Reading I

How to Improve Academic Your Presentation Skills

By Nurul Rizkia,1806203332,English for Nurses II Class B

The rapid development of the industry makes individual competition tighter. This intense
competition makes individuals have to improve their quality in several area, one of them is the
English ability. English basically consists of four types of skills, namely reading, listening,
speaking, and writing skills. As a university student, presentations are like routine activities on
campus, but what if academic presentations are in English? Academic presentations in English
can be used by students to improve skills such as language system (vocabulary, grammar,
discourse, and phonology) and their speaking, reading, listening and writing skill.

Academic presentation is a way to convey an idea or the results of a discussion or

learning. It is also a chance to challenge and expand on their understanding of the topic by
having others ask questions (British Council, n. d.). How to make ideas or topics to be conveyed
clear and easy to understand? Here is how to improve your academic presentation skill so the
idea can be covey properly.

The first step to an academic presentation is prepared the topic and content of the
presentation. This is done if the topic of presentation is not determined by the university or
lecturer. Determine the topic that suits your will and make the topic into an interesting topic.
After that, look for a syllabus or reference related to the chosen topic and make an outline.

The second step is planning a presentation lesson. Determine the keywords of the
presentation, to make it easier to remember to understand the contents of the presentation. Make
examples of presentations that can be learned through text books or references given by
lecturers. A good understanding of the topic will make the presentation run well and eliminate
nervousness. Then, determine the key stages of presentation such as greeting, introduction,
importance main points of your presentation, and conclusion. Give some visuals in the
presentation so that it's not boring. Try practicing in front of the class and ask for feedback from
friends and lecturers.
 The important thing to note is the purpose of the presentation. Determine what goals you
will achieve after the presentation, whether to inform or raise awareness of an important issue,
persuade someone to do something, or demonstrating something. For example you want to
discuss anxiety because this problem is being talked about and you want to invite them to
prevent or overcome anxiety. Then, adjust the duration of time that has been determined. Divide
the time for each sub-subject to be on time.

The next step is to make a conclusion. A conclusion containing a summary of content, the
purpose of the presentation, and recommendations that can be made so that the goal can be
achieved. Grab the audience's attention when delivering conclusions so that they clearly
understand the presentation idea. Generally at each presentation the audience can ask questions
when the presentation is in progress or after the presentation is finished. Then, how can you give
feedback to these questions properly?

Knowledge and deep understanding and good preparation really help you to provide
feedback on questions given by the audience. When giving feedback make sure to help answer
the audience's questions based on evidence not according to your perspective and how superior
you are. Provide constructive feedback that is specific and clear feedback, not general or vague
feedback. Focus on audience questions so that you can answer questions correctly and clearly.

The presentation is "everyday food" for us as students. The presentation will go well if
you prepare it well and practice regularly. Design a presentation structure well, manage your
time, and prepare mentally before the presentation. Presentations will be easier to do if you
practice presentations in front of many people or public. Academic presentations in English are
the best way for students to improve skills such as language systems (vocabulary, grammar,
discourse, and phonology) and speaking, reading, listening and writing skills.
References

British Council. (n.d). Student Presentation. Retrieved from

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/student-presentations

Cambridge University Press. (2018). Giving Effective Feedback on Presentation. Retrieved from
https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2018/07/24/effective-feedback-presentations/

Duke University Center for Instructional Technology. (2008). Giving Constructive Feedback on
Presentation. Retrieved from
https://learninginnovation.duke.edu/pdf/grad/constructive_feedback.pdf

University of Leicester. (n.d). Structuring A Presentation. Retrieved from

https://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ld/resources/presentations/structuring-presentation