How to Give a Good Presentation

1. The Subject

Love your Subject. Be cheerful or enthusiastic. At least, positive. Don't be board, antagonistic or angry. Don't show resentment or hostility (overt or covert) Don't be undeserving or a victim. Don't express hopelessness or apathy. Listeners will only ever be as excited about the topic as you are. If you are misemotional or not interested in what you are saying, why on earth are you inflicting it on other people? You're hardly going to give a good presentation if your work doesn't inspire some passion, but you should always look for a hook; an exciting way in.
Research. Do your homework. Research and know you subject. If you want to persuade people, be knowledgeable and be certain about it.
Target. Customize your presentation to your audience. You may emphasize something to one group and skip over it when talking to another group.
Relevant. Make sure it relates (or make it relate) to things people care about.
Keep it Simple. Don't try to cover too much ground. Better to get across a few points than to be vague or ineffective on many points.

Time Limit. Know how much time you have and design your presentation to fit within it. Focus on what's important.
Plan Legibly on Paper. Plan on paper or use a computer. Write it down somewhere so you and others can review it and you can go away and come back whenever you want. Make sure you can read it. Consider using the 'tell 'em what you're going to say, say it, then tell 'em what you said' approach.
PowerPoint. There are various opinions about using PowerPoint or other visual aids like videos, posters, pictures or graphics. Whatever you do, make sure there are just a few “visuals” (10 or less); a limited time for them (20 minutes or less; and make sure it can be read from a distance (i.e., 30 point font or greater).
Constantly Moving Slides - Keep Them Moving. Slides should advance (maybe even automatically) so you keep going – don't stop – don't let slide or visuals stop you.
Use Graphics. Use images wherever you can if it helps convey your message.

Short and Sweet. We've said it already – keep it short and keep it simple. Avoid big words or complex explanations. Start strong. Follow your script. Use props. Finish with confidence.
Tell a Story. Tell a story if you can. People respond to stories.
Use Examples. Using examples shows you know your stuff and make it easier for people to understand or agree with you points.
Preempt Questions. If you can, anticipate questions or disagreements and preempt it by addressing those issues before they come up.
Have a Plan B. Plan for changes in time or circumstances or interruptions. Know what you can leave out or skip, if need be.

Know how to use your tools. If you are using a projector or other props and equipment, be sure you understand how to use them. Nothing is so distracting as you fumbling with something. You could fumble and you could forfeit any or all of your presentation points.
Rehearse. You should know your presentation so well you could still give it if the power went out or lost all your notes and visuals. Be ready (but not so robotic that you come off as a machine or zombie.
Plan Your Clothes. Plan your outfit so you don't have to worry it on the day of your presentation.
Get Familiar with the Place. See if you can see the room and know who the people are you be presenting to. Know ahead, if possible, what to environment id like. The temperature, acoustics, seating, the lighting. The more you know, the more comfortable you will be.
Check Your Facts. Just check your facts one last time. Make sure something has not changed on you. Sometimes, things do change.

Assemble Your Materials. Make sure you have all your materials and backups. Make a list, if you need to. Use folders or binders, if necessary. Make sure all batteries are charged and all cables and connectors are there ready to go.
Arrive early. You may have to park at a distance, walk a distance or navigate the facility. Leave yourself time to settled where you need to be.
Warm up. Everybody has their own way of warming up. Whether it's talking with someone you know, meditation or just review, get yourself warmed up and ready to go.
Watch your audience while you talk. Watch for signs or signals and change gears or tactics, if needed.
Follow up. Take names, emails and numbers. Have handouts. Send follow-ups and forward materials. Keep the discussion going Thank people for coming and listening.

Notes:

Recap

1. The Subject

2. The Format

3. The Content

4. The Preparation

5. The Day

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