interview presentation

[asparks88]

Hi!

Does anyone have any tips on how to deliver a good presentation?

Just been informed (I've literally just read the letter from the firm) I have an interview next week involving a 5-min presentation on:

-why you feel you are the best person for the position
-how you would contribute during the course of the training contract to achieve the maximum benefit to both yourself and the firm.

I'm probably sounding thick, but is this meant to be a power point presentation?

Also it says 5 minutes (maximum). Does this mean I should keep it as near 5 mins (but not over) as I can? Or would 4 mins be ok?

I've researched the firm already, so any ideas on where I should start preparing?

I know this is my chance to distinguish myself from the hundred or whatever other applicants being interviewed. With such a scarcity of training contracts I realise just how crucial this opportunity is!!

[mandymkrd]

I wouldn't say that it is a power point presentation. I think they would want to see you presentation skills in terms of how you come across when talking, how confident you are etc

Personally I would aim to "talk" for five mins, because its sods law that you may miss something out or will talk too fast, that way hopefully you presentation on the day will be around 4min 30ish secs which would be fine.

[VirtuallyMe]

The best advice I can give you for delivering a good presentation is practise, practise, practise!

It's not too difficult to work out how to fill 5 minutes to present on any particular subject but, as the previous poster said, it's your presentation skills and how you come across that are important.

You've got until next week - so, spend a day or so working out your presentation. Use prompt cards, or powerpoint if you're OK with that and you've been told you can use it. Then after that, go forth and present it to any of your family, friends etc who will sit and watch. I did mine over and over, to my husband, best friends, mum and dad... etc etc. By the time I'd done it so many times, it was second nature to go and do it again in front of a panel of partners! It also helps in respect of the timing issues, as you have a chance to work out your average time and whether you need to expand/cut it back a bit.

Hope that helps.

[mandymkrd]

Some tips (which i still stand by!) that I gave to another poster a few months ago:

ive found in the past that the content of your presentation is secondary to your presenting skills.

therefore:
1. eye contact (shared between interviewers if more than one)
2. dont be over animated
3. having said that, dont be ridged either
4. dont talk monotone - make your presentation intersting by using your voice to be expressive
5. dont shout/talk quietly etc