Presentation Skills

Every day, students, academics, and professionals struggle to transform their data, research, and ideas into clear, compelling presentations, posters, and abstracts. This course is designed to equip participants with the practical skills and confidence needed to communicate their work effectively and persuasively.

Participants will learn how to structure content logically, present information clearly, and deliver messages with confidence and impact. The course emphasises the importance of defining a clear objective, understanding the audience, and using visual and verbal techniques that enhance engagement and retention.

Through a combination of formal lectures and interactive sessions led by experienced researchers and lecturers, participants will gain practical guidance on preparing presentations, designing posters, and writing abstracts. The course also focuses on delivery techniques, including body language, voice control, and overcoming presentation anxiety.

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to transform their ideas into influential and memorable presentations that effectively communicate their message and support their academic or professional advancement.

Course Objectives

• By completing this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand how to analyse and adapt to different audiences
• Define clear objectives for presentations and written outputs
• Structure presentations, posters, and abstracts logically and effectively
• Apply principles of visual design to slides and posters
• Write concise, structured abstracts using recognised formats (e.g. IMRAAD)
• Communicate complex information clearly and persuasively
• Use body language, gestures, and eye contact effectively
• Deliver presentations confidently and manage performance anxiety
• Edit and refine content for clarity, accuracy, and impact
• Produce professional academic and media-style written outputs

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Researchers and early-career academics
• Scientists and technical professionals
• Individuals preparing conference presentations, posters, or abstracts
• Professionals seeking to improve public speaking and communication skills
• Non-native English speakers with IELTS scores of 6.5–7.0 who wish to strengthen their academic presentation skills (additional English Language Module required)

Participants whose first language is not English and who hold an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 are required to undertake the English Language Module.