Introduction

Being able to present your ideas in front of large audiences is very important -- both academically and professionally. The resources in this guide will help you develop this important skill throughout your years here at SFU.

For further resources and tips, try the following:

Resources to help you improve your presentation skills
An excellent list of resources prepared by our SFU Student Learning Commons. Note that they also offer suggestions about safe places to practice your presentation skills and tips to help you speak up in class.

 Books and ebooks

Business-specific

Start with an SFU Library catalogue search for the subject: Business presentations

Samples

General

Try the following subject headings in the SFU Library Catalogue:

• Public speaking
• Presentation graphics software
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Lectures and lecturing

Samples

• Speaking with a purpose 
• Scared speechless : 9 ways to overcome your fears and captivate your audience
• Understanding public speaking : a learner's guide to persuasive oratory

Other resources

 Articles

Business Source Complete (BSC)
Provides hundreds of articles with the subjects Business presentations AND Public speaking, many of which include useful tips & tricks. 

A couple specific publications in BSC that you may want to focus on:

• Communication Briefings (for tips)
• Vital Speeches of the Day (for examples of inspiring and polished speeches, many of which are on business topics).

 Videos

The subjects listed above will also work when looking in the SFU Library Catalogue for videos — just change the location search option from All items to Audio Visual.

Samples of videos available for SFU students and instructors

5 Essentials for Powerful Presentations [streaming video]
"...memorable ways to commence, managing anxiety, being succinct and sign-posting information, maintaining audience engagement, relaxed body language, telling a story, and finishing with a bang"

Preparing for an online presentation [streaming video]
Describes ways to ensure effective online meetings and presentations.

Presentations : When Am I Ever Going to Use This? [streaming video]
Students will learn important skills for utilizing Microsoft Powerpoint. Watch to learn about the tools available to make a well-rounded presentation. 

Presentation Skills [streaming video]
Series of over 30 short videos on basic presentation skills, including the design, structure, and content of a presentation.