presentation skills university

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Presentation skills

Techniques to develop your skills and confidence as a presenter.

Overcoming presentation worries

Standing up in front of other people and sharing your ideas can be a stressful experience, but also extremely rewarding intellectually.

In formal presentations, you make both the strength of your knowledge and any gaps in it immediately and publicly visible.

This is risky and rewarding because it means you are both teaching others and learning from them. That is, you are doing what education is all about.

In addition, the way you communicate and how you present yourself will influence the response of the audience, and that can make you feel self-conscious.

But, by learning more about the best strategies and techniques for formal presentations in academic settings, you can make the most of this valuable learning environment.

301 Recommends:

Our workshop on Planning and Delivering Presentations examines what makes a presentation effective, and what things to consider when preparing for delivery. You will learn a planning technique which will lead to clear and concise delivery, so you can go into your presentations feeling confident and well-prepared. The workshop will also provide you with tips on getting your message across.

This short  Study Skills Hacks video  offers tips and suggestions on preparing for a presentation and getting it right on the day.

Planning your presentation

Three main focus points.

The more you plan your presentation, the more confidence you will have in the information you are delivering. You need to consider three things throughout this process: topic, time limit, and audience.

1. Your topic

Your topic is what your presentation should be about.

This seems obvious, but unless you keep a clear idea of the message you are trying to convey, it's easy to go off on a tangent. You will then lose the clarity of your presentation.

2. Your time limit

Again, this seems obvious, but you will be kept to time and you need to prepare for this.

If you're asked to deliver a short presentation, keep this in mind as you do your background research, to avoid doing unnecessary amounts of reading. You only have a certain amount of time you can spend on your preparation, so make sure you use your time wisely.

3. Your audience

Your audience is key to how you deliver your presentation.

You need to consider what they already know, what they need to know, and the type of language that is appropriate for your delivery.

Unlike a written piece of work, an audience only gets one chance to engage with the content of a presentation.

With this in mind, your presentation should follow a very simple structure of reinforcement:

• Tell your audience what you are going to tell them.
• Tell them again what you told them.

This may sound repetitive, but that's exactly what you want: to repeat the key points so that they are clear to your audience and provide a take-home message.

Having a clear structure not only helps your audience to follow your presentation but helps you to keep track of what it is you are trying to explain.

301 Recommends: Horizontal Planning

Use the  Horizontal Planning Template (google doc)  to organise your presentation. Start from the middle with roughly three main points, before moving out to complete a plan for your introduction and conclusion.

Starting in the middle is essential as it will allow you to pin down the main areas of your message, before moving on to identify how to introduce these main points to your audience and summarise them again at the end.

Individual presentations

Spoken reports detailing your work can take place in a range of settings: the small group classroom, in a one-to-one tutorial, in the workplace or at an academic conference. 

Presentations take different forms, from a read-out mini-lecture to an improvised explanation or elaboration of a series of key points, a question-and-answer session, an audience-activity workshop, or a blend of all of these.

An individual presentation can feel intense as you take centre stage. However, the advantage of this is that you have complete control over your preparation (see below), content and timing.

If you are finding the prospect of a solo presentation in front of an audience stressful, there are a number of strategies you can use to build confidence and overcome the nerves:

• Think about how to organise your presentation. Are you planning to present using the slides as a prompt (in which case be sure to look up from the screen to engage your audience)? Or are you planning to use notes or flash cards? Flash cards can be a great way to give yourself some key prompts and something to do with your hands. 
• If you are finding it difficult to engage with your audience directly, try focusing on a point at the back of the room. This will encourage you to look up and present to the room, while avoiding the pressure of direct eye contact.
• Think about your physical presence. There is evidence that standing tall can help to increase confidence and can make the audience perceive the speaker as more confident. 

Group presentations

Group presentations share many of the demands of the individual format, but collaboration brings its own benefits and challenges. Strength in numbers can provide a sense of comradeship and relieve individual pressure. But working together means you need to find ways to share the burden of work equally and incorporate the efforts and skills of each group member.

The additional pressures of a group presentation can be particularly significant when a presentation forms part of university coursework.

Like any form of group work, group presentations rely on sharing responsibility and developing strategies to manage group disagreements or imbalances. Remember to take time to understand one another's strengths and areas of confidence so that tasks and responsibilities can be divided up in a way that makes the most of individual skills and abilities. 

And just like an individual presentation, making sure you find the time to practice and rehearse the presentation together as a group can be decisive to its success on the day. Consider the following points and build them into your rehearsal time:

• What order are you presenting in?
• Who is taking over from whom? Can you stand in a logical order to cut down on transition times?
• Who is advancing the slides, or are you taking it in turns?
• Who is managing time and how are you going to warn group members to speed up?
• Don't forget to build in time for transitions between presenters!

Read more about group work and collaboration here .

Presenting online

Whilst the fundamentals of good in-person presenting remain true when presenting online, there are some important considerations that are unique to presenting remotely.  Read tips on online presentations here.

Preparation

Most importantly, for all kinds of presentations, allow time to practice! Make sure you think about how you are going to deliver your presentation and make it engaging.

This is especially important if you are presenting in a group, as transitions can be costly time-wise if unrehearsed. Make sure you have time to revise and edit your presentation, with enough time to rehearse the final edit too.

Make sure you have your ending prepared! Do not simply stop, think about how you will signal to your audience that you are done and ready for questions (if appropriate).

Finally, make sure that you are as comfortable as possible on the day. Plan out what you are going to wear the night before, arrive early to check equipment, and have a bottle of water with you.

The majority of your confidence will come from having a well-researched, structured and practised presentation, so don't worry, take a deep breath, and you will now be ready to go!

Once you have delivered your presentation, seek feedback from your peers or tutors, to help you develop your skills further. Think reflectively about the whole presentation process, as you continue to build this skill.

Learn more about how to use feedback here.

• Preparation is key! You need to consider your topic, time limit, and audience. If you are working as a group, be organised in allocating how this preparation will be done.
• A strong structure will help your presentation to flow. Signpost and wrap up for your audience, make it easy for them to follow, and easy for yourself too.
• Practise! Think about what you are going to say, time how long it takes you to say it. Make sure you are fully comfortable and confident before you need to present. If you are presenting as a group, decide who will say what, and practice transitions.
• Think about yourself as the presenter: plan what you'll wear, take some water with you
• Build-in contingency plans: know where you can cut things out or add bits in to keep to time, and plan how you will deal with difficult questions.

Library-  Group work vs collusion  

Student Services Information Desk (SSiD)-  Public Speaking and Communicating with Impact 

Counselling Service-  Communicating with Impact Workshop  

Counselling Service-  Public Speaking Workshops 

Creative Media Team-  Production Resources  

English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC)- Language Resources  

Digital Learning- Guidance for creating accessible content .

Digital Learning-  Creating accessible PowerPoint presentations

University of Manchester-  Working in Groups  

University of Reading-  Effective Group Work  

Learn Higher-  Group work  

BBC BiteSize-  Speaking Skills 

Related information

Poster presentations

Online group work

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Ideas and insights from Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning

Powerful and Effective Presentation Skills: More in Demand Now Than Ever

When we talk with our L&D colleagues from around the globe, we often hear that presentation skills training is one of the top opportunities they’re looking to provide their learners. And this holds true whether their learners are individual contributors, people managers, or senior leaders. This is not surprising.

Effective communications skills are a powerful career activator, and most of us are called upon to communicate in some type of formal presentation mode at some point along the way.

For instance, you might be asked to brief management on market research results, walk your team through a new process, lay out the new budget, or explain a new product to a client or prospect. Or you may want to build support for a new idea, bring a new employee into the fold, or even just present your achievements to your manager during your performance review.

And now, with so many employees working from home or in hybrid mode, and business travel in decline, there’s a growing need to find new ways to make effective presentations when the audience may be fully virtual or a combination of in person and remote attendees.

Whether you’re making a standup presentation to a large live audience, or a sit-down one-on-one, whether you’re delivering your presentation face to face or virtually, solid presentation skills matter.

Even the most seasoned and accomplished presenters may need to fine-tune or update their skills. Expectations have changed over the last decade or so. Yesterday’s PowerPoint which primarily relied on bulleted points, broken up by the occasional clip-art image, won’t cut it with today’s audience.

The digital revolution has revolutionized the way people want to receive information. People expect presentations that are more visually interesting. They expect to see data, metrics that support assertions. And now, with so many previously in-person meetings occurring virtually, there’s an entirely new level of technical preparedness required.

The leadership development tools and the individual learning opportunities you’re providing should include presentation skills training that covers both the evergreen fundamentals and the up-to-date capabilities that can make or break a presentation.

So, just what should be included in solid presentation skills training? Here’s what I think.

The fundamentals will always apply When it comes to making a powerful and effective presentation, the fundamentals will always apply. You need to understand your objective. Is it strictly to convey information, so that your audience’s knowledge is increased? Is it to persuade your audience to take some action? Is it to convince people to support your idea? Once you understand what your objective is, you need to define your central message. There may be a lot of things you want to share with your audience during your presentation, but find – and stick with – the core, the most important point you want them to walk away with. And make sure that your message is clear and compelling.

You also need to tailor your presentation to your audience. Who are they and what might they be expecting? Say you’re giving a product pitch to a client. A technical team may be interested in a lot of nitty-gritty product detail. The business side will no doubt be more interested in what returns they can expect on their investment.

Another consideration is the setting: is this a formal presentation to a large audience with questions reserved for the end, or a presentation in a smaller setting where there’s the possibility for conversation throughout? Is your presentation virtual or in-person? To be delivered individually or as a group? What time of the day will you be speaking? Will there be others speaking before you and might that impact how your message will be received?

Once these fundamentals are established, you’re in building mode. What are the specific points you want to share that will help you best meet your objective and get across your core message? Now figure out how to convey those points in the clearest, most straightforward, and succinct way. This doesn’t mean that your presentation has to be a series of clipped bullet points. No one wants to sit through a presentation in which the presenter reads through what’s on the slide. You can get your points across using stories, fact, diagrams, videos, props, and other types of media.

Visual design matters While you don’t want to clutter up your presentation with too many visual elements that don’t serve your objective and can be distracting, using a variety of visual formats to convey your core message will make your presentation more memorable than slides filled with text. A couple of tips: avoid images that are cliched and overdone. Be careful not to mix up too many different types of images. If you’re using photos, stick with photos. If you’re using drawn images, keep the style consistent. When data are presented, stay consistent with colors and fonts from one type of chart to the next. Keep things clear and simple, using data to support key points without overwhelming your audience with too much information. And don’t assume that your audience is composed of statisticians (unless, of course, it is).

When presenting qualitative data, brief videos provide a way to engage your audience and create emotional connection and impact. Word clouds are another way to get qualitative data across.

Practice makes perfect You’ve pulled together a perfect presentation. But it likely won’t be perfect unless it’s well delivered. So don’t forget to practice your presentation ahead of time. Pro tip: record yourself as you practice out loud. This will force you to think through what you’re going to say for each element of your presentation. And watching your recording will help you identify your mistakes—such as fidgeting, using too many fillers (such as “umm,” or “like”), or speaking too fast.

A key element of your preparation should involve anticipating any technical difficulties. If you’ve embedded videos, make sure they work. If you’re presenting virtually, make sure that the lighting is good, and that your speaker and camera are working. Whether presenting in person or virtually, get there early enough to work out any technical glitches before your presentation is scheduled to begin. Few things are a bigger audience turn-off than sitting there watching the presenter struggle with the delivery mechanisms!

Finally, be kind to yourself. Despite thorough preparation and practice, sometimes, things go wrong, and you need to recover in the moment, adapt, and carry on. It’s unlikely that you’ll have caused any lasting damage and the important thing is to learn from your experience, so your next presentation is stronger.

How are you providing presentation skills training for your learners?

Manika Gandhi is Senior Learning Design Manager at Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning. Email her at [email protected] .

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Countway Practical Presentation Skills

Presentation Slides

Story Telling

Presentation Software

Body Language

• Showtime! (Tips when "on stage")
• Upcoming Classes & Registration

On this page you will find many of the tips and common advice that we cover within our Practical Presentation Skills Workshop.

If you are hoping to attend a workshop in the future, please check the schedule of upcoming classes, and reserve your spot. Space does fill up each week, so please register early!

Creating slides to accompany your presentation can be a great way to provide complimentary visual representation of your topic. Slides are used to fill in the gaps while you tell the story.

Start your presentation with a brief introduction- who you are and what you are going to talk about. 

Think about your presentation as a story with an organized beginning (why this topic), middle (how you did the research) and end (your summary findings and how it may be applicable or inform future research). You can provide a brief outline in the introduction so the audience may follow along. 

Keep it simple with a few key concepts, examples and ideas.

Make sure your audience knows the key takeaway points you wish to get across.

A good way to practice this is to try and condense your presentation into an elevator pitch- what do you want the audience to walk away know? 

Show your enthusiasm!

If you don’t think it is interesting- why should your audience?

Some Good Alternatives to PowerPoint:

• Google Slides
• Keynote (Mac)  
• Prezi  
• Zoho Show  
• PowToon  
• CustomShow  
• Slidebean  
• Haiku Deck  
• Visme  
• Emaze  
• and more…  

Your body language speaks volumes to how confident you are on the topic, how you are feeling up on stage and how receptive you are to your audience. Confident body language, such as smiling, maintaining eye contact, and persuasive gesturing all serve to engage your audience.

• Make eye contact with those in the audience that are paying attention and ignore the rest!
• Speak slower than what you would normally, take a moment to smile at your audience, and project your voice. Don’t rush, what you have to say is important!
• Don’t’ forget to breathe. Deep breaths and positive visualization can helps slow that pounding heart.
• Work on making pauses where you can catch your breath, take a sip of water, stand up straight, and continue at your practiced pace.
• Sweaty palms and pre-presentation jitters are no fun. Harness that nervous energy and turn it into enthusiasm! Exercising earlier in the day can help release endorphins and help relieve anxiety.
• Feeling shaky? Practicing confident body language is one way to boost your pre-presentation jitters. When your body is physically demonstrating confidence, your mind will follow suit. Standing or walking a bit will help you calm those butterflies before you go on stage.
• Don’t be afraid to move around and use the physical space you have available but keep your voice projected towards your audience.
• Practice, practice, practice! Get to the next Practical Presentation Skills workshop in Countway Library http://bit.ly/countwaypresent and practice your talk in front of a supportive and friendly group!

• Excessive bullet points
• Reading your slides instead of telling your story
• Avoid excessive transitions and gimmick
• Numerous charts (especially all on the same slide)
• Lack of enthusiasm and engagement from you
• Too much information and data dump
• Clutter and busy design
• Lack of design consistency 

Now you are on stage!

When delivering the talk, watch out for these bad habits:

•  Avoiding eye-contact
• Slouching or bad posture
• Crossed arms
• Non-purposeful movement
• Not projecting your voice
• Speaking away from the microphone
• Speaking with your back to the audience (often happens when reading slides)
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Enhance your presentation skills to communicate your ideas clearly through an impactful presentation.

• Newcastle University
• Academic Skills Kit

Presentations are a common form of assessment at University, as an individual or group activity, and can be challenging as they require a combination of different skills. Amongst other skills you may need to draw on the ability to:

• speak confidently in front of an audience
• plan and organise how you will communicate complex ideas
• be creative to present your ideas visually or concisely in text form
• use some technical know-how to create presentation aids such as slides or poster.

However, developing your presentation skills is not only important for achieving success in your assessments but also as you begin to think about your hopes beyond university. Presentations are a common part of the recruitment process, and you may be asked to deliver a presentation as part of the interview process. Practising and honing your skills at university will provide you with the opportunity to develop effective communication skills. Planning and structuring the content of your presentation will enhance your critical ability as you select what to include and how, as well as your ability to be creative.

10 Top Tips for Academic Presentations

It’s normal to feel nervous before giving a presentation and you may not be able to get rid of your nerves entirely, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The adrenaline produced by a nervous response can also help you stay sharp and responsive during the presentation. If you think your nerves are getting in the way of presenting effectively, though, try practising in a controlled environment where you feel more comfortable and gradually building up from there.

So, you might start by just presenting aloud to yourself, then try in front of a few friends, then try recording yourself etc. Practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect, but it can make you more comfortable with the experience and help you channel that nervous energy.

Be realistic about how much ground you can cover in your allotted time and limit your scope accordingly. It’s easy to overestimate how much you can talk about in a presentation and whilst presenting on something for even 10-minutes might feel like a lot, it’s roughly the equivalent of 1500 words including ‘housekeeping language’ like introductions and signposting. Focus your presentation by writing down the key message/s that you want your audience to take away and check that everything you say contributes to that message.

One of the biggest complaints of audiences is when presentations go over time, so do a timed readthrough beforehand to make sure you’re not trying to fit too much in. If you do find yourself overrunning due to an unexpected issue it’s better to skip your final point and jump straight to the conclusion than to start speaking faster or stop speaking abruptly. The audience may not notice a small piece of missing content, but they will notice if you don’t conclude the presentation.

If your presentation is followed by a Q&A, you can’t always know what questions will be asked, but there are some common question types that you can prepare for. Two common question types are: ‘tell me again’ questions (asking you to clarify something from the presentation) and ‘tell me more’ questions (asking you to give more detail on something you only mentioned briefly in the presentation).

To prepare for ‘tell me again’ questions, try and identify the most complicated parts of the presentation and come up with a few different ways to explain them. And to prepare for ‘tell me more’ questions, identify which areas you only get to touch on briefly and remind yourself of other relevant information (any points you cut out due to time constraints might be a good start).

If you’re using PowerPoint, Prezi, handouts or other presentation aids, avoid filling them up with all your ideas. This unnecessarily duplicates information and can be distracting for the audience. Instead try to keep things simple, noting down only the main ideas in a clearly visible size (at least 24 point), font (sans serifs) and colour (high contrast is best). You don’t need to write in full sentences either, just the key phrases are usually enough. Remember, you are the presentation, everything else is just a visual aid.

Not all presentations are the same and an academic presentation is different to a TED talk, a business pitch, or public speaking. When used for assessment, academic presentations often require you to demonstrate your knowledge on a topic and the ability to do something with that knowledge, as well as your presentation delivery skills. Check the assignment brief and marking criteria to find out what skills you need to demonstrate and when preparing your presentation ask yourself if, where, and how you’re demonstrating them.

It can be quite difficult to process complex information just by listening. You might need to use technical vocabulary, but you can make it easier for your audience to follow your presentation by using simple sentence structures and repeating the key messages several times throughout. Spoken language is also less formal than written language, so although it might feel out of place to use contractions (e.g. don’t) or the first person ‘I’ in a written assessment, it can make your presentation sound and feel more natural.

If you’re feeling nervous or just want to get the presentation over with, then you might naturally find yourself speaking faster than normal, but this can make it difficult for the reader to follow what you’re saying (especially if you’re delivering a presentation online and not using a webcam). There’s no perfect pace, but as a rule of thumb try to speak about one third (33%) slower than you usually would. This might feel a bit unnatural at first, so practise saying the presentation out loud at this reduced pace to get used to how it feels. You might also want to record yourself and listen back to find out how it sounds to the audience.

Whether you’re presenting in person or online, eye contact (or webcam contact!) is a good way of keeping the audience engaged with the presentation, but it can be hard to remember to do this when you’re focused on all the other things involved in delivering a presentation. As a reminder, try adding occasional prompts to look at the audience throughout your notes. And if you’re finding looking at the webcam off-putting, placing a picture of a friend or family member next to it can make it feel a bit more comfortable.

You can script your presentation and read it aloud if that makes you feel comfortable, but you don’t have to. You might decide that you’d rather jot down a few notes, use your visual aids as a memory prompt or even memorise/ improvise the whole thing. There’s no one right approach and each has its own strengths and weaknesses (writing out a script can feel more stable, but might lead to a flat delivery, whereas memorising can seem more natural, but makes it easier to overrun or miss out important points). You might want to practice with different types of notes until you find one that works for you, but if in doubt choose whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

Download this guide as a PDF

Presentation tips.

10 top tips for preparing for and delivering your presentation.

Enhancing your presentation skills

There are lots of useful strategies that you can employ to increase your confidence when giving a presentation. Utilising these strategies can help reduce the anxiety you may feel about delivering a presentation at any level and to different audiences. You can learn more about overcoming these challenges in our Your Skills session focusing on presentations. Visit the  booking calendar  and sign up to calendar notifications so that you can registrater when booking opens. 

Create visual impact

Audio-visual Resource Guide

Explore resources and advice from the Library about finding and reusing images, video and other audio-visual materials in presentations.

PowerPoint Learning Pathways

Advice and tips from the Office 365 Learning Pathways to help you design and deliver engaging presentations.

PowerPoint Presenter Coach

Practice your presentation skills and rehearse using the speaker coach tool.

Recommended books and e-books

For further reading related to presentations, browse our specially curated list of resources.

• Back to All Programs /

Communication Strategies: Presenting with Impact

Gain skills and techniques to engage, inform and inspire others, improving your ability to communicate as a leader.

All Start Dates

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET

2 consecutive days

Registration Deadline

June 30, 2024

November 24, 2024

Communication Strategies Program Overview

Communication strategies: presenting with impact, a public speaking course.

Public speaking—whether delivering a presentation, making a pitch, or leading a group discussion—can cause even the most confident leader to break a sweat. Yet communicating your message with poise, confidence, and conviction is an essential leadership skill. Mastering your public speaking and presentation skills will enable you to inspire your audience as well as build trust and credibility.

Through oral presentations and small group activities, you will put proven public speaking techniques and tools into practice, test out new approaches, and learn to communicate clearly and confidently. Discover the powerful impact of storytelling and practical persuasion skills to authentically illustrate your message. Learn how to effectively organize materials to blend analytical and emotional content into a compelling story, and incorporate dynamic introductions and memorable endings into your presentations.

Who Should Register for this Public Speaking Course

This communication program is appropriate for business professionals at all levels of experience who would like to enhance their communication skills to succeed in delivering impactful presentations. It is ideal for anyone in a role that requires ceremonial speaking, persuasive speaking, or any other type of public speaking, regardless of industry or years of experience.

All participants will earn a Certificate of Participation from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education

Participants must be fluent in English to participate fully in fast-moving discussions and exercises.

Benefits of Communication Strategies: Presenting With Impact

This communication strategies program is designed to offer new techniques to improve your public speaking skills. Key takeaways from the program will help you improve your ability to persuade and influence your audience in large- and small-group settings.

During this public speaking training course, you will:

• Learn guiding principles of making effective presentations
• Build confidence in your presentation abilities
• Cultivate your personal leadership and communication style
• Learn strategies on handling hostile audiences

“Jill [Slye] shared invaluable tips that have helped me to reduce my anxiety and negative self-talk around my presentations while conveying a message that encourages others to affect change through empowering presentations.” — Lizbeth Sanches-Acre

The curriculum for this communication strategies program is designed to be interactive and hands-on. You will practice the skills and techniques you are learning in real-time through small group activities and oral presentations during the program.

The curriculum will cover topics such as:

• Effective delivery skills involving presence, vocal variety, body language, narratives and humor, and handling nerves
• Crafting clear and concise messages
• Understanding and connecting with your audience
• Techniques for effective handling of Q&A sessions
• Ways to gain buy-in and influence your audience
• Strategies for online communications, webinars, podcasts, Zoom platforms, etc.

This public speaking course is offered as a two-day on-campus program in our state-of-the-art classroom space in the heart of historic Harvard University. Program tuition is $2,990 plus the cost of travel.

Considering this program?

Send yourself the details.

Related Programs

• Effective Organizational Communication
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• Becoming a Leader: Developing Your Style and Making Sound Decisions

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How will this program help me improve my public speaking skills?

This program will help you improve your public speaking skills through hands-on practice of communication techniques and new approaches. As part of the program, you will engage in group exercises and oral presentations where you will receive feedback from the instructor and your peers to help you improve your skills in real time.

How will improving public speaking help me advance my career?

Public speaking is an important skill for any business professional, regardless of industry or role. To advance your career, you must possess the ability to convey your message with clarity and lead group discussions with confidence, regardless of the specific situation. Developing the techniques and strategies to communicate effectively will help build trust in your leadership skills more broadly.

What skills or experience is needed before enrolling in this program?

Participants do not need any specific experience or skills to enroll in this program. It is open to any business professional interested in improving their public speaking skills and their ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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Academic presentations are an integral part of university study and assessment. Academic presentations may be presented individually or as a group activity but both require the key skills of planning and structuring key information. The key difference between an academic presentation and a general presentation is that it is usually quite formal and includes academic research to evidence the ideas presented. The presentation will include references to credible sources and demonstrate clearly your knowledge and familiarity of the topic.

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Giving a good academic presentation

• Think about the aim of your presentation and what you want to achieve.
• Concentrate on your audience: who   they are and  what   they (want to) know.
• Choose the topic that interests you: involvement and motivation are key to confidence.
• Give your presentation a  clear   and  logical   organization so that everyone can follow.
• Present information  visually : this adds interest to your talk and makes it easier to follow.
• Practise giving your presentation until you are familiar with the key points; this way you may discover any potential problems and check the timing. Besides, practice will also make you feel more confident.

Basic outline / structure

• Introduction: introduce the topic, some basic background, thesis (your stance or argument).
• Outline: provide basic bullet points on the key parts of the presentation.
• Main body: divide the main body into sections.
• Evaluation: always include evaluation. This can be a separate section or part of the main body.
• Conclusion: summarise key points, restate the thesis and make a recommendation / suggestion / prediction.
• Reference list: create one slide with all your sources.
• Questions : be prepared to answer questions.
• Cope with nerves: breathe deeply; it calms you down and stops you from talking too quickly.
• Control your voice: speak clearly and try to sound interesting by changing intonation and rhythm.
• Watch your body language: try to give the impression that you are relaxed and confident.
• Maintain eye contact with your audience: it keeps them interested in what you are saying. For this reason, you should not read.
• Provide visual information, but do not give too many facts at a time. Give your audience enough time to take them in.
• Keep attention by asking rhetorical questions.

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An Introduction to Academic Presentations

  introduction to presentations (new 2023).

This lesson is designed to introduce students to academic presentations. It contains information on how to plan, structure, and deliver an academic presentation. It includes a listening worksheet, presentation signposting phrases and a mini-presentation activity. Example . Level: ** * ** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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These are PPT slides from the above video or  go here . It’s a great way to explain how to present effective slides by using the correct fonts, focusing on key points and using animation to help audience engagement. The slides can be adapted to sort your style and method of teaching.   Video  [12:00]   Level *** ** [B1/B2/C1]  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Create PPT slides people will remember – Duarte Inc [CEO]

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Harvard ManageMentor: Presentation Skills

By: Harvard Business Publishing

In this course, students will learn how to analyze an audience and their setting (whether in-person or remote) to more effectively prepare for and deliver a presentation. They will discover how to…

• Length: 2 hours, 44 minutes
• Publication Date: Aug 27, 2019
• Discipline: General Management
• Product #: 7178-HTM-ENG

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Harvard ManageMentor helps students develop the skills they need to thrive in the workforce. These online courses combine the latest in business thinking from management experts with interactive assignments to empower students with the skills employers seek.

In this course, students will learn how to analyze an audience and their setting (whether in-person or remote) to more effectively prepare for and deliver a presentation. They will discover how to gather and use facts, evidence, stories, and media (including visual aids) to support their main messages. As well as explore tactics for rehearsing and managing challenges that can arise while presenting, whether it's "stage fright" or provocative, tough questions from the audience. They will have the opportunity to learn strategies and best practices from business leaders, authors, and coaches like Brad Holst, Nancy Duarte, Eddie Yoon, Nick Morgan, Liz Keever, and Amy Cuddy.

Students have the option to view the content in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Chinese. This online course has been designed and developed with the intention of complying with WCAG 2.0 AA standards. Explore all Harvard ManageMentor courses at https://hbsp.harvard.edu/harvard-manage-mentor/

Learning Objectives

Clarify your objective, identify your audience, and consider the setting for your presentation

Identify the single key point of your presentation

Construct a presentation that hooks your audience and communicates your message

Use visuals and other media in a presentation to support and enhance your words

Create an engaging remote presentation

Practice, refine, and prepare effectively for your presentation

Keep your audience engaged during a presentation

Objectively evaluate the style and substance of your presentation

Aug 27, 2019 (Revised: Nov 4, 2014)

Discipline:

General Management

Harvard Business Publishing

7178-HTM-ENG

2 hours, 44 minutes

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Presentation Skills: A short guide

Introduction, planning a presentation, writing a presentation, delivering presentations, five top tips, further references on presentation skills.

During your time at university, you will probably be asked to give an oral presentation to your peers, whether as part of an assessment for a module, as a group presentation in a seminar, or during an interview. Presentations require as much thought, planning and research as written essays, even though their purpose, style and audience are often different. For many students, delivering a presentation can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it does not have to be! Here are some tips to help you develop your presentations and enjoy doing them.

Five key questions to ask yourself:

• What are your presentation’s objectives?
• Who is your audience?
• What content are you going to include?
• How much time do you have?
• What visual aids will you use? 

In each case, your answer should reflect the needs of your audience, plus any assessment criteria.

• Script vs notes: always write notes eg, on index cards. Never rely on writing out the whole presentation and simply reading it.
• Plan out the presentation to get a smooth flow of ideas.
• Think extra-hard about an engaging introduction and memorable conclusion.

Using technology

• Learn how to use PowerPoint or a similar presentation tool, but make sure your slides are accessible and helpful. For example, make sure your font size is large enough to be readable and there is a strong enough contrast between text and bakground
• Use pictures and diagrams effectively! Keep your images simple. Avoid unnecessary clutter or distracting transitions.
• Be aware of copyright for images. Clearly label graphs and tables. 
• Make sure you have a back-up plan in case technology fails.
• Practise, practise, and practise! It’s that simple. Why not ask a friend to be your audience so you can get some feedback?
• Be enthusiastic. If you appear passionate and interested in your topic, your audience will be too.
• Body language and posture. Stand with a relaxed but confident posture to deliver your presentation. Smile and make eye contact with your audience, and try not to pace or fidget.
• Your voice is your best tool! Practice will help you learn to speak clearly and project.
• Watch your pace. Many students lose marks for nervously racing through their presentation. This hinders understanding. Pause now and again to drink some water and slow yourself down.

Question and answer session 

• Be prepared. Think through in advance what you might be asked.
• How do you respond? Practise some responses. On the day, make sure you listen carefully and give yourself a moment to consider your answer.
• Do not make up the answer if you’re unsure! Be honest, and try a phrase such as ‘that’s an interesting question that had not occurred to me.’

Overcoming nerves

• Presentation nerves can be positive! To do the best possible presentation, you need some energy, some ‘edge’. Totally nerveless performances can be flat.
• Preparation is key! If you have prepared an interesting presentation with a clear structure and lots of examples, your anxiety will decrease.
• Think positively. Your lecturer, seminar tutor and your peers all want you to do well. Afterwards, you will feel great!
• Relaxation techniques. Everybody has their own way of controlling and channelling nerves. See the readings on the back page for examples of relaxation techniques.
• Let your interest and enthusiasm shine through.
• A STRONG introduction and conclusion will focus your audience.
• Practise your presentation and watch your timing.
• Use PowerPoint and other visual resources, but only if they add something.
• Aim to enjoy the experience!

Chivers, B. and Shoolbred, M. (2007) A student’s guide to presentations. London: Sage.

University of Birmingham. Academic Skills Centre. (2016) Short guide to images in your writing. Available at: https://libguides.bham.ac.uk/asc/visuals

University of Birmingham. (2016) Presentation skills. Available at: https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/enroll/L6TC4A 

• Last Updated: Nov 13, 2023 3:07 PM
• URL: https://libguides.bham.ac.uk/asc/presentationskills

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6 presentation skills and how to improve them

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What are presentation skills?

The importance of presentation skills, 6 presentation skills examples, how to improve presentation skills.

Tips for dealing with presentation anxiety

Learn how to captivate an audience with ease

Capturing an audience’s attention takes practice. 

Over time, great presenters learn how to organize their speeches and captivate an audience from start to finish. They spark curiosity, know how to read a room , and understand what their audience needs to walk away feeling like they learned something valuable.

Regardless of your profession, you most likely use presentation skills on a monthly or even weekly basis. Maybe you lead brainstorming sessions or host client calls. 

Developing effective presentation skills makes it easier to contribute ideas with confidence and show others you’re someone to trust. Although speaking in front of a crowd sometimes brings nerves and anxiety , it also sparks new opportunities.

Presentation skills are the qualities and abilities you need to communicate ideas effectively and deliver a compelling speech. They influence how you structure a presentation and how an audience receives it. Understanding body language , creating impactful visual aids, and projecting your voice all fall under this umbrella.

A great presentation depends on more than what you say. It’s about how you say it. Storytelling , stage presence, and voice projection all shape how well you express your ideas and connect with the audience. These skills do take practice, but they’re worth developing — especially if public speaking makes you nervous. 

Engaging a crowd isn’t easy. You may feel anxious to step in front of an audience and have all eyes and ears on you.

But feeling that anxiety doesn’t mean your ideas aren’t worth sharing. Whether you’re giving an inspiring speech or delivering a monthly recap at work, your audience is there to listen to you. Harness that nervous energy and turn it into progress.

Strong presentation skills make it easier to convey your thoughts to audiences of all sizes. They can help you tell a compelling story, convince people of a pitch , or teach a group something entirely new to them. And when it comes to the workplace, the strength of your presentation skills could play a part in getting a promotion or contributing to a new initiative.

To fully understand the impact these skills have on creating a successful presentation, it’s helpful to look at each one individually. Here are six valuable skills you can develop:

1. Active listening

Active listening is an excellent communication skill for any professional to hone. When you have strong active listening skills, you can listen to others effectively and observe their nonverbal cues . This helps you assess whether or not your audience members are engaged in and understand what you’re sharing. 

Great public speakers use active listening to assess the audience’s reactions and adjust their speech if they find it lacks impact. Signs like slouching, negative facial expressions, and roaming eye contact are all signs to watch out for when giving a presentation.

2. Body language

If you’re researching presentation skills, chances are you’ve already watched a few notable speeches like TED Talks or industry seminars. And one thing you probably noticed is that speakers can capture attention with their body language. 

A mixture of eye contact, hand gestures , and purposeful pacing makes a presentation more interesting and engaging. If you stand in one spot and don’t move your body, the audience might zone out.

3. Stage presence

A great stage presence looks different for everyone. A comedian might aim for more movement and excitement, and a conference speaker might focus their energy on the content of their speech. Although neither is better than the other, both understand their strengths and their audience’s needs. 

Developing a stage presence involves finding your own unique communication style . Lean into your strengths, whether that’s adding an injection of humor or asking questions to make it interactive . To give a great presentation, you might even incorporate relevant props or presentation slides.

4. Storytelling

According to Forbes, audiences typically pay attention for about 10 minutes before tuning out . But you can lengthen their attention span by offering a presentation that interests them for longer. Include a narrative they’ll want to listen to, and tell a story as you go along. 

Shaping your content to follow a clear narrative can spark your audience’s curiosity and entice them to pay careful attention. You can use anecdotes from your personal or professional life that take your audience along through relevant moments. If you’re pitching a product, you can start with a problem and lead your audience through the stages of how your product provides a solution.

5. Voice projection

Although this skill may be obvious, you need your audience to hear what you’re saying. This can be challenging if you’re naturally soft-spoken and struggle to project your voice.

Remember to straighten your posture and take deep breaths before speaking, which will help you speak louder and fill the room. If you’re talking into a microphone or participating in a virtual meeting, you can use your regular conversational voice, but you still want to sound confident and self-assured with a strong tone.

If you’re unsure whether everyone can hear you, you can always ask the audience at the beginning of your speech and wait for confirmation. That way, they won’t have to potentially interrupt you later.

Ensuring everyone can hear you also includes your speed and annunciation. It’s easy to speak quickly when nervous, but try to slow down and pronounce every word. Mumbling can make your presentation difficult to understand and pay attention to.

6. Verbal communication 

Although verbal communication involves your projection and tone, it also covers the language and pacing you use to get your point across. This includes where you choose to place pauses in your speech or the tone you use to emphasize important ideas.

If you’re giving a presentation on collaboration in the workplace , you might start your speech by saying, “There’s something every workplace needs to succeed: teamwork.” By placing emphasis on the word “ teamwork ,” you give your audience a hint on what ideas will follow.

To further connect with your audience through diction, pay careful attention to who you’re speaking to. The way you talk to your colleagues might be different from how you speak to a group of superiors, even if you’re discussing the same subject. You might use more humor and a conversational tone for the former and more serious, formal diction for the latter.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to presenting. Maybe you’re confident in your use of body language, but your voice projection needs work. Maybe you’re a great storyteller in small group settings, but need to work on your stage presence in front of larger crowds. 

The first step to improving presentation skills is pinpointing your gaps and determining which qualities to build upon first. Here are four tips for enhancing your presentation skills:

1. Build self-confidence

Confident people know how to speak with authority and share their ideas. Although feeling good about your presentation skills is easier said than done, building confidence is key to helping your audience believe in what you’re saying. Try practicing positive self-talk and continuously researching your topic's ins and outs.

If you don’t feel confident on the inside, fake it until you make it. Stand up straight, project your voice, and try your best to appear engaged and excited. Chances are, the audience doesn’t know you’re unsure of your skills — and they don’t need to.

Another tip is to lean into your slideshow, if you’re using one. Create something colorful and interesting so the audience’s eyes fall there instead of on you. And when you feel proud of your slideshow, you’ll be more eager to share it with others, bringing more energy to your presentation.

2. Watch other presentations

Developing the soft skills necessary for a good presentation can be challenging without seeing them in action. Watch as many as possible to become more familiar with public speaking skills and what makes a great presentation. You could attend events with keynote speakers or view past speeches on similar topics online.

Take a close look at how those presenters use verbal communication and body language to engage their audiences. Grab a notebook and jot down what you enjoyed and your main takeaways. Try to recall the techniques they used to emphasize their main points, whether they used pauses effectively, had interesting visual aids, or told a fascinating story.

3. Get in front of a crowd

You don’t need a large auditorium to practice public speaking. There are dozens of other ways to feel confident and develop good presentation skills.

If you’re a natural comedian, consider joining a small stand-up comedy club. If you’re an avid writer, participate in a public poetry reading. Even music and acting can help you feel more comfortable in front of a crowd.

If you’d rather keep it professional, you can still work on your presentation skills in the office. Challenge yourself to participate at least once in every team meeting, or plan and present a project to become more comfortable vocalizing your ideas. You could also speak to your manager about opportunities that flex your public speaking abilities.

4. Overcome fear

Many people experience feelings of fear before presenting in front of an audience, whether those feelings appear as a few butterflies or more severe anxiety. Try grounding yourself to shift your focus to the present moment. If you’re stuck dwelling on previous experiences that didn’t go well, use those mistakes as learning experiences and focus on what you can improve to do better in the future.

Tips for dealing with presentation anxiety 

It’s normal to feel nervous when sharing your ideas. In fact, according to a report from the Journal of Graduate Medical Education, public speaking anxiety is prevalent in 15–30% of the general population .

Even though having a fear of public speaking is common, it doesn’t make it easier. You might feel overwhelmed, become stiff, and forget what you were going to say. But although the moment might scare you, there are ways to overcome the fear and put mind over matter.

Use these tactics to reduce your stress when you have to make a presentation:

1. Practice breathing techniques

If you experience anxiety often, you’re probably familiar with breathing techniques for stress relief . Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can help you stop worrying and regulate anxious feelings. 

Before a big presentation, take a moment alone to practice breathing techniques, ground yourself, and reduce tension. It’s also a good idea to take breaths throughout the presentation to speak slower and calm yourself down .

2. Get organized

The more organized you are, the more prepared you’ll feel. Carefully outline all of the critical information you want to use in your presentation, including your main talking points and visual aids, so you don’t forget anything. Use bullet points and visuals on each slide to remind you of what you want to talk about, and create handheld notes to help you stay on track.

3. Embrace moments of silence

It’s okay to lose your train of thought. It happens to even the most experienced public speakers once in a while. If your mind goes blank, don’t panic. Take a moment to breathe, gather your thoughts, and refer to your notes to see where you left off. You can drink some water or make a quick joke to ease the silence or regain your footing. And it’s okay to say, “Give me a moment while I find my notes.” Chances are, people understand the position you’re in.

4. Practice makes progress

Before presenting, rehearse in front of friends and family members you trust. This gives you the chance to work out any weak spots in your speech and become comfortable communicating out loud. If you want to go the extra mile, ask your makeshift audience to ask a surprise question. This tests your on-the-spot thinking and will prove that you can keep cool when things come up.

Whether you’re new to public speaking or are a seasoned presenter, you’re bound to make a few slip-ups. It happens to everyone. The most important thing is that you try your best, brush things off, and work on improving your skills to do better in your next presentation.

Although your job may require a different level of public speaking than your favorite TED Talk , developing presentation skills is handy in any profession. You can use presentation skills in a wide range of tasks in the workplace, whether you’re sharing your ideas with colleagues, expressing concerns to higher-ups, or pitching strategies to potential clients.

Remember to use active listening to read the room and engage your audience with an interesting narrative. Don’t forget to step outside your comfort zone once in a while and put your skills to practice in front of a crowd. After facing your fears, you’ll feel confident enough to put presentation skills on your resume.

If you’re trying to build your skills and become a better employee overall, try a communications coach with BetterUp. 

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Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

The 11 tips that will improve your public speaking skills

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Introduction to Presentation Skills

During your time at University it is likely that you will be asked to deliver a presentation to your peers and it is normal to feel anxious.  There are different techniques that you can try such as deep breathing and visualisation to help you feel more confident. 

This section will provide you with information regarding how to plan, design, practice and deliver your presentation.

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Planning your Presentation

• Presentation Task
• Presentation Structure
• Searching for Information
• Presentation Plan
• Designing Presentation

Some students find it helpful to highlight the keywords including any verbs such as Assess and Evaluate.   

The Impact that the use of Electric Cars has on the Environment

Also carefully read the assessment criteria, the time limit for the presentation, and the referencing style that you need to use.

If you are unsure about what you are being asked to do you need to speak to your lecturer or tutor.

• Understand the presentation task
• Consider the audience
• Search for information
• Plan presentation
• Draft presentation and any visual aids
• Practice presentation

To help you manage your time you could plan when you will work on each task to ensure that you make the most of the time available and complete the presentation on time. You could use an online calendar to help you.

• Who will be listening to your presentation?
• What do they already know about this subject?
• What do you think they will be interested in?
• What is their cultural background?

If you are not familiar with the room that you are going to be using if possible arrange to visit and check what IT equipment is available, the room layout and the availability of other resources such as a flipchart.

You may also be interested in the Searching for Resources section.

Most presentations follow the structure that is displayed in the table below:

You may find the following presentation plan will help you:

Presentation Planner (Edinburgh University)

• Use plain language and be careful with using technical terms 
• Choose a font size that is large enough to be read easily
• Use bullet points rather than write full sentences
• Choose a simple colour scheme and use it throughout the presentation
• Use images and video clips to support your arguments and maintain the audience’s attention
• Include references to the sources that you refer to or quote
• Use the notes section to include information about points that you want to make 
• Proofread the presentation to ensure that there are no spelling mistak

Delivering your Presentation

• Practice Delivering Presentation
• Presentation Nerves
• Delivering Presentation

Pay attention to how you communicate through your body language and tone of voice.  Mehrabian's research found that only 7% of the message is conveyed through verbal communication, 38% is through your voice and 55% is through your body language and facial expressions. 

Time how long it takes to deliver the presentation to ensure that you do not exceed the time limit. 

Think about the questions the audience may ask and practice answering them.

• Plan to arrive early and become familiar with the room and technology you will be using
• Imagine yourself delivering the presentation and it going well
• Focus on the information that you are presenting and make eye contact with the audience
• Relaxation Exercises  taking two or three deep breaths will help your body to relax
• Exercise  go for a walk in your local park and pay attention to what you can see, hear and smell
• Watch recordings of other people delivering presentations such as TED Talks  

Further information is available from the Stress Management  page.

• Check that the audience can hear you and see the presentation on the screen
• Smile and make eye contact with the different members of the audience
• When you are nervous you often talk quickly so speak at a slow and steady pace
• Use phrases such as "I will begin by explaining" and "I will now explain" to help the audience understand the structure of your presentation
• Do not read from your notes or a script and instead write down keywords and phrases on index cards to remind you
• Pause after a main point and at the end of each slide to provide time for the audience to understand the information

After you have delivered the presentation if something went wrong try not to worry about it.  Reward yourself for delivering the presentation and see it as an opportunity to develop your skills. 

Think about what went well and what you would like to change next time. You could ask other students or your lecturer for feedback.  Plan what you will do differently next time.   

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Academic Degrees , Business Administration Articles , MBA News

MBA Finance Specialization: Top Trends

Published: April 26, 2024

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular graduate programs worldwide, as it has been for the past decade. With many types of MBAs available, the Master’s of Business Administration is a versatile degree that can be customized to suit a variety of different career paths.

Along with the advanced business knowledge, problem-solving skills, and leadership experience students gain, an MBA is highly respected in the business world. Graduates are often rewarded with career opportunities and increased earning potential. 

According to The Princeton Review , one of the most in-demand MBA specializations is the Finance MBA. In this article, we will take a deep dive into that program to help you discern whether it is the right educational path for you. 

Let’s jump in!

What is an MBA in Finance? 

An MBA in Finance is a specialized graduate-level degree that focuses on the management of financial resources within businesses and organizations. Students learn how companies make financial decisions, manage risk, and handle financial resources to maximize profitability and ensure stability. It provides a strong foundation in business principles while emphasizing finance-specific skills such as financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

For students interested in advancing their careers in the financial sector, an MBA in Finance can open doors to leadership positions such as financial manager, chief financial officer, investment banker, financial analyst, or portfolio manager. The degree aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills to handle complex financial issues in a dynamic business environment, making it an excellent choice for those looking to excel in the business world .

What is the Scope of an MBA in Finance?

The scope of an MBA in Finance is broad and diverse, equipping graduates with in-depth knowledge of financial management, investment strategies, and market analysis. Here are some of the key lessons you will learn in a Finance MBA:

Financial Analysis and Reporting

Students learn to analyze financial statements, interpret financial data, and prepare reports on financial performance. 

Investment Strategies

The program covers various investment theories and practices, including portfolio management, risk assessment , and the evaluation of different investment vehicles. 

Corporate Finance

You will learn how corporations manage their finances, including capital raising, investment decisions, and dividend policies. 

Risk Management

Students learn to identify, analyze, and mitigate financial risks. This includes understanding market risk, credit risk, and operational risk.

Quantitative Analysis

MBA finance programs often include training in quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis and econometrics, to help students analyze and interpret complex datasets and make data-driven financial decisions.

Strategic Thinking and Planning

You will learn to think strategically about financial planning and business development. This skill is crucial for leadership roles, where long-term planning and strategic decision-making are key responsibilities.

Ethical Decision-Making

Students explore the importance of ethical decision-making in finance, ensuring the integrity of financial practices and compliance with regulations.

Communication and Presentation Skills

You will polish your communication and presentation skills, so you can convey complex financial information to non-experts and influence decision-making processes.

Leadership and Teamwork

Leadership training prepares students to lead teams, manage projects, and drive organizational success.

Global Financial Markets

Students will understand the impact of global economic events on financial markets and learn about international finance regulations and practices.

Technological Proficiency

You will become familiar with financial software, databases, and analytical tools, as well as fintech innovations and their applications in finance.

After mastering these lessons, graduates of MBA programs in finance are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the financial industry, lead with confidence, and make impactful decisions that drive business success.

What Jobs Can You Get With an MBA in Finance?

There are a wide variety of career paths you can follow once you have earned an MBA in finance. One of the most popular is a role in the financial services industry. This includes work in investment banking, asset management, private equity, or hedge funds.

Corporate finance is also a common place for MBA graduates to work. Consider taking on roles as a financial analyst, chief financial officer, or corporate controller. Additionally, you could work for a financial consulting firm, providing expert advice on financial management, restructuring, strategy, and risk management to businesses across various sectors. 

MBAs can also find opportunities in government agencies, public sector, and nonprofit organizations, managing finances, budgets, and funding strategies. Although these jobs are not often as highly compensated as corporate positions, they offer the opportunity to further a cause and improve the world around you.

The comprehensive skill set gained from an MBA in Finance can empower graduates to start their ventures as entrepreneur . Other options include specializing in real estate — financing real estate projects, managing property investment portfolios, and real estate valuation — or fintech, which involves work on financial technology innovations, digital banking, blockchain, and more.

An MBA in Finance is not just about acquiring a set of financial skills; it’s about developing a strategic mindset that can navigate the complexities of today’s business and financial landscape. The degree opens up myriad paths, from traditional finance roles to innovative sectors, ensuring that graduates can find their niche in a changing economic environment.

What are the Benefits of Earning an MBA in Finance?

Earning an MBA in Finance offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable investment for professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects in the financial sector. 

As we discussed above, an MBA significantly boosts career advancement opportunities, opening doors to high-level positions in a variety of industries. It equips graduates with a deep understanding of financial markets, corporate finance, investment strategies, and risk management, which are crucial for making informed and strategic financial decisions within organizations.

Additionally, an MBA in Finance often results in increased earning potential. Graduates with specialized skills and knowledge qualify for more senior, well-compensated roles in the finance industry. 

The program also broadens one’s professional network, connecting students with peers, alumni, and industry leaders, which can be instrumental in career growth. Moreover, the degree enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills , preparing graduates to tackle complex financial challenges effectively. 

Where Can You Earn an MBA in Finance?

UoPeople is an accredited online university offering MBA degrees that can be completed in less than a year, tuition-free. Of several specializations offered, UoPeople’s certificate in finance is best suited for students wishing to pursue a career in any of the areas we’ve discussed in this article.

UoPeople’s finance certificate layers financial lessons on top of the more traditional MBA curriculum. Students participating in the certificate program will understand basic principles of finance, develop budgets and financial plans, learn how to make financial decisions to maximize shareholder wealth and gain practical knowledge of personal finance management.

The MBA program at UoPeople is designed with flexibility, making it perfect for working professionals, multitasking parents, and returning students. The program provides asynchronous classes that allow learners to study on their own schedule, with the possibility of completing the 12-course curriculum in as few as seven months. 

Throughout the program, students will acquire skills in strategic planning, management, organization, and business operations. They will also learn to craft innovative solutions to complex business challenges and to thrive in the modern, globally interconnected business environment.

As you consider whether pursuing a finance MBA is for you, remember that this path is more than an educational commitment—it’s a strategic career investment. Thanks to the comprehensive skills and robust knowledge the program imparts, graduates emerge as sought-after professionals in the business world. 

Moreover, the connections you’ll make with peers, professors, and industry professionals will provide you with a powerful network that will help you climb the corporate ladder. You’ll graduate with a heightened ability to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to businesses and society at large. 

In an ever-evolving financial landscape, the investment in a finance MBA could be a prudent decision if you want to become a leader in the field. It’s an investment in a future marked by success, leadership, and continuous advancement in the exciting world of finance.

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