Structuring a presentation and delivery issues will be dealt with below. I do not object to people looking at their watches when I am speaking, but I strongly object when they start shaking them to make sure they are still going. The timing of papers is an essential component of a good presentation. Once you begin to go over time, the audience will begin to shuffle, no matter how arresting your presentation may be. It is much better to end earlier with an appropriate and dignified ending, than to run over time and be asked to sit down in a disorganised scramble.
Good timing comes with good preparation.
The only way to ensure that your presentation will be within the time limit is to have a trial run. Ideally, this should be in front of your fellow students or family members. The next best is to closet yourself in the bathroom, the bedroom or the car, and rehearse it to yourself. It is important to take the venue where you are to deliver your presentation into account as it will impact on the preparation and delivery of your material. Last updated 24 April 2000.