Preparing for a presentation exam

In short: A presentation exam combines a talk on a self-chosen topic with a subsequent subject discussion. Good preparation covers content, visualisation and delivering the talk confidently.

In more detail: In many federal states the presentation exam is a possible form of the oral school-leaving exam.

In detail

• Choosing a topic: Choose a topic that sparks interest and can be presented well in the given time.
• Structure: A clear structure with introduction, main part and conclusion makes it easier to follow.
• Visualisation: Slides or posters support the talk but should not be overloaded.
• Practice: Practise the talk aloud several times, ideally in front of an audience or recorded.
• Body language: Eye contact, upright posture and calm gestures appear confident (koerpersprache-verstehen).
• Subject discussion: Questions deepening the topic usually follow the talk.
• Nervousness: A certain amount of stage fright is normal, breathing techniques help calm down (pruefungsstress-bewaeltigen).