Tip 19: Research your topic thoroughly - be an expert
One of the key secrets of gaining confidence about giving your presentation is to research the topic in such a depth that you become an expert. You need to have acquired enough information about your topic that you begin to feel ownership of the topic. You must feel that you know all that there is worth knowing about the field. You need to become very familiar with the topic. You need to become very comfortable with it. It must become second nature to you, as if you have always known about this topic.
When you know the material and are completely comfortable with it, you will notice that your personality will be able to come out during your presentation, which is a very satisfying experience both for you as the presenter and for your audience alike. It allows you to have fun while you're talking – you will find that you are talking about your topic, rather than merely presenting it.
As part of your research, make sure that you are completely up-to-date with latest developments as well. You need to be more up-to-date in your topic than anyone else in the room.
See also: Tip 26: Do not tell them everything you know and Tip 40: Start by showing your credentials
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