Write a simple, streamlined outline of your essay. This outline will be comprised of your main thesis statement, the main topics of the body of the essay, and the conclusion. Include all the essential information you would like to present and any specific evidence or materials you used. Also write down any specific points you especially would like to make.
Write out an introduction and conclusion. The introduction and conclusion will be the points your audience will remember the most. Having a streamlined statement at the beginning and end of the presentation will make for a smoother presentation.
Create a slide show. Visual aids are a great tool for helping you remember the material and for keeping the audience interested. Use photos that directly apply to what you are presenting and quote only figures you will be discussing explicitly. Use the outline of your essay to make the slide show.
Speak naturally and do not recite a memorized speech. Use your outline and notes only as guidelines and not as an exact script. Practice before the presentation will help you remember the items you would like to discuss. A natural presence during the presentation will make you seem like an authority on your topic.
Speak confidently and slowly. When students get nervous in presentations they tend to speak quickly and do not take the time to breathe. Allow yourself to speak slowly and calmly to get your message across.
Create a strong conclusion. Be sure to restate your main thesis at the conclusion. You may want to include a written quote or other visual aid to close out the presentation.
Prepare for questions from the class. Think about what kinds of questions may be asked about your material and the answers you should give. After the conclusion of the presentation you should ask if there are any questions. This statement will make a clean segue from the body of your presentation to the conclusion of it.