Below are some articles that include several tips and “tricks of the trade” for putting together an impressive and persuasive academic presentation. Also, be sure to consult with your advisor who can provide suggestions and feedback as you’re putting your presentation together.

 
(NOTE: Even though the following articles talk about political science presentations, the suggestions are widely applicable to a variety of different disciplines.)
 
• Verbal Sticks and Rhetorical Stones: Improving Conference Presentations (PDF)
• Cheating Death-by-Powerpoint: Effective Use of Visual Aids at Professional Conferences (PDF)