Load the plastering trowel from the handboard. Start plastering from the corners and work towards the centre. If you are right-handed, start at the top left hand corner. If you are left-handed, start at the top right hand corner.
Lay down the first coat roughly. Don't worry about smoothing at this stage, just aim to get the material onto the wall. Don't be too careful going around obstacles either, they can be dealt with at a later stage.