Information comes from; “Business Communications,” Flatley, Rentz, & Lentz

 What is the one thing about presenting information to a group of people that causes you the most stress?

 Most of us are asked to give formal presentations because of our expertise in that area, rather than having to select our own topic.  But if you are asked to speak without a topic there are three basic factors to consider in your selection of a topic.

1. Your background and knowledge. 2. The interests of your audience. 3. The occasion of your speech. Your selection should be justified by all three factors.

 You need to;  Search through your mind for experiences or ideas.  Conduct research in the library or company files.  Gather information online.  Consult with people in your company or other companies.  In short, you do whatever is necessary to get the information you need.

 Although variations are sometimes appropriate you should usually use the following;  Introduction  Body  Conclusion

 This prepares the listeners to receive the message.  It also has the ability to arouse interest.  If you can’t arouse interest at the beginning, your presentation is likely to fail.  It is best to assume that there will be some in the audience that are not likely to interested in what you have to say.

 Human-interest stories. Storytelling has strong appeal.  Humor is another possibility and is the most widely used technique. Relate it to the subject.  Use quotations or questions.  Startling statements or statistics.

 It is now appropriate to tell your audience the subject for your speech.  In some cases you may start here. (Theme)  In some instances you may want to build up your case before revealing your position.

 Organizing the body of the presentation is much like organizing the body of a report.  Take the whole and divide it into comparable parts. Then take those parts and divide them.  Continue as far as it is practical to do so.

YYou are more likely to use factors rather than time, place, or quantity as the basis of division because in most speeches your presentation is likely to be built around issues and questions that are subtopics of the subject. EEmphasize transitions between these divisions, otherwise your listener may miss them if not stressed adequately.

 The presentation usually ends by drawing a conclusion.  It should bring everything you have presented to a head and achieve whatever goal the speech has.

 A restatement of the subject.  A summary of key points developed in the presentation.  A statement of the conclusion or main message. Make it the high point of the presentation-is usually effective.  Close with an appropriate quote, use humor, or a call to action as you summarize.

 Check for understanding!  Name the three basic factors of selecting a topic.  How can you make an introduction effective?  What is the best way to organize the body of your presentation?  What are the three elements you should consider in your conclusion?  Please list them on a sheet of paper or on a word document and print. Put your name on it.

 The three primary methods of presenting;  Extemporaneously  Memorizing  Reading What do you think is the most popular and effective method?

 You thoroughly prepare as we have discussed.  Then you prepare notes and present from them.  You usually rehearse, making sure all parts are clearly in mind. Yet make no attempt to memorize.

 It is hard to memorize a long succession of words.  You tend to memorize words rather than meanings. This can cause;  Confusion for you and your speech  You may even become panic stricken.  Some memorize key phrases and use notes to help them through. This is a cross between the two.

 Most of us tend to read aloud in a dull monotone.  We miss punctuation, fumble over words, lose our place and so on.  Reading a speech takes practice in order to improve delivery so that it is interesting.  In many settings it is a breach of etiquette to read.  However, when in a position in which you will be quoted, reading from a prepared speech is recommended.

 You will be giving a 5-7 minute presentation orally at the end of two more class periods.  Today, you should select a topic for your presentation or have me assign you one.  Then begin the preparation using all you have learned about preparation from this class today. Take into account all the factors we have discussed.  Make sure you have an introduction, body, and conclusion.  We will draw for order of presentations.