Making Effective Presentations Bill Curtis MA, MBA, MS

Lecture Outline ► Types of speech  Extemporaneous  Impromptu  Informational  Persuasive ► Developing the speech ► Some “do’s” and “don’ts”

Lecture Outline ► Answering questions ► Ten steps to prepare an effective speech ► Last minute considerations ► Summary & conclusion

Types of Speeches ► Extemporaneous  Prepared in advance  Delivered with some or no notes ► Impromptu  Given with little notice  Little time to prepare

Informational Speech ► A speech given to inform ► The “3 Tells” ► The 1st tell: The opening,  Tell the audience what you are going to talk about  State the purpose of your speech  Summarize the content of your speech

Informational Speech ► The 2 nd tell: The Body  Deliver the content of your speech ► The 3 rd tell: Conclusion/Summary  Briefly summarize main points  Begin with phrases, such as: “In summary….” or “In conclusion….”

Informational Speech ► Opening sentence Many of us are a little nervous when we begin a speech. Today, I’d like to tell you some things you can do to overcome being nervous when giving a speech. ► Conclusion In summary, through good preparation, practice, becoming familiar with place you will speak, and by visualizing success, you will be able overcome nervousness when speaking.

Informational Speech ► Developing notes for your speech  Opening sentences: Write out and memorize  Body: write out then make notes using key words and phrases: ► Preparation and research ► Practice techniques (friend, video) ► Visualizing success  Do not write out the body word for word and memorize  Closing statements: Write out and memorize

Persuasive Speech ► A speech given to persuade ► The “3 Tells” ► The 1st tell: The opening,  Tell the audience what you are going to talk about  Open with an attention getting story or quote  The topic sentence  The thesis sentence—your point of view

Persuasive Speech ► Opening sentence: “As a student, and later as a professional, you will be asked to make presentations to your classmates, work colleagues, boss and others.” ► Topic sentence: “The purpose of this lecture is to help you prepare for any situation where you are asked to stand in front of a group and make a speech.” ► Thesis sentence: “By mastering the techniques I will outline today, you will be able to successfully make a speech anywhere, at any time, and to any audience.”

Persuasive Speech ► The 2 nd tell: The Body  Deliver the content of your speech  Give audience reasons to agree with you  Establish credibility by: ► Quoting authorities ► Citing statistics

Persuasive Speech ► The 3 rd tell: Conclusion/Summary  Briefly summarize main points  Tell how your topic relates to the audience  Begin with phrases, such as: “In summary….” or “In conclusion….”  If appropriate, a call to action  Conclude with a memorable statement

Persuasive Speech ► Developing notes for your speech  Opening sentences: Write out and memorize  Body: make notes using key words and phrases  Do not write out the body word for word and memorize  Closing statements: Write out and memorize

Some “Do’s” and “Don’ts” ► Some “do’s”  Do end the speech with a strong statement  Do end the speech with the words “I’ll be happy to answer your questions” ► Some “don’ts”  Don’t memorize the body of your speech  Don’t end with the words “That’s all! Thank you!”

Answering Questions ► When in doubt, re-phrase the question: “I don’t quite understand. Are you saying...” ► When unsure, ask to have the question repeated: “I’m sorry, would you mind repeating your question?” ► When speaking in a second language, always verify the speaker’s intent

Ten Steps to Preparing a Speech 1. Know your audience 2. Know the occasion 3. Know your speaking environment 4. Pin down your topic 5. Brainstorm 6. Research 7. Prepare a rough draft ► Introduction ► Body ► Conclusion 8. Transfer speech to notes 9. Practice* 10. Visualize success

Techniques ► Use your eyes ► Use pauses ► Use your body ► Gesture ► Change pitch, rate, and volume ► Videotaping (digital camera with MP4)

Last Minute Considerations ► Overcoming nervousness ► Wear comfortable clothes ► Organize your day ► Provide the person introducing you with notes ► Walk around the speaking room in advance

Last Minute Considerations ► Relax before you speak ► Problems? Get them resolved early ► Floating  Observe your nervous symptoms  Breath deeply  Smile and float freely ► Look out to your audience & pause ► Visualize success

Summary & Conclusion ► You will be making speeches your entire career  Inform and persuade  Time to plan and little time to plan  Mastering the techniques here will assure a successful speech ► Visualize success: imagine yourself being successful