ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Learning Outcomes At the end of this unit, the students should be able to: Develop effective oral presentation skills. Research, collect and organize presentation information in a logical format. Deliver presentation on a given topic with appropriate visual aids, tone, pace, volume, pronunciation and body language. Identify the strategies for improving oral presentations Assessment Method: group and or individual oral presentation class assessment. Performance Criteria: each group or individual students should be able to score at least 3.5 out of each of the marking rubric criteria.

Introduction Oral Presentations are important in every career field. They help create an impression and/or persuade others. Preparation is the key to successful oral presentations. This week will equip you with the skills needed for an effective and a memorable oral presentation experience.

Different Occasions/Purposes for Presentations Oral presentations may be to: Report on training session attended Welcome and introduce new staff or guests Submit planning or budget proposals Brief colleagues before a meeting Explain a new procedure Demonstrate new technology Oral summary of a written report ETC

Confident Speaker A confident speaker must: Prepare thoroughly by establishing the purpose. Analyze the audience. Structure the material and visual reinforcement. Rehearse the material. The three main elements that would enable one to be a confident speaker are, therefore, preparation, practice and presentation.

Steps to a Successful Presentation: Preparation Stage Determine the purpose of your presentation. The purpose may be to: Inform Analyse Motivate Entertain Reassure persuade If topic hasn’t been assigned… Choose a topic that will interest your audience. You feel confident about. Keep your audience’s age, gender and ethnicity in mind when choosing your topic.

Preparation Stage Contd. Determine your audience. Things to know about your audience are: Who will be attending and what is their level of seniority? What is the audience’s knowledge of the subject? Why are these people attending this presentation? What is their occupational relationship to the speaker? What is their level of education and training? What information/techniques are likely to hold the audience’s attention and encourage a positive response? Effective Presentations are tailored accordingly.

Steps to a Successful Presentation Contd. Gather appropriate information through – Colleagues Libraries Surveys: Interviews and Questionnaires Internet Etc. Make out a sketch of your presentation. Determine the order of slides Create the presentation

Structuring the Presentation Similar to an essay, a presentation also has an introduction, body and conclusion. Start with an attention grabber/getter Introduction: Describe the purpose of the talk Set out clear aims and outline key areas to be covered in the presentation. Make introduction clear and easy to understand

Presentation Structure Body: Decide on a clear order of points Include evidence. Present facts and statistics clearly. Inform audience when you are moving on to next topic. Use visuals for support.

Presentation Structure Conclusion: Summarise main points Have a memorable ending Allow for questions Timing Your Presentation Manage time according to what has being allocated. Plan out time before you begin the write up.

Delivery Confidence matters Locate a familiar or supportive face Preparation builds up confidence Appreciate your current strengths. Don’t stretch yourself over much.

Creating Presentation Structure Write each of the main points on a separate note - then shuffle them around until you have a coherent sequence. Ensure the introduction is clear. Presentation pattern should be logical. Information should be in chunks or parts. Conclusions show how everything fits together.

Scripts, Notes or Cue Cards Some people can produce a speech at the drop of a hat, but most of us need some form of script. A full script can be a great confidence builder but has the danger of sounding unnatural and loosing contact with the audience. Notes with headings allow you to appear more spontaneous but there’s the problem of remembering. Cue cards work with key words and phrases, provides freedom to move around – but again, relies on memory. Identify the one that works for you. However, reading is strongly not recommended.

Selecting and using Visual Aids Why use visual aids? Visual aids enhance remembrance. Chalkboards and whiteboards are suitable for small, informal groups and are cheap Flipcharts can be used with groups of up to 30 people, to record lists of ideas or information-also cheap. Overhead projectors switch between various display styles but have limited view. Slide projection and computer-based displays both add an air of professionalism to the presentation and are suited to large audiences but can be costly. Make sure your chosen visual aid matches your needs and those of your audience

Using Visuals-Types Visuals need to be relevant and appropriate. Types: Charts and posters Pamphlets and brochures Pictures Graphs and tables Maps Audio/visuals Slides PowerPoint Objects and models Demonstrations White/ black board Overhead transparencies Photocopied hand-outs

Prepare and Practice Spend a substantial time preparing for your presentation to avoid embarrassment. Know the needs of your audience and match your contents to their needs. Study your material thoroughly. Put what you have to say in a logical sequence. Ensure your speech will be captivating to your audience as well as worth their time and attention. Practice and rehearse your speech Use a tape-recorder and listen to yourself. Videotape your presentation and analyze it. Know what your strong and weak points are. Emphasize your strong points during your presentation

Beginning your presentation Think positive & take deep breathes to calm nerves. Initially rest hands if they are shaking; Distribute weight evenly. Rest eyes on all members of the audience. Dress appropriately for the occasion, presenting the desired image to your audience. Look pleasant, enthusiastic, confident, proud, but not arrogant. Remain calm. Appear relaxed, even if you feel nervous. Speak slowly, enunciate clearly, and show appropriate emotion and feeling relating to your topic. Establish rapport with your audience; ensure your voice is loud enough to project to the back of the room. Vary the tone of your voice and dramatize if necessary. If a microphone is available, adjust and adapt your voice accordingly.

During Presentation Speak a little slower than you normally do. Avoid turning back to your audience. Do not read. Use appropriate gestures. Speak with conviction. Speak to your audience and maintain eye contact. Pause to allow your idea sink in. Add humour where appropriate. Ensure the proper working of the visual aids. Know when to stop.

After the Presentation Get prepared for discussions and questions Some questions may be: Information questions Opinion questions Clarification questions Types of Comment The audience may make comments to: Express disagreement Express doubt Express interruption Express persuasion

Conclusion Presentations are important aspects of every career and should be made effective. Effective presentations involve: Being sure about your topic. Being well prepared for your presentation. Practicing your presentation to check time, content and structure. A presentation will have an introduction, body, conclusion and discussion. Using visuals that support your presentation, not overtake it. Allowing members of the audience to ask questions.