GIVING PRESENTATIONS

Being able to speak confidently in front of a group of people is an important skill to learn. With practice and attention to the following guidelines, you’ll be able to give skillful and interesting presentations.

KNOW YOUR MATERIAL Before giving any type of presentation, take some time to review the material you will be presenting. You may want to actually rehearse (practice) the actual words you are planning to use. If allowed, you can use note cards or an outline to help you too.

SPEAK LOUDLY AND CLEARLY Without shouting, use a strong, clear voice that can be heard in the back of the room and over all the possible interference. Use small changes in your tone or volume to make a point.

SPEAK SLOWLY Don’t rush your words. Take time and let your voice add color and interest to your topic. When people get nervous, they often subconsciously speak faster. Force yourself to slow down.

EYE CONTACT During your presentation, make eye contact with your audience. If you use notes, be sure to glance at your listeners from time to time. Don’t hide behind your note cards or papers, and don’t keep your head down.

USE FORMAL POSTURE A speaker who appears bored and still won’t give a successful presentation. Keep both feet firmly on the ground (don’t sway or rock). Stand up straight; don’t lean on the podium or wall.

DON’T OVERUSE HAND MOVEMENTS Be careful of overusing your hands when you speak. Only use them to make points. Don’t be a “hand talker.” Overuse of such movements causes a distraction for your audience.

BE ALIVE, BUT IN CONTROL Show enthusiasm for your topic from start to finish. This will make your presentation interesting and encourage your audience to listen. But don’t go overboard. Be sincere in your enthusiasm. Feel free to show your personality a bit, too. But do it appropriately.

RELAX!!!! Relax and have fun…or at least pretend you are having fun. Don’t worry about making mistakes. Things may go wrong, but you will learn from those mistakes.

AUDIENCE EXPECTATIONS Pay attention and listen attentively. -Do not shuffle through papers or binders or fidget in your seat. -Remain quiet and do not get up unless for an emergency. -Be respectful to the speaker.

Face the Speaker -Turn your entire body (not just your head) toward the speaker. -Keep your eyes focused on the speaker’s face watching for meaningful facial expressions. -Sit straight up in your chair. Don’t slouch or put your head down.

3. Recognize Hard Work and Effort -Applaud appropriately at the end of the presentation without being reminded to do so (even if you didn’t think it was a “great” presentation). Recognize his/her effort.

ODDS AND ENDS The more prepared you are, the less nervous and anxious you will be. I don’t expect you to be perfect presenters, but you should be well prepared, well organized, and should improve with each presentation. NEVER chew gum while presenting!

Speech #1 Assignment During the next class you will have to present an introductory speech about yourself. You should focus on THREE CHARACTERISTICS THAT DESCRIBE YOU…and then supporting examples, details and stories to support those characteristics. You may also include other information about yourself as well if you like. Speeches must be 1 ½ minutes MINIMUM and they will be timed. You will be required to stand up for the entire time, even if you run out of things to say. Therefore, it is best to be over-prepared with information.

Since this is the first speech, as long as you complete it according to the requirements, you will receive full credit (25 points). The grading rubric will still be completed so that you can see how you would have been scored based on the grading criteria. This will help you plan and improve for next time. Use the Speech Planning Outline to help you prepare and deliver your speech. This will be required to TURN IN after you present your speech. Make sure it is filled in completely to receive full credit.

Journal Prompt In a well-written paragraph, describe your feelings about having to present a speech in front of an audience. Are you afraid…and if so, of what exactly? Explain. BE THOROUGH. Are you excited and looking forward to it? Explain why or why not?