The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005 Oral Presentations The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

This presentation will answer these five questions... What are the different types of presentations? What are the elements of the communication process? How do you create an effective presentation? What are the elements of all good presentations? What “pitfalls” should you try to avoid? The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005 Three Goals To turn nervousness into confidence To learn how to evaluate a presentation To advise others to become better presenters The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#1: The Different Types of Presentations You could make a thousand different types of presentations … Informing Demonstration Definition Description Expository Persuasion Be sure you know exactly what is being asked of you… if you have to persuade you will prepare quite a different presentation than if you have to inform or define and demonstrate.. The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#1: The Different Types of Presentations Impromptu - “Off the cuff” Memorized - Recited Manuscript - Read Prepared - Spoken with cue cards The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process Message Speaker Listener Response The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process Key learning … Speakers must be aware of all aspects of a presentation, NOT just how they are feeling at that moment … the speaker is only one part of the whole …. The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process REMEMBER... You have the audience and, more importantly, the message to think about. Realize this and you should begin to take control over your anxiety. The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process Speaker – The speaker wants to communicate an idea Message – The speaker puts the idea into a structured message Channel – The message is sent through a channel to the audience STRUCTURED IS THE KEY WORD HERE… you want to spend as much time structuring your talk as you can… just like you would structure a paper to make the most impact with your argument The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process Audience – the audience receives and interprets the message Response – the audience responds to the message The Audience will only receive and decode the message if it is EXACLTY right for their needs and abilities – and the speaker tries to learn about that before presenting so the presentation is “tailored” to the needs of the audience The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process The speaker must focus on words, attitude, tone, and outward appearance The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process The listener has needs which you - the speaker - are trying to meet. Just as you would “write for your readers”, you should try to “speak for your listeners, not for yourself.” THE KEY WORD HERE IS STRIVE.. Not all speakers always speak exactly for their listeners… that’s why paying attention to response is so important – in writing and in speaking The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process Message = Content + Form Content – the information you want to deliver Form – Structure of the message, the style, the features of delivery The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process Response Pay attention to the reaction of the audience during and after the speech The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#2: Elements of the Communication Process RESPONSES to a speech can include: non-verbal or verbal responses before and during speech questions right after speech questions and comments received later The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

Use the RESPONSE to your presentation to become a better presenter #2: Elements of the Communication Process Use the RESPONSE to your presentation to become a better presenter The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#3: Creating a Presentation Presenting is only one part of the equation! The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#3: Creating a Presentation Successful presentations involve Planning & Practice The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#3: Creating a Presentation The more you PLAN and PRACTICE, the less nervous you will be. The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#3: Creating a Presentation The more you PLAN and PRACTICE, the more effective you will be. The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#3: Creating a Presentation Pfieffer uses the outline ROTGD to help you think about planning your presentation Research Organization Text Graphics Delivery The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#3: Creating a Presentation Planning and writing your presentation should be given equal or more importance than the delivery The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#3: Creating a Presentation Research Who is the audience? What is the purpose? How much time to speak? Know the topic . . . often easy in Univ. because you often present the content of papers you have already written OR you are presenting info you need to hand in after the presentation The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#4: Elements of a Good Presentation Organization Introduction - Tell them what you are going to tell them Body - Tell them Conclusion - Tell them what you told them This cliché has it’s place but the next slides talk about the speech outline more specifically The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#4: Elements of a Good Presentation The Introduction: Opener Objective Preview The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#4: Elements of a Good Presentation The Body Key Point 1, Supporting Material, Transition Key Point 2, Supporting Material, Transition Key Point 3, Supporting Material, Transition Remember you have a limited amount of time – gauge the volume of content carefully. You don’t have to say “I want to talk about three things today”.. You can just say “I want to talk about X, Y and Z. I think these are important because A, B and C. You don’t always have to number off your points – but it is a technique some people find useful to keep themselves on track and it’s become a standard in presentation – the more accomplished you are the more you will find ways to deal with this… The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#4: Elements of a Good Presentation The Conclusion Summary To Do The “TO DO” idea comes from HOW TO PRESENT LIKE A PRO… pages 41 and 42 Pne measure of your effectiveness is how well the message affects the audience… three types of TO DO REMINDER – remind them of a significant principle you talked about… to reach one objective of your speech TO UNDERSTAND… remember… a balanced diet is the best diet Application – “Take a moment to write down these three techniques for better presentations” meets the objective > to be able to do something you may not have done before APPROVAL You ask the audience to approve your discussion… My presentation is available on my website… please use it to spread the word about balanced nutrition” Objective reached? > TO DO… The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#4: Elements of a Good Presentation Text Simple descriptive words are better Never read from a script Never memorize a script Use cue cards with major points written in large letters (the script) Text is like the FORMAT of you speech or the FONT of the speech… you must connect to and relate to your audience and text on a piece of paper will only distract you from doing that… you have to know what you want to say and then say it… The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

for slides or overheads try not to put more than 7 words on 7 lines #4: Elements of a Good Presentation Rule of 7 for slides or overheads try not to put more than 7 words on 7 lines the fewer words the better – people can’t read more than this especially if you are in a large room… the slide should act as an anchor for the bulk of the words you want to say and give an overall impression that you took care to prepare and are professional or knowledgeable about the topic. The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#4: Elements of a Good Presentation Graphics Fit the setting Support the message Wake the audience Used sparingly The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#4: Elements of a Good Presentation and are… Pictorial Colorful Creative The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#4: Elements of a Good Presentation Delivery Energetic – enthusiastic Delivered with care Be careful with hand gestures An example of this might be rudeness… don’t point at people Rather >> Use your open hand to emphasize a point The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#5: The Pitfalls to Avoid Mispronunciation Filler words: ahhhs, ummmms, uhhhs, “you know”, “right?” Not being heard Uninteresting voice The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#5: The Pitfalls to Avoid Ineffective gesturing Equipment not working Using visual aids incorrectly Wrong clothes Opening with a joke The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

#5: The Pitfalls to Avoid Poor eye contact Weak introduction Ineffective transitions Weak conclusion (Thank You!) The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

Overcome Nervous Anxiety Goals to Achieve... Overcome Nervous Anxiety Change the nervousness to confidence The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

adds energy to a presentation Confidence adds energy to a presentation The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

Overcome Nervous Anxiety It is not fear you are feeling; it is nervousness Identify the source – self-consciousness Recognize the solution – your ability Think positively – I am … I can ... I know … Relax Gather support from the audience Self-conscious – we evaluate ourselves against a mental picture we have of perfection and we fall short so we think we aren’t any good Affirm… I am intelligent, I can do all sorts of things, I have a degree, traveled around the world.. To be somewhere else in an hour - relax…. Support… find even one person to connect with who is positive about the talk and enjoy that positive energy… In honour of international women’s day… words of a great woman… No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Eleanor Roosevelt, 'This Is My Story,' 1937 The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005 Evaluating a presentation means making a critique of both the strong and weak aspects, not just a criticism. The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

Evaluating a Presentation Focus on the positive Tell presenters what you liked If someone is doing something that really does not work, show them a technique that does work Do not criticize without providing a solution or suggestion The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

created, organized, and delivered Focus on the message, but also think about how the presentation is created, organized, and delivered The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

How did the audience respond to your presentation? Critical Reflection... How did the audience respond to your presentation? What did you do well? What skills do you need to improve before your next presentation? The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

Remember… Present yourself positively every chance you get. Eleanor Roosevelt – spouse of the now-deceased US President Teddy Roosevelt is credited with saying “Do one scary thing every day” – we learn by stretching ourselves so stretch yourself and learn how to do presentations You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. Eleanor Roosevelt The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005

The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005 References Arredondo, Lani. How to Present Like a Pro: Getting People to See Things Your Way. New York: McGraw-Hill Inc., 1991. Koch, Arthur. Speaking With a Purpose. 5th ed. Boston: Allyn Bacon, 2001. Pfeiffer, William S. Pocket Guide to Public Speaking. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2002. Good MLA Format The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005