Effective Presentations Keith Peacock, Ph.D

Speaking before a group The ten worst human fears ... 1973 1979 Speaking before a group 41 39 Height 32 30 Insects and bugs 22 20 Financial problems 22 32 Deep water 21 19 Sickness 19 22 Death 19 24 Flying 18 10 Loneliness 14 20

What questions should we ask?

All the questions in order... To Whom? Why? So What? Why Me? Environment What? How? When/Where?

To Whom -your audience... Technical knowledge level Interests, objectives, needs Attitudes Knowledge level Amount of detail Formality Humor Age

Why do we stand to speak? 1. To inform 2. To persuade 3. To propose 4. To entertain

What - the content? The message Content Audience consideration Essential/non-essential - time limit Your work only - or that of others

A talk has …. A beginning An end Something in between Stand up Convincing opening Speak up Strong conclusion Shut up Placed close together

Attention vs. Time... Attention Time

How? Identify - Major assertion Supporting (minor) assertions. Strategy to support assertions Evidence to suport assertions. Plan - Introduction & Conclusion Establish path between them

Where/When/How long? Time and place How long - questions Security clearances

The Environment... Number of attendees Room layout Audiovisual equipment Microphone Screen pointer Level of formality

Preparation

Strategy 1. Identify your message 2. Introduction, body, conclusion 3. Key logical steps 4. Background introductory material 5. Order items 6. Back-up information 7. What do you want them to remember 8. Lead audience to your ideas

Tactics 1. Attention getting opening 2. Strong, memorable ending 3. Organize details 4. Sectionalize 5. Visuals 6. Audience interaction 7. Anticipate questions 8. Answer questions honestly

Select an effective opening. 1. A story from experience 2. Arouse curiosity 3. Interesting of startling fact 4. Ask a question 5. A visual aid (not a vu-graph)

Every part should communicate Visual aids... General Summarize what you say Every part should communicate Don't overdo them Specific Readable from back One item on each 11 lines maximum Clear message Pictures Keep simple 3 colors, 3 parts Descriptive titles

Presentation ... 1. Transferring your message 2. Personal approach 3. Using visual aids 4. Handling questions

Practice Dry run Present to boss and peers Request audience feedback 3 compliments/3 complaints

Speak clearly & audibly Personal style... a. "Talk", don't "lecture" b. Assume "one-on-one" c. Speak clearly & audibly g. Good posture d. Eye contact h. Reach out & risk e. Voice modulation i. Avoid self-image f. Active body j. Minimize notes k. Don't memorize l. Nervousness

Using visual aids ... Get attention first 2. Turn off when not in use 1. 2. Turn off when not in use 3. Show only when talking about it 4. Don't read it 5. Explain content 6. Cover all points on screen 7. Don't block the screen 8. Talk to audience, not the visual

Handling questions ... Plan for them 2. Anticipate them 3. Clarify 4. 1. Plan for them 2. Anticipate them 3. Clarify 4. Don't be defensive 5. Let answer support main message 6. Disarm loaded questions 7. Divert irrelevant questions 8. Divide complex questions 9. Repeat 10. Stay cool 11. Summarize

Handling questions ... Plan for them 2. Anticipate them 3. Clarify 4. 1. Plan for them 2. Anticipate them 3. Clarify 4. Don't be defensive 5. Let answer support main message 6. Disarm loaded questions 7. Divert irrelevant questions 8. Divide complex questions 9. Repeat 10. Stay cool 11. Summarize

Tips for speakers ... Speak clearly and audibly Show enthusiasm Face audience, maintain eye contact Don't read the visuals Invite and answer all questions End with a strong message summary