Presentation skills Jon Boyes Curriculum and Work-Related Learning Officer

Presentation skills Plan Pace Impact Interact

Presentation skills Session objectives Identify the characteristics of an effective presentation Structure an effective presentation Identify techniques for maintaining audience interest Identify techniques for coping with nerves Plan and deliver a short presentation

What makes an effective presentation? Presentation skills What makes an effective presentation? Put your points into themes: Content Delivery (behaviour of presenter) Resources

Planning/preparation Presentation skills Planning/preparation Clear objectives – what do you want to achieve? Target audience: their needs – format? Mind map – brainstorm – list content Structure Intro: who you are, purpose of presentation – benefits to audience. IMPACT! Middle: key messages, content arranged in themes/sections Conclusion/summary: take away message/call to action Presentation plan with timings

Body language Presentation skills Act confident, feel confident Large personal space Eye contact with audience Open body language Standing upright with shoulders back Use your hands for emphasis but avoid ‘flapping’

Do... Presentation skills Illustrate your key messages, eg. a startling statistic or image a quotation from someone famous that applies to your message Use personal stories and easy examples to help illustrate your points Involve your audience – interaction Ask questions to involve, establish rapport and support your arguments Practice, Practice, Practice

Don’t... Presentation skills http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpvgfmEU2Ck

Don’ts – a recap Presentation skills Just read your slides Script everything Put too much information on a slide Go overboard with fancy effects, they distract from you and your key messages

Presentation skills Exercise Prepare and deliver a 3 minute presentation on one of the following themes: The perfect weekend The invention that will change your life The Exeter University Student

Coping with nerves Presentation skills Controlling your environment and handling pressure Practice using any equipment Plan B if technology fails you – eg. PPT formats Recognising adrenalin gives you an edge Pace yourself – most people speak too fast if nervous The more you practice and run through it, the more natural it becomes Use crib cards with brief notes if you need to remember lots of information Practice under pressure Deep breathing

Summary Presentation skills Clear objectives Structure: Intro - Middle – Summary Work to a timed plan Learn from your favourite presenters – what they say and how they say it Remember what not to do... Calm nerves by deep breathing, slowing down, controlling your environment, having a back up plan and plenty of PRACTICE