Giving Presentations Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering 1pm – 2pm 15th December 2009 Maeve Gallagher Student Learning Development
4 Steps in Giving a Presentation Plan Prepare Practice Present
Plan Who is your audience? Why are they there? What is the subject of your speech? What is the purpose of your speech? How long will it be? Where will it take place? Will you use visual aids?
Preparation Decide on what audience need to know v what would be nice for them to know (but is less important). Methods and sources for researching subject topic. Shape and Structure. Visual aids – key points only KISS! Getting the nerves under control.
Researching it Your own experience Listening and talking to others Books, Journal articles, Newspaper cuttings, internet, television programmes… Group the information Be choosy: decide on relevancy Decide on a rough introduction, main argument and conclusion
Shape and Structure Introduction Main theme Summary/ Conclusions Get audience attention. Let your own interest shine through. Main theme Facts should be in logical order. Make sure there is sequence Summary/ Conclusions Re-state your main points. Make it ‘punchy’ and interesting
Preparation of slides One major concept per slide Few words per slide Try to limit levels and points Limit slides Have back ups Colours and font sizes use of graphics.
Practice Check room, time and equipment Awareness of self, voice, body language and confidence Rehearse!!!!!!! Organise visual aids, notes and handouts Prepare for audience questions
Present Reasons for feeling nervous Lack of experience Lack of preparation Lack of enthusiasm Negative self talk
Overcoming nerves Be over-prepared Rehearse and practice Know your subject Use relaxation techniques Think positive Allow for all eventualities Avoid stressors
Resources for Presentations Http://sxc.hu/ (free stock photographs – an alternative to PowerPoint) www.istockphoto.com (Commercial photos) http://www.garrreynolds.com/Presentation/prep.html (Tips on presenting) http://www.ted.com (examples of presentations)
GOOD LUCK!