Oral Presentations ENGL 3100

Oral Presentation Audience Planning and Preparation (1) Consider your audience (Lay People, Decision Makers, Experts, Operators, Technicians) Make your talk interesting for your audience Select the type of presentation to give scripted, outlined, impromptu

Oral Presentation Organization Prepare your talk with an obvious structure Highlight your main points Prepare visual aids Practice! practice! practice! With a friend or co- worker and a watch (or the PPT timer feature, Slide Show > Rehearse Timings) Keep your presentation time appropriate to the amount of material you need to cover

Oral Presentation Purpose Introduction Remember to introduce yourself (and your partner) Purpose—what are you going to talk about? Foreground your material

Oral Presentation Theatrics The Presentation Look at your audience and talk with them Speak in a natural manner Act enthusiastic and interested

Oral Presentation Preparation Display visual aids effectively—be prepared Avoid unnecessary movements of hands, feet, and other body parts Learn to accept your nervousness and work with it

Oral Presentation Notes Unless you are a pro, use notes Try not to read—tell your audience

Oral Presentation Questions Q & A Tell your audience your preference—during or after Respond courteously to interruptions, questions, and comments Be sure to repeat questions

Oral Presentation The Look Dress The more comfortable you are with how you look, the more comfortable you will be in front of the audience. No hats