Leadership & Management Lesson 16: Briefing Techniques/Oral Presentations

Lesson 16 Objectives 1.  The student will understand the importance of good oral briefing techniques. 2.   The student will demonstrate good briefing techniques by giving a presentation to the class. (Student Facilitation Presentation or Separate Oral Presentation) 3.   The student will be able to identify strong and weak briefing techniques in fellow students’ presentations.

Preparation Lecturers: Establish credibility through experience, knowledge and adequate preparation Show enthusiasm, willingness and interest in subject

Initial Preparation Vary research sources Make research notes Understand the subject matter: Don’t just read it If you don’t understand an item, qualify it at the time the subject is discussed in the lecture Establish the format for presentation early Prepare interesting and colorful training aids

Day before Lecture Dry run with critic Review style used Discuss information presented Tape record practice lesson Listen and do self-critique Time lecture—adjust as necessary Short notice assignments require concentrated effort

Minutes before Lecture Ensure good personal appearance Set up room Whiteboard/chalkboard with lecture title and your name Remove anything on board not pertaining to lecture Start on time Convey professional attitude by maintaining formal appearance throughout lecture

Location of Lecture Classrooms are best Provides for quiet setting and minimum interruptions Proper seating can be arranged If classroom is not available, try to duplicate classroom atmosphere

Organizing the Presentation Introduction of lecture: State topic and define if necessary State objectives State why it is important to each individual Avoid: Apologies for lecture—you have done the best you can with available resources Negativity Numerous jokes Excessive length--break every 45 to 50 minutes

Body of Lecture Progress logically and in an understandable manner Discuss only those items related to subject matter Keep it simple Don’t try to impress people with miscellaneous facts

Lecture Conclusion Review what has been presented Gives meaning to entire presentation Summarize what was said Re-emphasize main points Solicit feedback by asking individuals questions

Techniques of Effective Communication Be prepared and know the subject Gives the lecturer confidence Assures group that lecturer knows subject Be physically direct Good posture is expected Make eye contact Provides clues that individuals are absorbing and listening Natural physical movements and motions will not distract attention

Techniques of Effective Communication Dignity of the Professional No profane language Avoid cheapness in training aids Convey honesty and sincerity Stay cool and collected Tolerance and fairness Respect individual questions as important Talk with the individuals, not at them

Techniques of Effective Communication Voice control Project meaning and feeling Talk loud enough for all to hear Don’t trail off at end of sentence Indicates lecturer is bored and not interested Monotones result in excessive use of notes Modulate voice to emphasize important points Maintain sense of humor, but don’t force it Let natural humor flow for everyone’s enjoyment

Techniques of Effective Communication Project enthusiasm Generates interest and motivation Look for: Boredom—detect by continuously moving eye contacts Puzzlement—destroys interest. Correct the situation Approval/disapproval—recognizable by individuals nodding or shaking head Weariness—break every 50 minutes

Techniques of Effective Communication Strive to be extemporaneous Results from adequate preparation Practice makes perfect Don’t read from the notes to the class Avoid annoying mannerisms Excessive pacing, rigid stance, rocking, pointer or gadget security, hands in pockets, using repetitious words

Training Aids The more senses brought to bear, the more effective the lecture Visual aids should be correct, current, colorful and a significant part of any lecture Function of training aids: Makes note taking easier Stimulates senses Enhances recollection Supplements discussion

Training Aids Types of training aids: Whiteboards/chalk boards assist group discussions Easel with paper Video tapes—best for retention Charts and maps Overhead projector PowerPoint slides

Improvements Strive for improvements by use of: New techniques New information Peer input Constantly seek to improve presentation

Copyright Laws Reference: United States Code (USC), Chapter 17, Section 107; “Fair Use” Copyrighted material is subject to “Fair Use” if for such purposes as criticism, comment, teaching, scholarship or research Care must be exercised if multiple copies are to be disseminated to class. Virtually all material used solely by the instructor for instruction may be copied without regard to copyrights.

Next Class Moral Leadership and Navy Core Values Read: Leadership & Management, Chapter 17 Written Assignment 3 is due at the start of class on the day of Lesson 21

Summary Don’t over correct personality quirks Summarize every lecture But do avoid the most distracting quirks Summarize every lecture Training aids are the most valuable tool for mental retention Slides and overheads can be produced using simple, imaginative techniques