MDM4u Presentations

Creating Presentations Planning Create your presentation Preparing to present

Creating Presentations Planning Know your audience What’s the point? Why should they listen? Rough script (5 senses) Create your presentation Preparing to present

Creating Presentations Planning Create your presentation Detailed script Create your visuals (overheads, charts, PowerPoint) Handouts; cue cards; props K.I.S.S. – keep it short & simple Preparing to present

Creating Presentations Planning Create your presentation Presenting Speaking Controlling nervousness Using visuals & props (esp. the PowerPoint) Handling questions & discussions Practice performance

Speaking Clearly Articulation Assimilation Inflection Rate of Speed & Volume

Articulation

Articulation the production of individual sounds not to be mistaken with pronunciation which involves combining articulated sounds to make an understandable word Practice articulation exercises to improve and gain control over the sound and clarity of your speech

Assimilation Running words together Notice how assimilation can change the sound and meaning of what you’re trying to say

Assimilation It was mashed Joe’s near That’s low That’s red This heart With hair This weather A weak cough Gate 10 I own nothing It was smashed Joe’s sneer That slow That shred This art With air This sweater A week off Gate N I owe nothing

Inflection Emphasis placed on a word creates meaning Varying inflection is extremely useful to prevent monotonous and boring presentations Read this sentence each way: Straight (Factual) This page contains a lot of words. Up (Question) This page contains a lot of words? Down (Emphatic) This page contains a lot of words!

Rate of Speed Not too slow; not too fast effective speakers change their rate of speed to fit their purpose, their content, their listeners, and their own personal style

Controlling Nervousness

Controlling Nervousness Nervousness cannot be eliminated List situations that make you nervous List each cause of nervousness (real or perceived) Why do you believe each cause of nervousness? What started this belief? What re-enforces each situation? Try to devalue the causes of nervousness

Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Sit or stand comfortably & upright Use your fingertips to push lightly on your diaphragm. Feel the movement as you breathe. Inhale slowly. Feel the diaphragm push out. Shoulders or upper chest should not move. Hold for 3 seconds. Exhale & count to 20, saying “1 by 1, 2 by 2, 3 by 3, …” until you reach 20. Stop whenever exhaling becomes a strain. If you do not reach 20 on one breath, repeat this exercise 10 times. Do this three times daily until you reach 20 comfortably.

The 10 Second Relaxer Chin down; Diaphragmatic breathing Squeeze thumbs & index fingers together Silently affirming, “I am in control.” Exhale slowly, releasing tension in the fingers affirming, “and I am relaxed and ready.” Repeat

Body Language Dress Facial Expression Eye Contact Body Movement Hand and Arm Gestures

Dress Dress comfortably and appropriately Whether it’s right or wrong, people will judge you and formulate first impressions by your attire Rule of thumb – simpler is safer

Facial Expression Smile Smiling speaks of positivity, warmth, and friendliness

Eye Contact Make audience members a part of the conversation Making a personal connection

Body Movement Maintain good posture “work the room” – involves the audience Watch for nervous behaviour tapping, swaying, fidgeting or zoning out Don’t draw unwanted attention to distract your listeners

Hand and Arm Gestures Be yourself Gesture to emphasize key points

Using Visuals Synchronize with visual (choreography) Discuss the next slide before you show it Draw their attention to an area of interest (esp. complex slides)

Do’s & Don’ts Be creative & interesting Be relevant Organized Equal involvement 20 – 30 min Plan, script & practice Reading Monotone Exclude the audience Boring ‘bells & whistles’; ‘sizzle, no steak’ Bribe the audience