Tips on Presentations & ESI 4554 ISE Systems Design Tips on Presentations & Public Speaking for Industrial Engineers

Fear… You will, at some point in your life, have to stand up in front of a large crowd and talk.

Fear… This can be a frightening situation. Speaking, like writing or listening, is a skill. Once you have the basics, the rest is practice, polish and style.  Few of us are great speakers, but all of us can become more effective if we take the time to practice the basics.  

Fundamentals Analyze your Purpose and the Audience Get Organized Conduct your Research Support your Ideas / Findings Use English that is Alive Ask for Feedback

Nonverbal Communication You will always encounter some level of stage fright. some get a little nervous, some become ill. increases with the number of people listening increases if you don’t know the material Practice your presentation (use a video camera & tripod if needed). Know the first couple of paragraphs “COLD”! This will get you through the introduction and the first transition to the main point.

Nonverbal Communication Be confident. Come on strong. Establish good eye contact with Be natural. audience. If you break down or loose it, don’t apologize; the audience will probably not notice unless you tell them.

Look Good!  Proper appearance builds confidence and reduces stage fright. Items to consider to eliminate any negative barriers before you start talking: Fresh Haircut - Tie Straight Shoes shined - Fresh shave Suit pressed All buttons buttoned

Look Good! Ladies: Posture conservative dress, make-up and accessories perfume may be a distraction to audience if excessive  Posture Stand straight and alert, don’t be artificial Don’t rock back and forth or side to side

Eye Contact Establish eye contact with audience immediately. Let audience you are talking to them. Don’t stare, but look at them occasionally. This is the best vehicle for obtaining audience feedback and holding their attention.

Face and Gestures Use facial expressions, but don’t overdo them. Use as if talking naturally. It is OK to use your hands and arms, if done naturally.

Visual Aids Objects, models, photos, maps, Powerpoint slides. Passing around objects may distract. Use if they add meaning and connection to your briefing. Handouts: have great impact, but don’t overload with info. If using Powerpoint, slides are usually handed out before presentation.

Visual Aid Tips Don’t stand between visual aid and audience. Don’t talk to the visual aid; talk to the audience. Use a pointer; use the arm closer to the visual. Keep the visual aids clear, simple and readable. Know your visual aid.

Visual Aid Tips Spell / grammar check any text you are showing. Don’t READ all the words in the visual: this is boring! Keep artwork simple: 2-3 colors max.

Speech Rate People can listen 4-5 faster than the normal rate of speech. If too fast, your speech is unintelligible. If too slow, your meaning suffers. Varying your speed keeps your audience’s attention. So… speak not too fast, not too slow.

Pitch & Volume Use the proper volume for the room you will be speaking in. Speak in a voice range comfortable for you, then change inflection for emphasis.

Pause… Gives you time to catch your breadth and collect your thoughts. Never be in a hurry to finish. Pause for the audience to digest your comments. Short pauses divide points within an idea. Long pauses transition from one idea to another.

Articulate… Make your works distinct and understandable. Practice the correct pronunciation of any term you are unfamiliar with, don’t get caught on the spot. If unsure, check the dictionary.

Length of Presentation Length of presentation is crucial. On many occasions time is restricted to maintain a schedule. It this is the case, time your presentation a few times. Simply know what you have to say and say it.

Practice, Practice, Practice Practice out loud Practice in front of critical listener if possible, or use a video camera. The more you practice, the smoother your presentation will go. Anticipate questions the audience might ask. This may reveal “holes” in the core of the presentation.

What to look out for… Introduction Background Flow Previews major points to be covered. Background Give enough background to understand problem. Not too much, not too little. Flow Presentation logical and easy to follow. Topics are logically tied together and transition well. Conclusion should summarize major points. Stay within time limit if specified - penalty for going over.

What to look out for… Structure & Organization Problem Statement concise, clearly defined. Constraints and Assumptions of the problem are realistic and clearly defined. Preliminary Ideas are relevant, original, clearly presented and explained. Idea Refinement process and Top 3 Competing/Alternative Designs/Solution Concepts were clearly presented and defined.

What to look out for… Structure & Organization Evaluation of Alternatives and Selection Process of Final Design/Solution Approach clearly presented/explained. Alternatives seem feasible and relevant. Implementation of Solution clearly presented/explained Validation of Solution clearly presented/explained. Areas of Future Study clearly presented/explained.

What to look out for… Visual Aids Relevant Interesting Artistic Effort (Originality) Quality Clarity, Neatness Spelling

Basic Evaluation Criteria 1. Company Background (brief, concise) 2. Problem Background (sufficient, relevant) Goals and Objectives (Clear, to the point) Constraints, Assumptions (clear, relevant) General Approach (Clearly presented - very logical) Presentation of Expected Results / Deliverables (Clearly described)

Basic Evaluation Criteria Discussion of (preliminary) Results and Deliverables (Accomplishments to Date) 8. Command of Subject Matter 9. Command of Language 10. Quality of Visuals Equal Participation by each team member 12. Appropriateness of Dress

Q & A