How to give an effective presentation

 Purpose  Information Explain your topic, teach a process, describe a situation  Persuasion Change an attitude, convince your audience  Situation/Occasion Award ceremony, acceptance speech, preliminary remarks  Thesis  Statement of the central idea  Message focus School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Primary Research  Interviews  Observations  Questionnaires  Secondary Research  Books  Magazines  Professional Journals  Government Publications  Internet searches School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Documentation of Sources  Author’s credentials  Timeliness  Bias  Bibliography School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Diversity  Educational Background  Level of Experience  Cultural Background  Attitudes and Biases  Primary Language  Special interests and beliefs  Disabilities Vision Hearing School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Focus  Introduction State your topic Draw in your audience  Simplicity Keep it simple Limit number of points Choose details carefully  Repetition Repeat your major points Summarize ideas School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 General Considerations  Limitations on amount of information  Variation of complexity of information  Emphasis on usefulness and relevance  Factual support  Transitions  Internal summaries  Use of analogies, definitions, examples, illustrations, statistics School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Introduction  Thesis statement  Connection of topic to audience  Overview  Body  Background  Logical presentation of main points  Use of supporting materials School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Conclusion  Reiteration of main points  Final summary  Connection to your audience  Closure School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 General Considerations  Number of images  Font style and size  Background colors  Length of text  Complexity of design  Back-up  Equipment available on site School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Types  Graphs  Charts  Slides  Pictures  PowerPoint  Hand-outs  Flip charts School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Grammar and Spelling  Standard English/slang/colloquialisms  Clarity and Consistency  Smoothness of transitions  Logic  Accuracy  Sensitivity to ethical and personal issues School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Create notes/note cards  Main points to remember  Number your notes; keep them in order  Anticipate possible questions  Prepare answers School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Solo  Gestures  Pauses  Use of visual aids  Time  With Audience  Gestures  Pauses  Use of visual aids  Time School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Appearance  Dress appropriately  Equipment  Microphone  Podium Glass of water Paper and pen Notes/note cards  Visual aids  Computer equipment School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Physical properties of location  Lighting  Noise level  Seating arrangements School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Anxiety  Normal  Reduction Be prepared Use additional energy positively Take deep breaths Keep sentences short Look for friendly faces Concentrate on subject Slow down Visualize good performance School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Presentation  Make eye contact  Modulate pitch of voice  Vary rate of speech  Careful articulation and pronunciation  Use of natural gestures School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Question and Answer  Make note of question  Repeat for clarity  Take a breath and think before answering  Stay on message  Admit if you do not know the answer Offer to return answer Refer to another person as a resource School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Check audience reaction  Facial expressions  Posture  Ask trustworthy audience member(s)  Ask for feedback  Make note of possible improvements School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College

 Alred, Gerald J., & Brushaw, Charles, T.,& Oliu, Walter E. (2006). The Business Writer’s Handbook. New York: St. Martin’s Press.  Beebe, Steven A. & Beebe, Susan (2009). A Concise Public Speaking Handbook (Second Edition).. USA: Pearson Education, Allyn and Bacon.  Civiello, Mary.(2008) Communication Counts. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.  DeVito, Joseph A. (2009). Essential Elements of Public Speaking. USA: Pearson Education, Allyn and Bacon.  Engleberg, Isa N. & Daly, John A. (2009). Presentations in Everyday Life. USA: Pearson Education, Allyn and Bacon.  Osborn, Suzanne & Osborn, Michael & Osborn, Randall (2008). Public Speaking Guidebook. USA: Pearson Education, Allyn and Bacon.  Provan, Drew (2009). Giving Great Presentations. Warwickshire, UK: In Easy Steps. School for Professional Studies Copyright © 2012 Centenary College