Effective Oral Presentations Using PowerPoint By: Colleen H. Fava, Studio Coordinator BASC CxC Studio Fall 2009

Overview Preparation Preparation Rhetorical Situation Rhetorical Situation Research & Documentation Research & Documentation Logistics & Format Logistics & Format Design Design Color Scheme Color Scheme Parallel Structure Parallel Structure Execution Execution Performance Tips Performance Tips

The Rhetorical Triangle Purpose AudiencePersona

Defining the Rhetorical Situation Purpose Purpose Presentation Goals Presentation Goals Future or Previous Work Future or Previous Work Audience Audience Real Real Imaginary Imaginary Persona Persona Authorial position Authorial position

Research & Documentation Required & Approved Sources Required & Approved Sources Primary & Secondary Research Primary & Secondary Research Citation styles & expectations Citation styles & expectations Illustrations Illustrations Informational Images Informational Images Crediting Sources Crediting Sources

Logistics & Format Time Constraints Time Constraints Time Limits / Minimums Time Limits / Minimums Multiple Speakers / Task Multiple Speakers / Task Space Constraints Space Constraints Available Technology Available Technology Audience Seating Audience Seating

Design Slide Formatting Slide Formatting Text Styles Text Styles Color Schemes Color Schemes Images Images

Slide Formatting Templates or Unique Design Templates or Unique Design Use the same format for ALL slides Use the same format for ALL slides Title and closing slides can vary slightly Title and closing slides can vary slightly More control with original design More control with original design

Text Styles and Colors Light on Dark is easy on the eyes. Dark on light is also easy on the eyes. Light on light is difficult to discern And some color combinations are just harsh

Color Schemes Clean, Consistent, and Complementary Parallel Structure: Backgrounds & Borders Backgrounds & Borders Titles Titles Headings Headings Bullets Bullets Body Text Body Text Captions Captions

Formatting Images Incorporate into the style of your slides Incorporate into the style of your slides Do not overlay onto graphic elements Do not overlay onto graphic elements Images should illustrate major points Images should illustrate major points Use a border color that complements the design scheme Use a border color that complements the design scheme Include a caption Include a caption Credit your sources Credit your sources

Example of Image Usage A third year Geology Student points to and explains an illustration during a presentation for Dr. Darrell Henry.

The Performance You are giving the presentation! Appearance Appearance Body Language Body Language Voice Voice

Appearance REJECTED Solid Choice Perfect

Body Language Make eye contact Make eye contact Do not read your slides Do not read your slides Do not fidget Do not fidget Point your audience to relevant images Point your audience to relevant images Stay out of the projection field Stay out of the projection field

Group Presentations Cohesive physical appearance Cohesive physical appearance Clearly defined roles for all participants Clearly defined roles for all participants Active listening for all Active listening for all Projector/Slide control Projector/Slide control

Voice Avoid “uh”s and “um”s Avoid “uh”s and “um”s Speak clearly, slowly, and toward your audience Speak clearly, slowly, and toward your audience Double check the pronunciation of terms Double check the pronunciation of terms Time yourself Time yourself Use meaningful pauses Use meaningful pauses Use logical transitions between slides (& speakers) Use logical transitions between slides (& speakers)

Need more help? Colleen H. Fava, Studio Coordinator College of Basic Sciences Communication Studio 155 Howe-Russell Geo-Science Complex