Writing in CSD Presentation Fundamentals: Oral Communication

Challenges to oral communication: Studies show that people retain 10% of what they hear But, the sender remembers 70-90% of what he or she says So, how do you narrow the gap between what you intend to communicate and what your listener actually understands?

Making the message you give and the message received the same thing! Tips for Giving Effective Presentations

Basic Guidelines Know Purpose of Speech/Presentation Know Audience Present a Clear Message Show Value of Message Build Rapport & Credibility

Know your purpose The main reason or objective for your speech or presentation. Inform Persuade (Sell) Motivate Train

Know your audience Technical or Non-technical Managerial or Staff Educational Level Age Friendly or Atagonistic Knowledge of your Topic

Present a Clear Message 2 Messages in a Speech: Message delivered by speaker Message received by listener Your goal is for these 2 messages to be the same! How your message is received by the audience depends on The verbal message (what you say) The non-verbal message (how you say it)

The best way to make sure you give a clear message is to ORGANIZE!!!

Tips for presenting a clear, well- organized message Give a Speech Overview/Preview Prepares Audience Use Connectives/Transitions Signals Topic Change Review Points Enhances Audience Retention

Organize your presentation Write down the purpose of your speech and your central idea (most important information) Choose 2-3 Points Reinforce your Central Idea Highlight Central Idea through Examples

. Examples of purpose and central idea Purpose: To inform my audience about the major advantages of telepractice in speech pathology. Central Idea: Telepractice in speech pathology can be beneficial in that it addresses issues of mobility, remoteness, and clinician availability.

Organize Main (supporting) Points Chronological - Narrate a sequence of events or explain a process Spatial – Follow a directional pattern (top to bottom, side to side, front to back, outside to inside) Causal or Problem-Solution - Show a cause and effect relationship or present a problem and offer a solution Topical – Divide main points into categories based on topic

Use transitions between points First, second, third… Now that you understand the problem, I want to tell you about a solution… In contrast to…; Similar to the first point… Maybe you are wondering…. The key to this point is… The bottom line is…

Carefully prepare your Introduction State your purpose Show value of message (why should people listen?) Establish your credibility (why should they listen to YOU?) Preview your main points

Carefully plan your conclusion Cue the end Review your main points and central idea Provide a vivid ending (not: “Well, I guess that’s it.”)

Establish your credibility Initial (before) Perceived reputation Attire Exhibited nonverbal behaviors Inferred preparation and organization Instantaneous (during) Introduction Message content Delivery ability Audience connectivity

Tips on Delivery

Public speaking apprehension The Book of Lists ranks fear of public speaking as the #1 fear, even ahead of death, disease, and nuclear war. A 2001 Gallup Poll found that public speaking was second only to a fear of snakes. PUBLIC SPEAKING APPREHENSION IS REAL, AND EVERYONE HAS SOME LEVEL OF APPRENSION ABOUT SPEAKING IN PUBLIC.

Overcoming public speaking apprehension Know your audience and the environment Spend time organizing your speech Know your material (what you intend to say) Practice your presentation Relax Breathe Use extras wisely (handouts, power point) Keep your focus on the material Remember - Your audience is on your side (usually)

Delivery -- How You Give the Speech Verbal Techniques Volume, Rate, Emphasis, Vocal Variety, Articulation, Language Non-verbal Techniques Personal Appearance, Gestures, Eye Contact

Final Tips for Effective Presentations Prepare/organize your speech Practice your speech (out loud) and time yourself Make eye contact with each person while giving your speech Speak loudly enough for everyone to hear Slow down your speaking rate Don’t be afraid of pauses