Office of Student Affairs Effective Presentations Workshop
Objectives Convey essentials of effective appearance. Describe components of the content and use of media in effective presentations. Build presentation skills and confidence.
Resources cStudentSupport.htm cStudentSupport.htm (See Presentation Tips doc and the Study Guide and Strategies Web Resource) ml ml speaking-articles.htm speaking-articles.htm
Appearance Be clean Professional clothing Speak slowly Be interested in the topic
Wear clean, professional clothing – no jeans, flip-flops, low-cut shirts, etc. Stand to the side of a podium to present. Keep your shoulders back and keep eye contact with audience. Can help to move around, use your hands (but not too much!), get involved in the topic. Take a deep breath and concentrate on speaking slowly. Appearance
Content Know difference between academic presentation, not social group or business presentation Capture attention with opening without being unprofessional or too technical Use upside down “pyramid” of concepts for organization Include brief summary at end
Content (Continued) Keep on task Practice before due date Follow instructor’s guidelines closely to keep slides and presentation on track Use cue cards or memorize – don’t read from pages or slides Transitions are important
Media Use MS PowerPoint as outline/guide Use appropriate graphics Take care in selecting colors and fonts (between 18-48) Avoid punctuation
Media (Continued) Use “custom animation” with caution Use bullets and meticulous formatting Copy handouts for note-taking
General Tips Order and test equipment ahead of time. Visit room prior to presentation and do a “trial” run of equipment. Have a back-up plan in case electronic equipment does not work.
Confidence Building (Practice) Possible topics: o Ethics in Public Health Nursing o New Technology o Caring for the Elderly Possible topics: o Caring for Children o Importance of Evidence-based Practice Five minutes to prepare.
Additional Resources Sue Habkirk –