Presentation on presentations Penny Ur ETAI, 2010

This session Characteristics of good/bad presentations and some general conclusions Using PowerPoint A selection of practical tips

A. ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ presentations

A. What makes for 'good' or 'bad' presentations? Think of two presentations at an ETAI conference that you have attended: one really good one, and one awful one. Share your experiences with the group: be as specific as you can.

1. Good presentations Interacting with the audience Smooth transition ‘Advance organiser’ not too long not too many words has humour

Bad presentations She read out everything she didn’t have enough material to fill the time unprepared slides too crowded, masses of writing

Conclusions: what have we learnt?

B. Practical tips

1. Preparing Write detailed notes (although you probably won't be able to refer to them in the session). Rehearse and time yourself Prepare a handout for participants as well as powerpoint.

2. On the day, before the session Check you know exactly when and where Check out the room and equipment

3. At the beginning of the session Get set up in time (but you'll probably have to wait) Have the title up on the screen Have handouts ready

4. The session itself: genre If mainly lecture – include 'workshoppy' bits If mainly workshop – include 'lectury' bits

The session itself: organization At the beginning tell people what you're going to be discussion, and how it's going to be organized Then do what you said you'd do! Then summarize (or get participants to do so)

The session itself: timing Keep an eye on your watch, finish on time. Think in advance about what you'll cut if you run out of time (or vice versa…)

The session itself: communicating Keep eye contact with the audience Tell the audience in advance if you want to be interrupted or if they should keep questions to the end If the latter – then make sure you leave time. Respect the questioner, even if the question is silly!

5. Ending On time (or before)! Rehearse a 'punchline' or final sentence Thank the audience and provide your address

P.S. speaking personally ETAI audiences are incredibly warm and supportive! It's very difficult to tell how well it went, you need feedback (so…!) Resist the temptation to tell them everything you know… Remember to smile occasionally Resist the temptation to pace up and down

Summarizing: Which tip(s) will you particularly remember?

Thank you for listening and participating!