Practical points of an oral presentation

Review of an oral presentation It is a condensed version of the paper. It is organized around one TOPIC. A TOPIC is a clear statement of a problem. It has logic (a string of topics), little text, and clear graphics. It tells a story with graphs, tables and pictures.

Some practical stuff Rate: About 100 words per minute. Use pauses, and repeat critical information. Opening: Immediately catch the audience’s interest and attention. Transitions: Make the relation between successive elements clear to the audience, lead them trough your talk.

Some practical stuff Conclusion: Summarize the main concepts. Signal that the summary is beginning ("In summary,...”). Length: Don't run over! Ever! Shorten by removing detail. Questions: Always leave time for questions.

Practice Practice: A minimum of 10 practice runs. How does the talk flow? Practice all parts. Practice starting from the beginning, the middle and the end. Your presentation is important, treat it that way.

Before the presentation Is the software compatible with the host’s? Do you have all the files and resources? Back-up your presentation with an alternate medium, it to yourself, or it to your host for testing. Is there a sound system? How loud?

Before the presentation Technology fails. The embarrassment is greater for the host. You impress the host when you have an alternate solution to the problem. What will you do if you have no AV?

During the presentation Take several deep breaths as you are being introduced. Speak naturally at a moderate rate and use automatic, moderate gestures. Concentrate on the projection screen.

During the presentation Converse with your audience. Involve them with questions and make eye contact. If you ask a question wait for the answer. Keep an eye on your time. Don't run over your limit. Ever! Be prepared for interruptions.

During the presentation If you have to apologize, you did not do your job; don’t apologize. Give yourself and others credit for your own work. If you use borrowed slides give credit the people right on that slide. Don't criticize aspects of the trip, city, facilities, etc.

Handling questions Include a Question & Answer slide (Q&A slide) at the end. – Keep it in the background as you answer questions from the audience. – Select the TOPIC images from your slides, fit them on the Q&A slide in view of the audience as the session goes on.

Handling questions Repeat each question to the audience. If you are unsure, say the question again or ask: “Would you mind clarifying?” Take a moment to reflect on the question. During the talk, answer questions immediately if it clarifies a problem.

Handling questions “I don’t know.” is an answer. Don't apologize. Ask for suggestions from the audience. Finish question by asking the person if the question was answered. Avoid prolonged discussions with one person. Settle it in a private discussion.

An oral presentation Is a condensed version of the paper. Is organized around one TOPIC – A clear statement of a problem. Has logic (a string of topics), little text, and clear graphics. It tells a story with graphs tables and pictures.

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