- Announce that we are looking for pictures for the front cover of the proceedings/conference pamphlet [in.JPG format] - - BME WebSItes (extra credit) - - Explain that all-day attendance in May 2 Conference is mandatory - Explain class picture in May 2 Conference

CREATING AND DELIVERING TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS Thomas V. Papathomas Matrch 28, 2008 Information taken from the book “Making your Case” by Anthony Jay

PREPARATION Start by breaking down the unknown into five areas 1.Why are you making this presentation? 2.What are you going to say? 3.Whom are you saying it to? 4.Where will you be saying it? 5.How will you say it?

1. WHY? Every presentation has an OBJECTIVE Make your objective as precise as you can - with fall-back objectives as well - and put it in words. Keep referring to your objective whenever you are wondering what to include and what to cut. Every slide must have a clear message.

2. WHAT? Make a note of all the information Text Illustrations Arguments Do not worry about the order at this point

3. WHO? Find out as much as you can about your audience What are they interested in? What objections might they raise to your proposals/points? What is their expertise?

4. WHERE? Find out the place where you will be presenting (Not as important as the other ones) Find out the tools you will be using –Machine and projector Examine the space –Distance from audience –Distance from display machine or computer –Distance from projection surface

5. HOW? Time to start your presentation Concentrate on the introduction –Make it clear –Make it interesting –Make it complete –Give the punch line Start arranging your facts, arguments, and illustrations to make your case.

A SUCCESSFUL TALK OUTLINE: Tell what you will say. BODY: Say it. SUMMARY: Say what you said (“take-home message”).

The Presentation: The Start Every presentation requires a Preface Welcoming Courtesies Self-identification The intention – What you are planning to explain/demonstrate/suggest The route map –How long will you take, preferably by section The rules of the road –Interruptions allowed? Questions at the end?

The Presentation: The Structure Use a simple FOUR-part structure Exposition - Situation Development - Complication Recommendation (main body) Recapitulation Do not present a string of unconnected assertions

The Presentation: The Structure EXPOSITION - SITUATION Establish a common ground Present situation or Past history

The presentation: The Structure DEVELOPMENT - COMPLICATION Introduce the need for your work Example: Demand is shifting Technology is changing New techniques create new opportunities Prepare the audience for the next section which is the bulk of the presentation

The presentation: The Structure RECOMMENDATION Present all your facts –Evidence –Examples –Alternatives

The presentation: The Structure RECAPITULATION - SUMMARY Summarize the essence of your talk –Emphasize strong point –Do not talk about new things –Conclusions (put emphasis)

The Technique Delivery –Mumbling, Hesitancy, Catch Phrases –Poor eye contact, Dropping Voice at end of sentence. –Do not “read” from slides or from cue cards –Speak slowly and clearly!! Language –Use short words and short sentences –Use active verbs and concrete nouns

The Technique Visuals –Use a drawing/diagram/picture to present complicated verbal expositions Detail –Leave too many details out of presentation –Have detailed info in back-up slides or supporting documentation Feedback –Ask feedback questions especially with small audience

Summary and Questions Ending of presentation is as important as the beginning!!! And it usually includes: –Summary of salient facts –Recommendations for a course of action –Proposal for next steps –Thanks for patient attention –Invitation to ask questions

7 Biggest Mistakes in Talks 1.Lack of the Right Preparation REHEARSE - REHEARSE - REHEARSE! 2.Allowing Fear to Block You 3.Inhibiting Physical Energy 4.Complicating the Simple (Stephen Hawking: “People who boast about their IQ are losers”) 5.Thinking a Presentation is like a Written Report 6.Neglecting the Importance of Visuals 7.Neglecting Today’s Technology

- Announce that we are looking for pictures for the front cover of the proceedings/conference pamphlet [in.JPG format] - - BME WebSItes (extra credit) - - Explain that all-day attendance in May 2 Conference is mandatory - Explain class picture in May 2 Conference