© 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 1 Chapter 21 Oral Presentations Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace Laura J. Gurak John M. Lannon

© 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 2 Oral Presentations Are Interactive Advantages of interactivity:  You give and take information through body language, vocal tone, and eye contact.  You can see audience reactions.  You receive immediate feedback, and you can change direction instantly.  You can answer questions right away.

© 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 3 Types of Oral Presentations Informative Informative Training Training Persuasive Persuasive Action Plan Action Plan Sales Sales

© 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 4 Parts of Oral Presentations Introduction Introduction Capture audience attentionCapture audience attention Establish credibilityEstablish credibility Preview your presentationPreview your presentation Inform the audience of the purpose of the presentationInform the audience of the purpose of the presentation Body Body Structure material into small chunksStructure material into small chunks Use transition statementsUse transition statements Conclusion Conclusion Remind audience of big picture/ Restate main pointsRemind audience of big picture/ Restate main points Leave listeners with final adviceLeave listeners with final advice Distribute handoutsDistribute handouts

© 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 5 Preparing Oral Presentations  Research and connect the topic to your audience  Create an outline or storyboard  Determine a Delivery Style  Memorized  Impromptu  Scripted  Extemporaneous  Choose your Technology  Plan the Use of Visuals  Practice the Presentation

© 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 6 Strategies for Preparing for Oral Presentations Determine your audience. Determine your audience. Determine your purpose. Determine your purpose. Do your research. Do your research. Decide on your delivery style. Decide on your delivery style. Organize your presentation. Organize your presentation. Choose your technology. Choose your technology. Use visuals. Use visuals. Rehearse your presentation. Rehearse your presentation.

© 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 7 Using Presentation Software  Remember, software is only a tool.  Have a backup plan in case the technology fails.  Start with an overview slide.  Find a balance between text and visuals.  Avoid using too many slides.  Don’t simply read the slides.  Avoid too much flash.  Keep viewers oriented.  End with a “conclusions” or “questions” slide.

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