1. Oral Communication Skills
By: Jillian Johnston

2. Learning Outcomes Understand the expectations of an Oral Presentation
Learn about the different skills that go into Oral Communication
Practice identifying and applying these skills
Understand how to develop presentations

3. What is an Oral Presentation

4. Oral Presentation Skills
Verbal
Non-Verbal
Breathing
Volume
Pacing
Movement
Pronunciation
Intonation

5. Pronunciation Be sure to enunciate- pronounce the word clearly
Practice difficult words
Confidence
Understand mouth movements (articulators, voiced/unvoiced)
Key words needs to be clear, smooth, and understandable
Identify words that you are unsure of how to pronunciation that the speaker pronounces clearly. Which part of the word is difficult for you? Are you making the correct mouth movements

6. Intonation The rise and fall of your voice as your speak
Avoid being monotone!
Emphasis within a word
Ex) Computer vs. Computer vs. Computer
Ex) Bathroom vs. Bathroom
Emphasis within a sentence
How are you? vs. How are you?
ComPUter
Cumpewter
compuTER
Circle the words that have emphasis in sentence
Bolded words- say which syllable is emphasized

7. Breathing When you take a breath Quiet (do not draw attention)
Usually at the end of a sentence
If you breathe during a sentence make sure it is at the right spot
Commas ( , )
Hyphens/Dash ( -- )
Semicolon ( ; )
Make a mark every time a breath is taken- including within a sentence
Is the breath distracting?

8. Volume Loudness of your voice Key word Emphasize important points
Engage the audience with different volume
Exaggerating points
Dramatic Effect
Circle the words or phrases where the speaker uses a different volume
This may be LOUD or quiet

9. Pacing Talking pace Appropriate pauses
Too fast vs. too slow
Be sure you have time to enunciate with the correct intonation
Appropriate pauses
Asking if there are any questions
Engage to break up how often you speak and get information
Mark a pause
Mark when she talks slowly and mark when she increases the pace

10. Movement Body movement Walking or Changing Position Facial expressions
Hands, head, shoulders, legs
Walking or Changing Position
Facial expressions
Emotion
Interest
Watch for:
Hands in pockets
Arms crossed on directly at your side
Fidgety
Know the room set-up
How does the presenter move. Take note of all the different movements
Notice facial expressions, can you notice when she emphasizes something or wants to portray a certain emotion

11. Let’s try out these skills
What we are doing:
Divide into Groups, with each group taking one skill.
Watch the video once to understand the context and know what you are looking for.
Follow the directions on your sheet and begin to look for how your skill is applied in the speech
On the third time through, make sure you have made the appropriate marks and filled-in areas you missed.
In your group, discuss your final answers to share with the class.
How to Make Stress your Friend

12. What do we notice?

13. Making Good Transitions
Smooth transition from sentence to sentence
Appropriate pauses
Know what comes next
Make sure your notes flow
Can you use reference cards?
Practice, practice, practice!
In front of a mirror paying attention to other skills
With your group too!
Avoid filler words
Uh, um, & hmm
Reference cards: key points that spark interest
Why
Identify when the speaker pauses to change a thought
Does this transition feel “smooth”…why?
Which other components affect tranitioning

14. Developing your Presentation
Ask for help!
Develop key ideas
Arranging your Presentation (Introduction, Context, Conclusion)
Support and Evidence
Summary of Ideas
Ask if there are questions
Visual Aids- i.e. PowerPoint, Prezi (prezi.com)
Prepare notes and rehearse practicing verbal and non-verbal skills
Try and engage your audience
Enjoy yourself! Plan time to lower your stress levels