1. Presentations for impact
Wintec & Waikato University Workshops
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

2. Similarities with written assignments
you must
Research your chosen topic thoroughly
Present a reflective, balanced and rounded perspective on the topic
Present your audience with empirical or theoretical evidence or data corroborating your methods, focus and particular orientation or conclusions about the topic
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

3. Getting the message across
Language tailored to audience:
Should be less formal/use less jargon for laypeople
May repeat to clarify or reinforce the ‘message’
May deploy other devices e.g. rhetorical questions
Content
As complex as necessary for audience
Interact with the audience-start with a ‘hook’ to engage (helps you relax too)
Use Media to best effect
Multimedia e.g. Can use more than 1 visual aid
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

4. Before the presentation: preparation
Estimate time available
Organize information in logical order
Sort transitions between slides
Avoid too many distracting noises or images
Make logical connections between slides
Finalize content-have a conclusion
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

5. Before the event: Some rehearsing
Develop notes using key words
Have a ‘dry run’ to time your presentation
Modify as required
Check pronunciation of keywords/terms
Develop and check slides for accuracy
Anticipate questions and prep answers
Practice with some ‘friendly’ audiences
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

6. Before the presentation: preparing slides
No more than 4 main ideas per slide
Use minimum 20 point font or higher
Use easy to read font e.g. Arial, Tahoma
Use 1.5 or double spacing
Number all slides and add other details as per conference requirements or personal preference
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

7. Before the presentation: on the day
Arrive early to check equipment and room layout
Check that slides clearly focused on screen
Warm up and do some relaxation exercises as you see fit
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

8. During the presentation: structure
Decide whether to give handouts before or after presentation
Greet the audience and introduce yourself
Wait for audience’s attention, then start
State the topic clearly and give outline of talk
Summarize the main points in conclusion
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

9. During the presentation: using your voice well
Look at audience as well as the screen
Project your voice and vary pitch, volume, speed
Vary intonation for statements, questions and emphasis
Pause to allow audience understanding time
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

10. During the presentation: using body language well
Try to avoid nervous habits
Face the entire audience
Respond to audience reaction
Do not stand so as to block screen
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

11. Question time allows the audience to:
Ask for more information
Add their own views
Recommend resources or research strategies
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

12. Question time allows the speaker to
Discuss material omitted from the presentation-and reasons why
Get feedback from audience
Find out the ideas and views of others about the topic
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

13. Responding to questions
Speak with confidence: use eye contact and positive body language
Manage the allocated time and difficult questions
Involve others in the discussion
Address responses to entire audience
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

14. Constructive questions
Requests for repetition
Requests for clarification
Challenging questions
Multi-part questions
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

15. Potentially Intimidating questions
Correction of minor details or facts
Questions about perceived gaps in your research data
Questions about basis of methodology
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten

16. Responding to comments
Do acknowledge and respond
Suggestions about material or methodology-accepted for later review
Relevant comments or insights accepted
Irrelevant comments can be reflected back as possible misunderstanding
2011
Tom Cockburn & Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten