1. Informative Presentations
Based on Chapter 11, Goodall and Goodall
Lynne Dahmen
COM 2301: Advanced Speech

2. Informative vs. Persuasive
Objective
Non-persuasive
Specific purposes:
Briefings
Reports
Training
Persuasive
Lead to a decision
Provoke action

3. Establishing Credibility
Educational background
Expertise in area
Empathy with audience’s concerns
Enthusiasm
Appearance
Title/position

4. Review: Identifying Audience
Usually several audiences
With different needs and expectations
Yourself and your boss/coworkers may be secondary audiences

5. Review: Possible Outcomes
Informing
Persuading
Entertaining
Improving relationships

6. What criteria for success when informing?
Increased interest in product or subject
Improved relationships
From work:
Positive feedback
More responsibility/opportunities given in future

7. Review: Creating the Message
Conduct research from credible sources
Create effective presentation
Vary visual and verbal support

8. Reminders about Research
Identify experts in the field
Read widely
Ask for help as needed
Don’t wait until the last minute

9. Review: Best Practices for PowerPoint
Don’t over rely on slides
Start without using the slides
Don’t put all the info on the slides
Limit number of slides
Be consistent with a subtle transition
Limit text on slides
Ensure readability in size and font

10. Review: Visuals and PowerPoint
Use colors wisely
Limit to 3 colors per presentation
Avoid combining green/red
High contrast
Use color to highlight important info
Use visuals/clipart sparingly

11. Review: Types of Evidence
Examples (verbal, visual)
References (citing authority)
Statistics—beware of context/relevance

12. Review: Intros/Conclusions
Tie conclusion back to intro
Review types of intros (questions, statements, quotes, personal experience, story, images)
Review types of conclusions (suggest further directions, return to intro, pose a question, summarize)

13. Review: Don’t forget coordination!
ALL members of the team responsible for ALL content
Avoid repetition among team members
Ask others outside group for ideas
Ask others to review content/slides

14. Review: Delivery Practice alone Practice together
Consider what others will do/where they will be while you present
Focus on details
Appearance matters!