1. Preparing an Oral Presentation

2. Initial Planning Determine the type of talk you’ll be giving –Informal, discussion, or formal –Purpose Conference Class Job

3. Initial Planning Determine the audience composition, particularly the knowledge level Determine the length of time for the presentation –Lots of time allows more freedom to dwell on some topics –A short talk must be direct and focused What are your goals for this presentation?

4. Preparation Start thinking about your topic as early as possible –Gather information –Decide on key points –Develop a theme statement to interest the audience

5. Preparation Prepare background material – don’t assume your audience is familiar with the basic concepts of your topic

6. Traditional manuscript format (introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, summary/conclusions) Modified manuscript format –Introduction –Results Materials and methods Discussion –Summary/conclusions Marketing modification (start with an overview or abstract) Organization

7. Elements Focus on communication –Straightforward language –Avoid “busy” slides No more than 5 points (some say 5 lines) –Use fonts that are readable Large enough to see (usually 18+ points) Clear against the background Shadowing can add contrast

8. Elements (continued) Full sentences are unnecessary Diagrams/images can be very effective Smooth segues between slides Summarize the key points as your last slide Repeat questions before answering them

9. The Structure  Remember that this is not a conversation or written report  There won’t be the interaction of a conversation  The audience won’t have unlimited time to ponder specific points  In other words, be clear and to the point

10. The Structure (continued)  Start with telling the audience what you plan on telling them List the goals of the presentation Summarize the content In essence, tell them what you’re going to tell them and then tell them

11. The Structure (continued)  Most people remember no more than five key points from a presentation  Start preparing your presentation with your last slide, the one with your conclusions or summary

12. Basic Rules  Communicate your passion  KISS – Keep It Simple, Stupid Use plain language Keep the focus on the information, not the razzle-dazzle effects Avoid last-minute changes

13. Basic Rules (continued)  Rehearse the presentation and when you’re comfortable, rehearse some more  Don’t memorize or rely heavily on notes It’s important to acknowledge the audience It looks unconvincing

14. Basic Rules (continued)  Pace yourself Don’t race through, leaving the audience behind Don’t drag on, losing the audience’s attention As a rule of thumb, give each slide at least 10 seconds and no more than 100 seconds If possible, break up complicated slides Don’t continue to display a slide that you’re through discussing – move on

15. Support Materials  Your presentation may be clear and concise but don’t rely on it to make a lasting impression on your audience Provide additional documentation or handouts Provide a URL where the presentation can be found

16. Controlling Your Audience  Stand where you can be seen and where you can see the audience  Observe the audience, making eye contact whenever possible A noisy audience checking their watches is a bad sign Snoring is worse  Try not to wander, fidget, or look down

17. Controlling Your Audience  Handle questions politely and professionally Defer questions to the end if that is your preference Stay poised and in control of the presentation Avoid being defensive Don’t try to bluff, “I don’t know” is a better response than making up a story It is perfectly acceptable to avoid having to give a long answer or to deflect a troublesome question by offering to discuss things after the session

18. Polish  Use powerful words or phrases to make more of an impact  Refer to the audience as “you”  Humor can help hold an audience’s interest and make some points more memorable  Quotations can be a powerful tool for making a point  Thank your audience when you’re done