1. Surviving Oral Presentations Amanda Goldrick-Jones, UBC Writing Centre (2010, rev. 2012)

2. Why do this? To showcase your work, so your audience understands and becomes INTERESTED in it. To apply professional techniques for persuasive and engaging presentations. Audience: Classmates or Peers Instructor, Client, Supervisor

3. Overview 1.Preparation 2.Content 3.Visuals 4.Delivery Skills Positive Attitude Eye Contact Voice Projection Body Language

4. Preparation Know your topic (so you don’t need to keep looking at slides or notes) Create an outline of your main points Know your audience: are they experts? educated lay people? Will you need to define or explain any terms/concepts?

5. Content Introduction (could be anecdotal) Topic & Purpose (thesis) Main Arguments Examples or specific info to support your arguments Conclusion (“So what?”) Sources

6. Visuals: if you use slides Font: sans serif, 24 pt. size minimum Bullet lists: for clarity (but don't overdo; too many bullets look “busy”) Text: 5-7 lines per slide maximum Don’t be afraid to show pictures; that’s something PPT does well. And of course... PROOFREAD slides!

7. Body Language Eye Contact Smile Posture Gestures Movement

8. Body Language: things to avoid Are you hiding behind a podium or your notes? Are you making nervous, repetitive gestures (clicking a pen, hands in pockets, touching clothes or hair)? Do you keep staring at one person only (ex, the instructor)? Do you keep staring at the slides or your screen?

9. Voice Volume: project your voice so those at the back can hear you (HINT: keep your chin up & shoulders relaxed) Pitch: vary your intonation to engage the audience and help them notice important points. Enunciation: pronounce technical terms correctly and articulate clearly. Pace: control your speed, and do not be afraid to PAUSE for a few seconds without using "filler words.”

10. Positive Attitude! Show interest in your own topic Be confident about your work Interact with the audience Be prepared to answer questions (have a prompt- question ready to start things off)

11. Image Credits Title, slides 3 – 5, 10, 11 A. Goldrick-Jones Slide 7 Flickr (Creative Commons) Slides 8, 9 MS Word ClipArt