“Ab Fab Pres”Absolutely Fabulous Platform

PresentationsMiriam Bar-on and Lindsey Lane

Educational Scholars Program 2008

Objectives Identify potential problems encountered in

preparing and giving platform presentationsDescribe solutions to overcome some of the

pitfalls and problemsGive fabulous presentationsHave fun!!!

Brain Writing: Part IThink about preparing for a presentation:

− What scares you?− What are the challenges?− What are potential pitfalls?

Take a few minutes and then pair- share with your neighbor

Potential Problems: Scary StuffPublic speakingMarbles in the mouthGoing over time limitTough questionsTechnology failureTripping on the stairsTrembling handsShaking voice

Potential Problems: Challenges

ClarityBalanceSelecting contentOrganizing contentCreating slidesHighlighting contentEngaging audience Impact - SOCO

Potential Problems: PitfallsTMIAudience confusedAudience bored“So what” factor

Brain Writing: Part IIReflect on a presentation recently heard:

− What do you want to emulate?− What do you want to avoid?

Take a few minutes and then pair-share with your neighbor

Mimi and Lindsey’s Top 10Tips and Solutions

Number 1Tips and Solutions: Timing

Timing is criticalDictates both content and deliveryKeep revising and refiningPractice each iteration and time yourself

Number 2Tips and Solutions: Perfect Slides

ColorLayout

− “Less is more”− Better to have many slides and fewer words/lines

per slideFontError free

− Proof read− Others need to proof read

Number 3Tips and Solutions: Content of

SlidesAmount of information

− Avoid busy slides− If unavoidable highlight important parts

Type of information− Summary phrases− Bullet points

Number 4Tips and Solutions:

OrganizationSequenceClarity – present to others for feedback and

suggestions− Mentor− Colleague− Content naïve but intelligent person

Listen and incorporate feedback

Number 5Tips & Suggestions: Anticipate

QuestionsPractice having people ask questionsThink of questions that might be askedHave a slide or two available at the end that

can be referred to

Number 6Tips and Solutions: DeliveryPaceModulationArticulationExpression – facial and body languageMake eye contact

Tips and Solutions: DeliveryPractice in front of a full length mirror with a

watch/timerPresent to othersListen to feedbackDo not read your slides

Number 7Tips and Solutions: Dress

ProfessionalComfortable

− Watch shoes – don’t want to trip

Number 8Tips and Solutions:

Technical Bring your presentation in triplicate:

− Memory stick (2 may be better)− Saved on laptop− CD rom

Have a home person “on call” ready to email if necessary

Go to the speaker ready room ASAP Make sure presentation works on conference

equipment Bring your own pointer

Number 9Tips and Solutions: Anxiety

“Case the joint”Use relaxation techniques that work for youGet a good night’s sleepEat a balanced mealHave friends in the audienceThink of the audience using imagery

Number 10Tips and Solutions: Practice

PracticePracticePracticePracticeThank the audienceHave fun!!!

Thank You