Tips for Visual Aides and Giving Presentations

Miss BowenMr. Clark’s 7th grade classShahala Middle School

Communication:In science you represent yourself and your

field both within the lab and outside of itYour delivery determines both how you and

your work are receivedCapturing, focusing and maintaining an

audience's attention are the keys to giving a good talk in any situation

Communication:55% of interpersonal communication comes

form facial expressions and body language38% comes from vocal quality or toneOnly 7% of communication comes from

contentPay attention to distracting gestures or

mannerismsUse good posture

Presentations:Require preparation!Practice builds confidenceBe organized (notes/outline) Make sure the talk has a logical progressionKnow the material- notes should only be a

security blanket

Failing to prepare is preparation for failure

Your Responsibilities:Be prepared and organizedBe clear and conciseSpeak slowly, coherently, and decisively in a

moderate volume (avoid monotone)Make eye contact and smile as often as

possibleDress appropriately- don’t overdo it

Visual aids are a mustEvery slide counts, but avoid clutterRefrain from using distracting animations or

sound affectsBe sure the purpose of each figure or picture

is clearBe sure that each figure is in a

comprehensible and appropriate format (good size, not cluttered, etc)

Practice with your visual aids

Format: e aware of font type and size 8 point (can you read this?) 10 point (you need glasses) 12 point (you need lasic) 14 point (you’re old) 16 point 18 point20 point22 point24 point28 point32 point36 point

(I have nothing interesting to say)

Formatting sends messages. . .

Formatting determines clarity

Pick a theme and stick with it

Examples of what NOT to do:Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe. “Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws

that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun the frumious Bandersnatch!”

He took his vorpal sword in hand: long time the manxome foe he sought- so rested he by the Tumtum tree, and stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood, the Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, came whiffling through the tulgey wood, and burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through the vorpal blade went snicker-snack! He left it dead and with its head he went galumphing back.

“And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! He chortled in his joy.

Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe; all mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe.

Format: Avoid busy backgrounds

Format: pay attention to your color scheme

Can you read this?

How about this?

Try this one on for size

Know your audienceHow many are they?What is their background?

Experts, laypeople, mixedWhat is the room

configuration?Technology and

accommodationsPower point vs Poster

What is the overall purpose of the lecture?Casual, formal, themed

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Question/Discussion Time:Allow a couple minutes for questions You are in charge of time and flow- keep it

focusedRestate the question before answeringRespond simply and directlyAvoid becoming agitated (angry, flustered,

etc)Even if you don’t know the answer, take a

stab at itNEVER bluff!

A few final tips:Focus on a few points in depth (background,

main point, conclusions)Do not read your slides or notes- speak to the

audienceIf in doubt on what to include, ask yourself:

“What do I want to tell the audience?”Remember: if it doesn’t need to be there,

leave it out!Never go over your time (rude)Avoid saying ‘er, ah, um’- if need be, just

pause to think instead