POINTS THAT CREATE A GREAT ORAL

PRESENTATION

By Terri Williams, eHow Contributor

updated July 07, 2011

When used tastefully, visual props are an

effective way to complement your presentation.

The devil is in the details, and you should be

too so you can avoid producing the type of

mind-numbingly dull oral presentation that has

become standard fare. It is generally

understood -- and unhappily accepted -- that

most oral presentations are remarkably

uninteresting, extremely repetitive and

generally tiresome.

However, with a few pointers, you can break

through the humdrum muddle of mediocrity

and create oral presentations that are

appealing, interesting and informative.

1. KNOW YOUR INFORMATION

There is no substitute for being prepared. Know

your information inside out, backward and

forward. The best way for you to look like you

know what you're talking about is to actually

know what you're talking about. Don't tread into

unfamiliar territory. Cover only the information

that you can knowledgeably and comfortably

share with your audience.

You need to project an air of confidence during

your presentation, and this won't be possible

unless you are at ease. Also, it's true that

practice makes perfect. Rehearse your

presentation until you can convey it without

reading from notes (a definite "no"),

manufacturing unnecessary pauses or using

phrases like, "And uh . . .".

2. LIMIT YOUR INFORMATION

While you need to be an expert, realize that

your audience doesn't want to know -- and

doesn't have the attention span to absorb --

everything that you know about your

presentation topic. It will require discipline on

your part to narrow your focus, and then narrow

it again, until you can select only a few of the

most important (and interesting) points to

share.

For example, if you're doing an oral

presentation on how technology can improve

workplace efficiency, don't spend ten minutes

discussing how the first computer was an

abacus used in 300 B.C. by the Babylonians.

According to Forbes.com, "speakers must make

only their strongest points, and work hard to

refine them down to their most concise and

eloquent essence."

3. USE BELLS AND WHISTLES JUDICIOUSLY

Slide show presentations and other visual

props can be an effective way to add flair.

However, used incorrectly, they can ruin an

otherwise promising presentation. Spinning text

is a nice effect; however, if it requires an

additional 10 seconds for each bullet point to

stop spinning, or if the text spins so rapidly that

it makes the audience dizzy, use static text

instead.

Bells and whistles should complement your oral

presentation. They shouldn't be the primary

focus. "Presentation Tips for Public Speaking"

offers this advice: "Do not over-dazzle your

audience with excessive use of animation,

sound clips, or gaudy colors which are

inappropriate for your topic."

4. VERBAL TECHNIQUES

Good vocal techniques require the speaker to

speak clearly with correct grammar and

pronunciation. If in doubt, the speaker should

check these in advance. Modulate your voice to

avoid a monotone and speak loudly enough to

be heard throughout the room, but not too loud

to be distracting.

Use speed effectively. The speaker must not

speak so fast that that the audience cannot

follow what he is saying. Use pauses for effect

when appropriate to emphasize items or to give

the audience time to think about what is being

said.

Variety contributes to an effective delivery. A

necessary technique is to include such words

as "also" or "in addition," which promote

smooth transitions between ideas.

5. NON-VERBAL TECHNIQUES

Maintaining eye contact is fundamental. Look

around at the audience to enhance communication and glance at notes only when necessary. Body language and gestures are fundamental for effective speech delivery. Stand straight to give the appearance of confidence.

Keep your hands out of your pockets. Movement is another technique to consider.

6. CONTROLLING NERVOUSNESS TECHNIQUE

Speakers can be nervous because they fear

appearing foolish. To overcome this, be

prepared. Record or practice in front of friends.

Arrive early and build confidence by telling

yourself that you can do it. Breathe deeply

before you begin and wiggle your toes for

relaxation. Using these techniques should

result in an effective speech delivery.