Preparing an Oral Preparing an Oral PresentationPresentation

Initial PlanningInitial Planning

• Determine the type of talk you’ll be giving– Informal, discussion, or formal– Purpose

• Conference• Class• Job

Initial PlanningInitial 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?

PreparationPreparation

• Start thinking about your topic as early as possible– Gather information– Decide on key points– Develop a theme statement to interest

the audience

PreparationPreparation

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

• 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)

OrganizationOrganization

ElementsElements

• 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

Elements (continued)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

The StructureThe Structure

Remember that this is not a conversation or written reportThere won’t be the interaction of a

conversationThe audience won’t have unlimited time to

ponder specific pointsIn other words, be clear and to the point

The Structure The Structure (continued)(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

The Structure The Structure (continued)(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

Basic RulesBasic 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

Basic Rules Basic Rules (continued)(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

Basic Rules Basic Rules (continued)(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

Support MaterialsSupport 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

Controlling Your AudienceControlling Your AudienceStand where you can be seen and where

you can see the audienceObserve 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

Controlling Your AudienceControlling 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

PolishPolishUse powerful words or phrases to make

more of an impactRefer 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