Hints about Research Presentation

Research Paper II

Valeriano Kataya DBA 862 Instructor: Dr. Domingos Salgado

April 12, 2013

Your work shows an understanding of the theory expressed with some clarity. You have produced a work of a good standard and were able to express original reasoned arguments by reviewing and critiquing a wide range of material. The sections are focused on the task and presented coherently.

Abstract A good oral presentation reflects a domain on different criteria required to achieve this skill. Oral presentation requires a persuasive attitude whose communication can appeal to audience attention. Aspects such as impromptus speaking and extemporaneous presentation, the motivated sequence and cause and effect etc contribute to the fact of getting an oral presentation well prepared. Speakers need to know and understand the sort of audience he /she is addressing the message. It can facilitate the communication.

Introduction The present research paper presents hints that influence a good oral presentation in positive and negative sense. It starts with an approach concerning with an audience analysis, an aspect that seek to present the need of an oral presenter to know in details, the sort of audience he or she is addressing to before his or her oral presentation. Then, it establishes the differences related to the following terms such as: a) Impromptu speaking and an extemporaneous presentation. (b) The motivated sequence and the cause/effect/ solution pattern of organization. (c) The rule of three in organizing and the rule of thirds in visualizing. (d) Clutter and jargon in the delivery of a presentation. Along this work, the paper is trying to present some concepts related to the key topics and also criteria to consider into acting as an oral presenter. The paper is structured into three sections which are: review of literature, where there will be announced concepts and differences between terms presented above, next practical and research implications where the author will try to show the impact of this
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approach to the readers in two perspectives: practical and research; and finally a conclusion to close up this research paper.

Review of literature Most of questions to be approached on oral presentation are audience centered. Thats why before writing about different aspects related, it is important to refer to audience analysis. Audience analysis Schindler and Cooper (2011) affirm that good speakers understand that the primary purpose of their presentation is to gain a desired response from their listeners. The ultimate success of their presentation depends on the speakers ability to anticipate audience response. It can be understood that a good result of any oral presentation depends on the fact of getting an audience interested in the subject the presenter is referring about. In this case, the presenter has to get his audience involved to what is intended to be presented. To get your audience involved in an oral presentation, the presenter must take on account the three questions: 1. Who will I be addressing? 2. Why my listeners really care about the information I present? 3. What do I want the audience to know, believe, and or do because of my presentation (Schindler and Cooper, 2011: 602)? The answer to these questions helps develop your presentation efficiently. A research presenter must know the kind of listeners who is going to take part to his or her presentation. It is necessary to know the nature and the need of the group, whether or not are familiar with the subject to be approached. The speaker must know the pertinence and importance of the topic to present in relation to the group. He or she must understand the topic and then domain which topic in subject should be useful as to be presented. Knowing what you expect your audience to know, helps you setting up borders from your oral presentation and fulfill your planned objectives.

Impromptu speaking and an extemporaneous presentation. This section tries to show the importance of knowing how the speaker delivers the message to listeners and also present the difference between impromptu speaking and an extemporaneous presentation. It also indicates how useful it is for a presenter to know the moment at which he or she has to use it. Impromptu speaking: The impromptu speech is given without any preparation, any notes or other additional materials; it is a spontaneous reaction to the topic at hand which may introduce an interesting turn to the discussion. Basically, the impromptu speech initiates a new idea, a new angle of analysis, and the like. The topic area is limited and the audience is prepared to discuss it in detail. (http://www.speech-guru.com/impromptu_speech.php). In oral presentation, the speaker must take into consideration the various situations that may occur along the speech. There may arise questions that the speaker is expected to respond or explain. In this case, the impromptu speech is the posture to be taken. It can also be a presenter intentional option. In this case he/she must consider the following structure. Structure/outline Launch one or two of the new initiatives within the topic area. Describe each initiative in detail, giving equal time and energy to them. Discuss how your viewpoint will benefit to the audience. The conclusion may be in the form of a question to inquire whether or not anything was lost. Extemporaneous presentation It is audience centered and made from minimal notes. This mode permits the speakers to be natural, conversational, and flexible. He says still that it is the best choice for an organizational setting. Preparation for this mode consists of writing a draft along with a complete sentence outline and converting the main points to notes (Schindler and Cooper, 2011: 602). The same author keeps on saying that, you can try lines of argument, experiment with various supporting materials, and develop memorable phraseology.

An extemporaneous speech is different from other types of public speaking because you may have little time to prepare any sort of remarks. Instead, you are expected to formulate a speech on the proverbial spot that will fulfill either an informative or persuasive function depending on the audience http://www.termwiki.com/EN:extemporaneous_presentation. This form of public speaking also requires more practice than other, more scripted speeches. Wong suggests the need for practice of any kind, even in front of friends and family, to enhance your public speaking ability. Professors Paul Martin Pearson and Philip Marshall Hicks, in their aptly titled 1912 book. "Extemporaneous Speaking," advocate practice and constructive criticism as the ,, only effective learning methods when it comes to extemporaneous speech http://www.termwiki.com/EN:extemporaneous_presentation. The motivated sequence and the cause/effect/ solution pattern of organization The motivated sequence is a pattern of organization applicable to all types of presentations. Monroe and Ehninger (1967), cited by (Schindler and Cooper, 2011) define it as the sequence of ideas which, by following the normal process of human thinking, motivates an audience to respond to the speakers purpose. It consists of five steps: Attention: draw attention to the need for change. It means that as a speaker, you must gain attention of your audience and the message to convey must attract their interest. Need: call for change in existing conditions by creating dissatisfaction with them. Audience has to feel that something needs to be done. It is required for them to act for something. Satisfaction: satisfy the need or address the dissatisfaction with an explanation, logical demonstration, or practical experience, or plan to meet objections. Any presentation must convey a message that may satisfy the most profound need of its audience. Visualization: picture the benefits the proposed action will bring. Action: detailed recommendation of what is needed about the specified action.

The following table can clarify the meaning of each step.

Step Attention: Getting attention Need: Showing the need: describing the problem Satisfaction: Satisfying the need: presenting the solution Visualization: Visualizing the results Action: Requesting action or approval

Audience response I want to listen Something needs to be done This is what to do to satisfy the need I can see myself enjoying the benefits of such an action I will do this

The steps in brief: i. Attention: the creation of interest and desire

ii. Need: the development of the problem, through an analysis of things wrong in the world and through a relating of those wrongs to individuals interests, wants, or desires iii. Satisfaction: the proposal of a plan of action which will alleviate the problem and satisfy the individuals interests, wants, or desires iv. Visualization: the verbal depiction of the world as it will look if the plan is put into operation v. Action: the final call for personal commitments and deeds

This sequence is perhaps the most effective way of organizing a persuasive message and it can help clarify the structure of any message, even those that are not overtly persuasive. Schindler and Cooper (2011) say that, when research presentations are designed to persuasive rather than merely informative, this organization is powerful because it has its goals stimulating overt action.

The cause-effect pattern of organization The cause-effect pattern of organization is used to establish a positive correlation between concepts. This pattern is used to show the different causes and effects of various conditions. This pattern is particularly effective when writing a persuasive document in which the writer advocates some action to solve a problem, because it demonstrates important relationships between variables. (http://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/impo.htm#CEP) There are two major variations to this pattern; (a) dividing the outline into two major sections comprised of causes and effects; or (b) dividing the outline according to the different causes, with the effects of each cause contained within the larger "causes" section. http://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/impo.htm#CEP Imagine a business researchers purpose to explain the cause/ effect of lower of sale of Mitsubishi in Angolan market and propose a solution for this problem. It could be organized like this: I. Causes of Mitsubishi low sale 1.1. Lack of spare parts in the market. 1.2. Lack of stability 1.3. Transmission failure II. Effects of these causes 2.1. Impossibility of getting spare for repairing the car once acquired. 2.2. Fall hazard 2.3. Movement trouble

The rule of three in organizing and the rule of thirds in visualizing This section presents the importance of the rule of three in organizing and the rule of thirds in visualizing. The knowledge and domain of these rules to a researcher is very useful because of the impact it has or delivers to a presenters speech and his audience. The rule of three in organizing The rule of three is a writing principle that suggests that things that come in threes are inherently funnier, more satisfying, or more effective than other numbers of things. The reader or audience of this form of text is also more likely to consume information if it is written in groups of threes. Marshall, at her blog says that the rule of three is a very general rule in speaking, in writing, and in music, that states that concepts or ideas

presented in threes are inherently more interesting, more enjoyable, and more memorable. (http://publicspeaker.quickanddirtytips.com/communicate-better-using-the-rule-ofthree.aspx.) A business research presenter needs to be advised or even trained on the use of the rule of three in organizing. The presenter must know rules of selecting relevant aspects from his own speech as to gather them in a category of three and direct his or her attention to this part. In preparing a presentation, it is necessary to think through facts that are essential in the speech and organize them into three as to emphasize the principal ideas to be transmitted to the audience. The presenter must use the great rule that says: tell your audience what youre going to tell them. Then you tell them. And finally you tell them what youve told them. Also within the main body of your speech you would highlight three main points that you want your audience to takeaway. It is said that, your audience will remember your points more easily if you use three examples, three illustrations, or three stories to highlight each point. Read through your speech and look for opportunities to take advantage of the Rule of Three. If you have only one or two examples, create some more examples and bring the total to three. Do you have more than three examples? Eliminate the weakest examples and keep only your three strongest. When you use three supporting examples, your audience will remember the point. http://tjaglcs-adc.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-rule-ofthree-by-elliott-wilcox.html. So, The Rule of Three is relevant because the number three is the lowest figure that can be used to form patterns in our mind. This is important, because the first instance of something occurring, always comes down to chance; the second instance is considered a coincidence; while the third instance is perceived as a pattern. http://www.visualthinkingmagic.com/rule-of-three.html.

The rule of thirds in visualizing The "rule of thirds" is a simplified version of the golden mean. The rule of thirds is a basic technique that photographers learn to frame their shots. Subjects placed exactly in the middle can often make for an uninteresting photo. http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2005/08/from_golden_mea.html

The rule of thirds is a "rule of thumb" or guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as designs, films, paintings, and photographs, Meech (2007). The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. Peterson (2003). Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject. See the picture below.

Ilustrao 1

The rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guide lines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section. The main reason for observing the rule of thirds is to discourage placement of the subject at the center, or prevent a horizon from appearing to divide the picture in half. Michael Ryan and Melissa Lenos, authors of the book An Introduction to Film Analysis: Technique and Meaning in Narrative Film state that the use of rule of thirds is "favored by cinematographers in their effort to design balanced and unified images" Krages (2005:40). According to this rule, we should divide our screen into three horizontal and three vertical segments - like a tic-tac-toe grid. The Rule of Thirds dictates that points of interest should land at the intersection of two of these lines or, in the case of lines, like horizons or pillars, they should fall at either the 1/3 or 2/3 level.

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Jargon and Clutter in the delivery of a presentation This section presents some aspects that can be considered as dangerous to oral presentation. These are items that should be avoided by presenters in delivering their oral presentation. Jargon: Jargon is a language specific to a profession or academic discipline, is considered meaningless and generally unintelligible to people outside of that group. Using jargon is a particular danger in delivery of a research presentation where your audience may not be schooled in the techniques of research or of statistical analysis. Jargon adds clumsy language and reduces the simplicity of the message, ultimately confusing all but the insiders to the code. Very often academicians are tempted to express their ideas by using specific terms related to their field of study. When it happens, it is necessary to clarify the terms as to facilitate the audience understanding of the subject and avoid in falling nonsense subject. The research presenter must be clear and understandable. If possible, he or she must replace every complicated terms by another with the same meaning. The respect for this rule makes your presentation useful and profitable. Clutter: Clutter in a speech includes repetition of fillers such as ah, um, you know, etc. Clutter in a research presentation gives the impression of hesitancy and lack of competence (Schindler and Cooper, 2011: 621). What causes clutter? The primary incorrect thinking in creating presentations is self-orientation instead of audience orientation. Take a moment to think about the way you create your slides You start well by including just the essential elements on your slide.

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Practical and research implication The present research paper is very practical since it shows research presenters acceptable ways they should follow in elaborating a plan for a speech presentation. The respect for the referring orientation conducts researchers to a successful presentation work. There are, in fact, some implications. It is not easy to follow all the rules. There are situations that users are obliged to unrespect some exposed rulers. Sometimes it is because they are not well grasped and others times because the circumstances oblige them to it. In any case, research presenters must not deviate as to damage the principal lines of objectivities. In situations that rules are posed in question, researchers must be prudent in order to not create constraints. Conclusion The subject in study has got a great impact to any research presenter. The great impact lies down the fact of being a work whose orientation can change evidently the behavior of a research presenter. It is a work, whose the subject leads the presenter to a new vision related to the way he must develop his or her communication skill in presenting a business research work. Kokemuller at his blog says that, the ability to communicate effectively, especially during oral presentations, can boost your marketability and viability for work in a variety of careers. To develop strong presentation skills, you need to consider both the verbal and nonverbal factors involved in delivering your message. http://work.chron.com/importance-communication-skills-oral-presentations-2139.html When aspects such as the rule of three in organizing and the rule of thirds in visualizing are grasped and understood quite well, the direction of our speech keeps bright. The research presenter can feel the impact of his or her work before his or her audience. However, it is important not to forget that rules are not supposed to be grasped at all.

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Even so, researchers should try to practice and respect those related to oral presentation skills just because they are essential in educational, social, and professional life. Therefore, this research paper is recommended to be read by other researchers just by its importance in helping readers with some tips related to some communication abilities in presentation.

References Bryan F. Peterson (2003). Learning to see creatively. Amphoto Press. ISBN 0-81744181-6. Bert P. Krages (2005). The Art of Composition. Allworth Communications, Inc. ISBN 158115-409-7 Cooper, R. d. (2011). Business Research Methods. USA, USA: Mc Graw Hill. Cooper, R. d. (2011). Ehninger, A. M. (1967). principles and types of speech (,6th ed. ed.). Glenview, IL:Scott, Foresman and Co. http://publicspeaker.quickanddirtytips.com/communicate-better-using-the-rule-ofthree.aspx. http://www.termwiki.com/EN:extemporaneous_presentation. http://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/impo.htm#CEP. http://www.speech-guru.com/impromptu_speech.php. http://work.chron.com/importance-communication-skills-oral-presentations-2139.html

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