GIVING PRESENTATIONS Tips for giving presentations

There are five steps to giving a presentation: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Understanding the Task Preparation Planning Delivery Evaluation

(1)

Understand the Task and the Audience

Define the purpose and aims of your presentation Who are you addressing and what is the level of their knowledge List what you intend to get across to your audience and at what level. List what the audience will have achieved at the end of the presentation.

(2)

Preparation
Read up on the topic to the depth required and collect evidence/examples to support your argument. Visual aids, samples and handouts can all enhance your presentation.

(3)

Planning
Rehearse and time the presentation. If possible, on site with a number of fellow students (help each other as a group). Choose a room that has a clock. Think about what size the audience will be and what volume you will get from your voice. Make sure that you have all the equipment available you need to give your presentation (Your notes/ timing list, disk, OHPs, handouts. Also make sure that any equipment you will require is operating properly). Prepare Cue cards (numbered!) or a running list with basic information to assist your delivery. Schedule any evidence in your running order. Speak clearly, and ask if you can be heard at the back of the room. Don't rush your delivery. Don't present too much information at one view and make sure it can be read from the back of the room. Leave a couple of minutes at the end for questions. Practice answering questions. Thank the audience/chairperson as you finish.

(4) Delivery Introduction Introduce yourself. Explain what you are talking about and why. Outline the order of your presentation. Give a preview of your opinions, results, and conclusions.

Main Section Give your interpretation of the facts you are delivering. Present your ideas and space out your points in a logical order. Produce any supporting evidence. Do not create information overload

Summary and Conclusions Re-state the main points. Stress your conclusions. Express your own feelings on the subject Suggest where further information can be obtained Invite questions.

(4)

Evaluation
Did you keep to time Were you watching the audience to see if they were following you Was your presentation structured clearly Were you able to answer questions at the end Did the audience seem to enjoy it?

General Advice Have Confidence - know your stuff. Never read a speech, or from notes because you cant then engage your audience (instead have "prompts", such as cue cards to help you). Try Breathing - calm those nerves by practicing deep, even breathing. It really works! This will also steady your voice and give you greater volume. Focus yourself - be determined to enjoy the experience. Tell stories, not what appears on a PowerPoint slide Use pictures -- graphics and mental images -- to convey the message Put yourself in the listener's shoes first, last, and always Practise, practise, dry run, practise, revise, practise, edit, practise Show Empathy - be supportive of others and you can expect their support in return.