Presentation Skills

It is not sufficient to know what to say; one must also know how to say it. - Aristotle

Analyze the situation

Analyze the audience
Key audience Members Level of knowledge Their requirements Their personal preferences Demographic characteristics Size Attitude

Analyze yourself as a Speaker

Goal Knowledge
Unconsciously Incompetent

Consciously Incompetent
Consciously Competent

Unconsciously Competent

Feelings about the topic

Analyze the occasion

Facilities Time Context

Setting your goals - General

To inform To persuade To entertain To motivate Blend of any two-three

Setting your goals - specific

Whom, what, how, when and where Describe the reaction you are seeking Be as specific as possible Make your goal realistic Developing the thesis Maximize your credibility

Organizing your ideas

Flaws of organization
Taking too long to come to the point Including irrelevant material Leaving out necessary material Getting ideas mixed up

Idea generation and organization

Brainstorming FCR Worksheet
Findings, conclusions and recommendations

Journalistic approach
Who, what, when, where, why and how

Question and Answer Chain Storytellers tour Mind mapping / idea mapping

Mind mapping
Use unlined paper without any other writing on it Put in horizontal (landscape) Start with a coloured image in the centre Use images throughout your Mind Map Words should be printed (i.e. in capitals) The printed words should be on lines, and each line should be connected to other lines Words should be in 'units' one word per line, allowing each word to have free hooks and giving more freedom and flexibility Use colours to enhance memory, delight the eye and stimulate the right cortical processes The mind should be left as 'free' as possible. You will probably think of ideas faster than you can write.

Introduction - Opening statement

Question Narration / Anecdote Quotation Startling statement Refer to the audience Refer to the occasion

Organizing the presentation

Chronological Spatial Problem-solution Cause - effect Excluding alternatives Comparative Advantage Motivated sequence
Attention , need, satisfaction, visualization, action

Adding transitions
Words or sentences that connect varied segments of a presentation Work as a bridge between major parts of your remarks Help the listener remain related

Functions of conclusion
The review The closing statement
Return to the theme of your opening statement Appeal for action End with a challenge

Supporting material - Functions

Adds to three things
Clarity Interest Proof

Verbal support
Examples Stories Statistics Comparisons Citations

Visual support
Types
Objects and models Photographs Diagrams Lists and table Pie-chart Bar and column charts

Guidelines for using visual aids

Value addition Size Design A few words Horizontal

Dos
Limit The Number Of Aids You Use Use It As An Aid Only Be Comfortable In Using The Aid Keep Your Visual Aids In A Position Of Maximum Visibility Use The Pointer To Point, Not Accuse If Using An OHP Or Slide Projector, Put It ON Only For The Duration For Which It Is Required

Dont
Do not put Excessive Information Do not face the Visual Aid while using it Do not try to talk and write at the same time Do not stand in front of the Visual Aid Do not leave blank illuminated screens, they Cause Distractions

Delivering the presentation

Types
Manuscripts Memorized Extemporaneous Impromptu

Guidelines for Delivery

Visual elements
Dress effectively Step up to speak with confidence and authority Get set before speaking Establish and maintain eye contact Begin without looking at the notes Stand and move effectively Dont pack up early Move out confidently when finished

Verbal elements
Oral speaking style
Short sentences Active voice Personal pronoun Contractions Direct Address

Dont emphasize mistakes Use proper vocabulary and pronunciation

Vocal elements
Enthusiasm and sincerity Loudness Avoid disfluencies (eh. um)

Nonverbal elements
Viewed as arrogant / dictatorial

Closed arms Pounding fists Hands on hips Pointing index finger Hands behind back Steeple Preening gestures

Viewed as insecure / nervous Gripping lectern Chewing lips, fingernails Constant throat clearing Playing with hair/beard/ jewelry Clenched fists Jingling coins or keys in pocket or hands

Question and answer session

When
During the presentation After the presentation

Speaking with confidence

Accept a moderate amount of nervousness Control nervousness
Friendly audience Perfection Failure
All the good speakers were bad speakers at first.
Emerson

Think positively
If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right.
Henry Ford

 Speak more often Rehearse your presentation

Butterflies in the stomach will never go but after practice they will fly in formation.
Christina Stuart

Focus on your topic and audience, not on yourself Think rationally about your presentation
Myth 1 : A presentation must be perfect Myth 2 : It is possible to persuade the entire audience Myth 3: The worst will probably happen