1. Tips for Giving Oral Presentations Content Delivery Visuals Body Language Timing General Protocol

2. Content  Keep the focus of the talk on the stated theme. If you digress, make sure you return to the original line of argument.  Keep to the main points and don’t focus on unnecessary or time consuming detail.  Try to anticipate the areas of your talk that are most likely to generate questions from the audience (i.e. be prepared)

3. Delivery I  Use clear, well-formulated, and purposeful opening and concluding statements.  Check pronunciation of key words beforehand and if necessary rehearse them (you may wish to provide these in written form).  Stress main points and key words by raising voice slightly and using pauses.

4. Delivery II  Use pauses between sections/points; they help indicate structure and give your audience a chance to “catch up” and anticipate what is to follow.  Try not to read from long sections of text. Use notes or prompt cards so that you are not so text dependent.  If you decide to use a script, make sure you are able to maintain a reasonable degree of eye-contact, and do not forget that your audience do not have a copy of your paper.

5. Visuals I  Make sure your visuals are clear and legible, and that any tables and diagrams are large enough to see.  Check all visuals for spelling and typographical errors.  Don’t photocopy long extracts of text onto a transparency.  Don’t overcrowd your transparency (your transparency should not tell the whole story).

6. Visuals II  Always check that your material is correctly projected onto the screen.  When highlighting an item on your transparency, make sure you don’t obscure other relevant data.  Don’t stand between the audience and the projected image.

7. Visuals III  When you have finished talking about a visual, remove if from the OHP.  Where possible, vary your mode of delivery (e.g. OHP, handout, talk), and make sure you move smoothly from one to the other.  Remember your visuals can help you when answering questions afterwards.

8. Body Language  Try to establish eye-contact with the whole audience, not just one part or one side.  Whether you sit or stand will depend on the seminar format and the material you deliver.  Avoid too many repeated movements/gestures.

9. Timing Make sure you time your contribution appropriately. Running over your allowed time on the seminar schedule is in fact “stealing” time from others.

10. General Protocol Request permission before you record a speaker Don’t set up your recording after the speaker has begun.

11. Dealing with Questions  Check your understanding of a question before you give your answer.  It sometimes helps to repeat or rephrase the question.