1. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 1 of 12 Delivering Presentations  Presentation skills develop with practice  Delivery involves three key elements: Body language (eye contact, use of space and movement, gestures) Voice (projection, pitch, pace) Speaking style (connection with audience, clarity and conciseness, level of vocabulary

2. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 2 of 12 Improving Body Language  Sustain eye contact  Size gesture and movement to the space available  Maintain an open posture  Use facial expressions to emphasize message, express enthusiasm, and indicate that you are approachable  Study how dynamic speakers use body language  Videotape your presentation or practice in front of an audience who will give you feedback

3. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 3 of 12 Improving Posture ProblemSolution Tilted postureStand straight, weight even on both feet Slumped postureKeep shoulders back, knees relaxed Leaning awayKeep knees slightly bent Leaning on something Move away from inviting surfaces Closed gesturesTurn palms to audience Fig leaf postureDrop arms to side of body

4. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 4 of 12 Improving Gestures ProblemSolution Lecturing gesturesDon’t point figure at audience, cross arms, or put hands on hips SteeplingDon’t place hands in prayer position Too few or too small gestures Use more and larger gestures Too few sustained gestures Hold gesture until point is completed

5. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 5 of 12 Other Body Language Improvements ProblemsSolutions Lack of sustained eye contact Hold eye contact long enough to complete a sentence Repetitive movements and irritating habits Avoid fidgeting, pushing glasses up the nose, playing with hair, jingling change in pocket, rubbing hands together, rising up on toes, etc.

6. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 6 of 12 Improving Voice  Speak naturally rather than reading from notes  Breathe deeply and practice projecting your voice  Keep chin level to avoid a high-pitched voice  Avoid pitching up at the end of a statement  Vary your pace to enhance your message  Use pauses to create emphasis

7. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 7 of 12 Improving Voice ProblemSolution Pitching upHave someone model what you’re doing and then practice maintaining level pitch at end of sentences. Sounding stiltedAvoid reading; give presentations at every opportunity to increase confidence Not enunciating clearly Improve diction by pausing, breathing deeply, and slowing down

8. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 8 of 12 Improving Voice ProblemSolution Fading outBreathe more deeply and/or more often Not projectingBreathe more deeply or speak in shorter, less complicated sentences Sounding dullGain control of anxiety and practice varying tone, pitch, pace, volume, and expression Poor pronunciation Speak with good volume and pace; practice pronouncing key words; work with a voice coach.

9. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 9 of 12 Improving Speaking Style  Address your audience directly; personalize your presentation  Use simpler words, shorter sentences, and more repetition  Distinguish between jargon and specialized language  Avoid filler sounds and words; pause silently  Audiotape presentation and concentrate on one aspect of speaking style at a time  Practice voice exercises

10. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 10 of 12 Improving Speaking Style ProblemSolution Using jargon or too many acronyms Pay attention to audience’s level of expertise and restrict use of acronyms Being wordyRehearse with someone who will write down wordy phrases, sentences, and passages in your presentation Revise for conciseness Lacking personal pronouns Refer to people by name and switch perspective to 1 st or 2 nd person Using fillersPractice pausing silently

11. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 11 of 12 Practice, practice, practice To improve your confidence and delivery, consider one of the following activities:  Join a Toastmasters’ club  Take a presentation skills course at a local college  Get involved in theatre sports  Take up singing  Sign-up for vocal coaching  Take an auctioneering course  Seek opportunities to present

12. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication 12 of 12 Toastmasters  To locate the Toastmasters’ club nearest you, contact tminfo@toastmaster.org tminfo@toastmaster.org  For more general information, visit the Toastmasters’ website at http://www.toastmasters.orghttp://www.toastmasters.org