“Shake with the Right and Look ‘em in the Eye!!” Presentation Skills for Graduation Project

Handshake Shake hands with judges as you introduce yourself

Handshaking tips from the Etiquette book, by Peggy Post (2007) The tradition comes from ancient times, when men would extend an open right hand to show that they weren’t bearing weapons Symbolizes welcome, good faith, agreement A firm grip, not bone-crunching or pumping Adjust your grip to the individual Release your hold after a few seconds

Poise and Posture Standing Still Find Center of Gravity Watch Excessive Swaying of Hands or Feet

Tips Dress appropriately Be aware of flailing arms Establish eye contact Be aware of how your voice is carrying Watch out for the uhs and ums. Be prepared. Practice, practice, practice!

Opportunities for presentations include: High school and college assignments Club responsibilities Church responsibilities Community responsibilities Roles within civic organizations Work- related duties

We’re afraid of… being judged as incompetent or unknowledgeable by our audience.

Step 1: Establish the goal of your presentation. To inform To touch emotions To entertain To motivate

Know your audience! Your audience will be three judges Step 2:

A NALYSIS Why did you pick this topic for your research?

U NDERSTANDING What did you hope to gain by this research?

ADDITIONAL POINTS OF UNDERSTANDING What DID you gain from your research? How did you tie in your product to your research topic? Tell your judges about your learning STRETCH. What was your particular STRETCH in doing your product?

D EMOGRAPHICS Your audience -- your judges Use Language the judges will understand

I NTEREST One Main Point

E NVIRONMENT Classroom – arrange your visual

N EEDS Why does your Audience need to know this information?

C USTOMIZE Personalize

To be twice as powerful, use half as many words.

E XPECTATIONS Share what you expected to learn or gain

A NALYSIS U NDERSTANDING D EMOGRAPHICS I NTEREST E NVIRONMENT N EEDS C USTOMIZE E XPECTATIONS

Step 3: Organize and compose your presentation. GreetingHook Introduction BODY Closing

Step 4: Practice correctly.

SMILE!!!!

Avoid “trendy” clothing and hairstyles.

More appropriate choices might include:

Make use of “cue” cards. DO NOT READ

“He who fails to prepare is preparing for failure.”

Step 5: Know how to handle being nervous!

Be prepared!!

Physical preparations Plan clothing. Practice “calming” techniques.

Before speaking,AVOI D :

Mental preparations

PREPARATION HAVE ALL MATERIALS READY

“There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars.” Mark Twain

Step 6: Delivery of presentation. Arrange notes. Make eye contact with audience. Smile. Avoid nervous mannerisms. Speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard by everyone.

Remember: you have CONFIDENCE!! Content Organization Notes Friendliness Impression Dedication Empathy Newness Conviction Enthusiasm

“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” Arthur Ashe

The End