Making Oral Presentations Communication Skills Making Oral Presentations

Preparation The material of your presentation should be concise, to the point and tell an interesting story.

Preparation The audience not ONLY looks at: content visual aids Subconsciously they are ALSO taking in: your voice – how you say it is as important as what you say.

Preparation Body Language –body movements that express your TRUE attitudes thoughts Appearance – first impressions influence the audience’s attitudes toward you. Dress appropriately.

Preparation As with most personal skills oral communication cannot be taught Practice is essential

Preparation Structure your talk carefully and logically, just like a written report. Ask yourself, what are: the objectives of the talk? the main points you want to make?

Preparation Never read from script. Prepare cue cards with key words or phrases (and possibly sketches) on them. Note cards are great. Number the cards in case you drop them.

Making the Presentation Greet the audience, and tell them who you are. Good presentations follow this formula: Tell the audience what you are going to tell them, then tell them at the end tell them what you have told them.

Making the Presentation At the end of your presentation ask if there are any questions.

Delivery Four things you should NOT do: Don’t shout or whisper. Don’t rush through your presentation. Don’t talk deliberately slowly. Don’t tell jokes.

Delivery To make the presentation interesting, change your delivery, but not too obviously: Speed Pitch of voice

Delivery Things to remember: Don’t face the display screen behind you. Don’t stand in a position where you obscure the screen. Don’t read your words on the screen. Avoid moving about too much. Keep an eye on the audience.

Finally… Enjoy yourself The audience will be on your side They want to hear what you have to say!