Informative Presentations Based on Chapter 11, Goodall and Goodall Lynne Dahmen COM 2301: Advanced Speech
Informative vs. Persuasive Objective Non-persuasive Specific purposes: Briefings Reports Training Persuasive Lead to a decision Provoke action
Establishing Credibility Educational background Expertise in area Empathy with audience’s concerns Enthusiasm Appearance Title/position
Review: Identifying Audience Usually several audiences With different needs and expectations Yourself and your boss/coworkers may be secondary audiences
Review: Possible Outcomes Informing Persuading Entertaining Improving relationships
What criteria for success when informing? Increased interest in product or subject Improved relationships From work: Positive feedback More responsibility/opportunities given in future
Review: Creating the Message Conduct research from credible sources Create effective presentation Vary visual and verbal support
Reminders about Research Identify experts in the field Read widely Ask for help as needed Don’t wait until the last minute
Review: Best Practices for PowerPoint Don’t over rely on slides Start without using the slides Don’t put all the info on the slides Limit number of slides Be consistent with a subtle transition Limit text on slides Ensure readability in size and font
Review: Visuals and PowerPoint Use colors wisely Limit to 3 colors per presentation Avoid combining green/red High contrast Use color to highlight important info Use visuals/clipart sparingly
Review: Types of Evidence Examples (verbal, visual) References (citing authority) Statistics—beware of context/relevance
Review: Intros/Conclusions Tie conclusion back to intro Review types of intros (questions, statements, quotes, personal experience, story, images) Review types of conclusions (suggest further directions, return to intro, pose a question, summarize)
Review: Don’t forget coordination! ALL members of the team responsible for ALL content Avoid repetition among team members Ask others outside group for ideas Ask others to review content/slides
Review: Delivery Practice alone Practice together Consider what others will do/where they will be while you present Focus on details Appearance matters!