CC Presentation Guidelines

Introduction Communicate thoughts and ideas effectively using various tools and media Presentation skills important for job interviews bidding for contracts explaining to clients Investment in presentation skills is always rewarded gives an “edge” over other candidates

Introduction Focus on your strengths use these to best advantage Try to be yourself build on your strengths identify and work on your weaknesses engage the audience What works for one person might not work for another use techniques that make you feel comfortable

Preparation When preparing, consider: Who is the audience? what do they already know? What is the main purpose of my talk? approval, giving information...? What material do I have/need? How much time do I have? to prepare for the talk for questions What visual aids are appropriate/available?

The Audience Ensure the presentation meets the needs of the audience Who are they? Why are they here? How many will be present? What do they hope to gain? What is their level of expertise? What do they expect of me? Do I know them already? Is it a formal presentation or an informal talk? What is the purpose of the presentation?

The Content The content should be appropriate for the purpose needs of audience level of expertise of audience time allowed Consider key areas to be included Design a logical structure Focus on the main topics do not try to cover too much material detail can often be given in an accompanying report Know the background be confident about the topic be able to deal with any questions

The Structure Introduction: Tell them what you are going to tell them Main Body of Talk: Tell them Conclusion: Tell them what you have told them

The Structure: Introduction Explains the purpose and outline Could include: Welcome the audience Introduce yourself introduce your team and your role if appropriate Identify the topic and scope Ensure that the audience can hear and see a rehearsal can help here Indicate how long the presentation will be

The Structure: Main Body of Talk Contains material in a logical and appropriate structure present facts consider options make recommendations in keeping with the topic of your talk

The Structure: Main Body of Talk Ensure the material covered is: memorable relevant to your audience meets requirements of the audience

Main Body of Talk: The Project Proposal Check the coursework specification Check the presentation guidelines You need to include: An outline literature review problem(s) your are trying to solve, key issues, etc. Aims and objectives Proposed tools and techniques DFD, UML, ERD, rich picture, decision tables... Identified project boundaries, constraints, risks, contingency plans

The Structure: Conclusion Summarise the main points helps the audience remember Show how arguments support conclusion create a logical flow

Delivering your presentation Personal approach Maintaining attention Visual aids Timing Question time

Personal approach Gesture and body language Show you are confident and in control...but not over-confident Eye contact Communicate with each member of the audience Smile Be friendly, welcoming and approachable Breathing Controlled breathing helps be calm and confident project your voice

Maintaining attention Do not read from prepared text Reading voice not as spontaneous as natural voice Talk could become monotonous Could lose your place Avoid trying to memorise your talk Not able to respond to audience Could forget something Could lose the sequence and structure Vary the tone of voice Show enthusiasm/commitment

Maintaining attention Avoid speaking too quickly Try to maintain good posture be relaxed be mobile Demonstrate that you understand the topic Enjoy yourself the audience will be on your side they want to hear what you have to say

Visual aids Visual aids (e.g. slides) are useful if they: Attract and maintain attention and interest Assist in explanation of complicated issues Make the structure of the presentation clear Act as verbal “landmarks” for the speaker Communicate data more easily e.g. tables of figures, graphs showing trends

Visual aids Visual aids can become a problem if: Too much information is displayed at any one time They cannot be seen in all parts of the room test before the talk itself You are talking to the screen and not the audience creates a barrier loss of eye contact voice may be inaudible You have the slides in the wrong sequence You simply read from the slides

Timing Keep within the time allocated might be stopped if you overrun audience might lose interest Check the time without being too obvious rehearse to check time at key points If you overrun, summarise the main points and close do not “steal” time from team members Rehearse your talk check timing check material covered check sequence check handovers (if appropriate) allow for questions

Question Time: Did they understand what you told them? The audience will want to ask questions clarify their own understanding explore related ideas Handling questions well adds to the success of talk Look at the person asking the question listen to what they have to say do not interrupt wait until they have finished It is often useful to repeat the question make it clear in your own mind rest of the audience knows what you are addressing

Question Time: Did they understand what you told them? Answer clearly, but not in excessive detail Check the asker is happy with the response If you do not know the answer, be honest and say you will find out Do not ignore the question and answer one you would have preferred to have been asked instead Always be polite to those asking the questions

Summary Do Prepare background research if not used in the talk, may be needed at question time Obtain material from a wide range of sources Be organised – prepare and rehearse Structure your presentation Use cards with bullet points or your slides Focus on the specific requirements Speak clearly Have eye contact with your audience avoid staring at individuals

Summary Do NOT Leave research and preparation to the last minute Rely on one source of data Make it up Have no notes to rely on if you get stuck Read from a script Memorise your talk Exceed the time allocated