1 Presentation structure Introduction Needs to grab the audience’s attention Concise Lets audience know what the talk will be about Body Consists of points (for a two minute talk, you may have two main points; for a three minute talk, you may have three main points etc) Signals to audience when you are discussing a new point Points need to flow logically (be connected) Conclusion Summarises key points made Should leave the audience with something to think about Adapted from an AUT University Communication Studies Dept teaching resource

2 Oral presentation skills See this week’s reading: Adler and Rodman, for more detail What topic? Select a topic that you are interested in Select a topic your audience will be interested in Make sure that your topic is suitable for your audience 2. Ineffective types of delivery: Manuscript: This is a delivery type where you read your presentation word-for-word. Impromptu: This is an unprepared talk and delivery

3 Oral presentation skills continued Memorised: This delivery type can often be worse than manuscript delivery as it appears false and mechanical. The speaker is bound to the words he/she has memorised; there is no room for fluency 3. An effective delivery: Extemporaneous / enhanced conversational: This delivery is the preferred type. It has a balanced amount of preparation and rehearsal but is not memorised or read. The aim is to talk to the audience with a relaxed and conversational manner Use an outline: prepare an A4 sheet of paper with your key ideas on it. You can refer to this briefly while presenting your talk

4 Oral presentation skills 4. Guidelines for delivery Speak with confidence (stand tall, and don’t fidget with your hands or clothing) You need to gesture (but don’t over gesture; this will look forced) Have all of your resources (i.e. outline, visuals) ready before you start speaking Begin without looking at your outline Establish and maintain eye contact: you will achieve a higher rapport with your audience if you look at them. Remember, though, to randomly scan the room…try to look at everyone but don’t look too robotic Only pack up once you have finished your talk Remember that oral presentations rely on effective nonverbal communication cues from the speaker

5 Oral presentation skills 5. Vocal elements Speak with enthusiasm: This helps to build rapport with your audience Choose a topic that you enjoy talking about: This will come through in your vocals Speak loud enough to be heard: Do not shout but do not speak too softly Avoid “ums” 6. Remember: It is normal to feel anxious: nerves can help you if you have prepared well Practise!!! Visualise your audience while you are practising

6 Introduction to case studies What was learnt last week is important for the rest of the course. We will be constantly discussing the role of sender/receiver, barriers etc. throughout this course This case study will help you to revise what was learnt last week and will help you to apply the communication theory that you have already learnt to ‘interpersonal communication’ situations.