Presentation Skills 18 month Meeting, Unilever Vlaardingen, March 29-31, 2010 Timothy J. Foster University of Nottingham

What Makes a good presentation?

Good, simple introduction Warm, confident voice Clear structure Speaking clearly Passion for subject Free of unnecessary jargon Visually interesting slides Appropriate use of humour Large fonts

What Makes a good presentation? Positive body language Making sure screen is always visible No fidgeting Eye contact with audience Verbal pointers indicating different sections Summary Slide Presentation at correct level for audience Staying within time limit Handling questions confidently and honestly

Presentation Skills Skills required –Preparation –Content –Structure –Delivery –Timing –Visual Aids –Response to Questions –Summing Up

Presentation Skills Qualities needed –Confidence –Impact –Manner –Non-verbals

Presentation Skills Learning from experience –Self-Assessment –Feedback

Different Presentation Structures

The Classical The Problem Centred The Comparative The Sequential The Thesis

The Classical 1.Introduction 2.a b c 3.a b c 4.a b c 5. Conclusion

The Problem Centred 1.Statement of problem 2.Solution 1 3.Solution 2 4.Solution 3 5.Conclusion

The Comparative 1.Introduction: Items X and Y 2.Feature 1X and Y 3.Feature 2 X and Y 4.Feature 3X and Y 5.Summary

The Sequential 1.Introduction 2.Argument 1…leads to 3.Argument 2…leads to 4.Argument 3 5.Conclusion

The Thesis 1.Introduction Assertion is made and then proved or disproved Using a mixture of argument, evidence, speculation… Conclusion

Controlling your nerves Prepare Rehearse Use your breath Get as much experience as you can Learn from watching others

Making Talks Memorable Good recall depends on: –Actively processing information Gain attention/involvement –Amount to be remembered Keep attention Use structure –Depth of processing Elaborate with examples, visual imagery Make the audience work –Relationship to existing knowledge Relate to everyday/prior experience

Gaining Attention Startling fact Question Quotation Anecdote Humour

General Hints KIS(S) – plenty of white space, not too many ideas per page Use figures or pictures if appropriate Use clear bullet points Make sure font is big enough Include clear introduction slide Include a clear conclusion slide

Do & Don’t Do –Use colour carefully –Practise –Have prompts if you need them

Do & Don’t Do –Use colour carefully –Practise –Have prompts if you need them (These might be visual and use them as tabs)

Do & Don’t Do –Use colour carefully –Practise –Have prompts if you need them Don’t –Over-do effects –Crowd slides –Have too many slides –Talk with your back to the audience –Use a script

Body Language Close / negative –Arms folded –Legs folded –Avoiding eye contact –Nervous pacing or fidgeting –Trembling –Breathing shallow, high in chest –Touching face –Slumped shoulders Open / positive –Arms uncrossed –Legs uncrossed –Warm eye contact –Solid stance –In control –Breathing deep, into belly –No distracting mannerisms –Shoulders back

Any Questions?