The Matter of Speaking (How to give a good presentation) Dr. David A. Gaitros Research Associate Department of Computer Science Florida State University

It's quite simple. Say what you have to say and when you come to a sentence with a grammatical ending, sit down -- Winston Churchill "There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave." -- Dale Carnegie “I didn’t say the things I said." -- Yogi Berra “I never do it perfect but I try to do it right" -- David Gaitros

Overview Organization Who am I and why should you listen to me? Why are you giving this talk? The tips Finally ! 11/30/2015Copyright 20113

Organization A talk should have three distinct parts – An Introduction – The body of the talk (takes up most of the time) – A conclusion or wrap up Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them and then tell them what you said. It should be obvious to the participants what part they are on.

Who am I, Why should you listen to me? Subtly establish yourself as an authority or someone knowledgeable in the area you are talking. Can be done anywhere in the presentation but should come early. Experience, education, publications, etc. Example is to mention that you were the speech writer that got George W. Bush elected President.

A talk should have a reason To Inform/Educate: – Share knowledge, breaking news, etc. To Entertain: – An informative speech can also be entertaining. To Touch Emotions: – Motivational speeches Move to action to take a side in a debate – Very common

Tips on Presentation Smile, be pleasant Start slowly and gradually speed up Dress nicely and appropriately Be genuine and entertaining Use your “Outside” voice

Voice Tips and Timing Practice, practice, practice Make sure you can deliver the presentation in the amount of time Vary your voice Fluency -> Talk right Don’t read the slides Put notes on the notes page or 3x5 cards Set the Presentation to automatically go to the next slide. Tape yourself Avoid “Um”, “Er”, “Like”, “Totally”

Tips on Body Language Smile – Be confident Stand up straight Walk around Use your hands, be expressive Eye contact – scan the whole audience Keep hands out of pockets

Tips on Visual Aids Keep them simple Bullets are best, pictures are better Use large fonts Use Color—Make it pretty Prepare handouts if you can Practice demonstrations – You will, in most cases, have to slow them down Don’t over due the visual affects Go to the venue ahead of time – Make sure slides can be seen – Make sure you can be seen – Make sure your equipment works HAVE A BACKUP PLAN…

Final tips Respect the audience, don’t talk down to them. Treat them as at least peers - ALWAYS! Use clear English, make yourself understood Don’t make excuses and don’t point out mistakes KNOW YOUR SUBJECT Keep calm Save time for questions

Finally Make sure the audience knows the end is near or here. Wrap up the subject…Hit the main points – Well Organized – Entertaining – Simplicity is best – Be sincere – The audience should remember you

Questions