Presentation Skills

Outline of lecture Planning Preparation Message Media Delivery Conclusion Key points

Planning Understand the brief. The objectives of the talk? – Read carefully, discuss and agree on, specifically what, you are being asked to do. The objectives of the talk? The main points you want to make. A rough draft Brainstorm

Preparation Audience - who are the members? How many will be at the event Understanding - what is their knowledge about the topic you will be addressing? Demographics - what is their age, sex, educational background, etc.? Interest - why will they be at this event? Who asked them to be there?

Preparation Cont. Environment - where will I stand when I speak? Will everyone be able to see me? Needs - what are the listener's needs? What are your needs as a speaker? Customized - how can I custom fit my message to this audience? Expectations - what do the listeners expect to learn from me?

Message Structure. Style. The message refers to EVERYTHING a speaker does or says, both verbally and non-verbally: Structure. An introduction - why are you there. A body -what message do you want to convey. A conclusion. Style. Styles can vary from very formal to the very informal.

Media Transparencies/slides Power point slides Video projection/projector handouts

How to Convey Your Message Visible Use a reasonable size font and a typeface which will enlarge well Clear Slides and OHPs should contain the minimum information necessary Simple Visually simplify using design, colour, or overlays

What Are Visuals? Graphs Charts Maps Photos Drawings Images models Video/film Objects

Before Delivery Rehearse your presentation. To yourself at first and then in front of some colleagues.

Delivery Speak clearly- don't shout or whisper - judge the acoustics of the room Say what you are going to say Say it - remember that "listeners" listen only 25 to 50% of the time Say what you’ve said - repetition often suggests importance Deliberately pause at key points

Conclusion Review, highlight and emphasize - key points, benefits, recommendations Draw conclusions - where are we? ... What does all of this mean? ... What's the next Always prepare a strong closing summary.

Points to remember - planning Clarify objectives Structure Introduction Body Conclusion Select visuals

Common PowerPoint mistakes People tend to put every word they are going to say on their PowerPoint slides. Although this eliminates the need to memorize your talk, ultimately this makes your slides crowded, wordy and boring. You will loose your audience’s attention before you even reach the bottom of your.....

Continued) ..........first slide.

2. Many people do not run spell cheek before theirs presentation – BIG MISTAK!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing makes you look stupid than spelling errors.

Too many Bullet Points Avoid Excessive Bullet Pointing Only Key Points And Your Key Messages Will Not Stand Out In fact Term ‘Bullet Points’ Comes From People Firing Guns At Annoying Presenters

Bad colour schemes Clashing Background and font colours can lead to: Distraction Confusion Headache Vomiting Nausea Loss of Bladder Control

Other Points to Remember Rehearse Eye contact Posture Gestures Inflection Movement Nerve control

Finally ..., Enjoy yourself - The audience will be on your side and want to hear what you have to say!