An Introduction to Giving Presentations Fritz R. Fiedler Civil Engineering University of Idaho

Outline Plan Preparation Speaking Visual Aids

Plan Type of talk –technical or not –instructional, informative, entertaining –formal or not Audience - purpose Time

Preparation Outline Problem statement – purpose of talk introduction – body – conclusion limit/repeat key points rehearse: organization, clarity, timing visual aids: clear, consistent, readable, simple

Speaking length: do not go over! opening: professional, humor(?), stories(?) transitions (topics, people): smooth, logical conclusion: audience will remember

Speaking (continued) rate: 100 words/min, repeat key points speaking voice: loud, clear, enthusiastic eye contact: focus on audience! body language (practice w/audience) dealing with questions

Visual Aids Clear Readable Simple Consistent Pictures if appropriate Backgrounds etc….

How To Give A Bad Talk 1.Do not be neat: Why waste precious time preparing slides? Ignore spelling, grammar and legibility. Who cares what other people think? 2.Do not be brief: Do you want to continue the stereotype that engineers can't write? Always use complete sentences, never just key words. If possible, use whole paragraphs and read every word, word for word. 3.Use a nice, small font: Be humble -- use a small font. Important people sit in front. Who cares about the riff-raff? 4.Use crazy colors: Flagrant use of color indicates good work. 5.Don’t use illustrations 6.Do not make eye contact: You should avert eyes to show respect. Blocking the screen, or better yet talking to it, can also add mystery. 7.Do not skip slides in a long talk: You prepared the slides; people came for your whole talk; so just talk faster. Skip your summary and conclusions if necessary. 8.Don’t practice: Why waste research time practicing a talk? It could take several hours out of your four years of college. How can you appear spontaneous if you practice? If you do practice, argue with any suggestions you get and make sure your talk is longer than the time you have to present it.

Conclusion Plan: audience, purpose of talk, timing Prepare and rehearse Speak clearly, slowly, with enthusiasm Use clear, sensible visual aids