Frequently, oral presentations will be required as the culmination of a research project. The following are general guidelines for making oral presentations for any class.
Confirm factual accuracy
Make sure sources are reliable
Give credit to sources
Present interesting ideas and facts
Use a logical sequence, such as one of these:
Order of importance
Chronological order
Comparison/contrast
Cause and effect
Spatial relations
Themes or topics
Problem/solution
Use logical transitions
Be sure introduction is interesting and appropriate to the audience
Check that content is adequately detailed without being redundant
Be concise
Keep content of speech related and focused
Acknowledge your audience's understanding of your topic and build on it
Loud enough, slow enough and clear enough
Enough eye contact
No gum chewing or hats
Confident posture, appropriate gestures, no random movements
Vocal variety
Avoid monotone
Statements should sound like statements
Questions should sound like questions
Energy and enthusiasm
When using visual aids you should:
Integrate them into the presentation; do not use them as an “add-on"
Make them readable and clear (large enough images) even from the back of the room
Emphasize key points; use the visual aid for instruction
If you use technology, practice and rehearse so you know how to use the equipment well
Set up equipment prior to your presentation
Vocabulary should be appropriate to your subject
Do not use slang
Correctly pronounce words
Avoid vocal pauses: um, ahh, ya know, like, and I mean