The Manufacturing Division presents a “Best Presentation” Award each conference year. By following the guidelines for a quality presentation, you will be a candidate for this award. If you are selected and notified as a winner of this award, it will be awarded at our awards banquet the following year.
1. Delivery with Visuals
An important part of your presentation will be the visual presentation. Visuals, when properly prepared, will add a feel of professionalism to your presentation. The Manufacturing Division requests professional presentations using a presentation projector and slides. Powerpoint in Windows PC format is the preferred format for presentations in the Manufacturing Division. The following tips are offered for slide creation and presentation:
a. The minimum 20-point font should be used with titles a larger font. A pre-conference trial run will help the presenter determine the proper viewing font for individual presentation.
b. There should be approximately four item listed on a slide. These items should only be key points. Information listed on slides should be kept at a minimum (keep it simple). Presenters will be prepared to discuss the key points in detail. Use upper and lower case rather than all caps for full effectiveness. There should be consideration for sufficient contrast between text and the background of each slide.
c. When preparing slides, keep in mind the limited time allowed for conference presentations. Time limits allowed are usually 10-20 minutes with some audience discussion time. Typically, session facilitators will inform you of session time limits beforehand. Practice, practice to stay in this time limit. Presentation quality is compromised when the first two or three slides are discussed and the rest are hurriedly clicked through not allowing enough time for audience to read the slides’ contents.
d. Do not read directly from slide but use slide content as a presentation guide. Avoid turning back to audience to read slides on screen. Be prepared and familiar with the material.
2. Optimal Vocal and Verbal Preparation
a. Show enthusiasm for your topic. The best way to show enthusiasm for your topic is to be familiar with your topic.
b. Eye contact with audience members is crucial to a quality presentation. Avoid reading directly from notes or slides. Practice beforehand and if speaker notes are necessary, create them only to keep presentation on track.
i. Memorization of material is not recommended.
ii. Do not look at the floor or ceiling or one or two audience members. Practice looking at each audience member. This involves the audience and will most likely generate more participation during discussion.
c. Speak so you will be heard from every corner of the room. Speak at a rate consistent with professional presentations. Remember, some audience members may be ESL participants and will have difficulty understanding information presented at a fast pace. Although time is limited, speak clearly and slowly, only quickening pace for effect.
d. Avoid annoying habits such as handling the keys in your pockets or nervous habits such as “ums” and “you knows.” When a speaker appears nervous, the audience attention will focus on these habits rather than the presentation material.
YOUR ROLE AS AN ACCEPTED PRESENTER...
Communication is important once you are accepted to present at the conference. The session moderator will contact you with session information and may request confirmation of your conference attendance. Timely response is requested so sessions can be planned accordingly. At the conference, arrive early for your session and inform the session moderator of your presence. The session moderator will update you on presentation time allotments and session format.
Thank you for your participation in the Manufacturing Division of the ASEE. We hope these presentation guidelines will offer the assistance needed for preparation and presentation of your conference session.
For questions/comments, please contact Dave Kim.