Presentations

Some thirty million presentations are given each day, making them an integral part of modern society.

The ability to give a good presentation can make a difference in being successful in school, gaining a promotion at work, or losing a lucrative business deal.

Process, Plan, Structure, Revise, Practice, Do, Assess

Presentations should be planned and organized and follow a process similar to writing an essay or report.

Presentations should be organized and follow a simple format of introduction, content, conclusion.

Introductions and Oral Presentations

  • thank person introducing you, why here/happy to be here

  • introduce yourself

  • introduce your topic

  • formula: Intro - Body - Conclusion

      • tell them what you are going to tell them

      • tell them

      • tell them what you told them

Expert Advice

Here is some expert advice to follow in your own presentation.

Oral Business Presentations.pptx

Read this handout on presentations:

Planning an effective presentation.pdf

Here is another good summary:

Steps for Planning and Preparing an Effective Presentation.pdf

Experts have differing opinions on what makes a good presentation and a good slide.

These suggestions might work for you:

10 Rules to Improve Presentations.docx

Here are some short videos on presentation styles and formats:

Slides

  • Slides are secondary to the oral presentation.

  • They should enhance your talk, not distract from it.

  • The slides are not the main event, you and the information you convey should remain center stage.

  • The slides you create should be minimalist and preferably contain visual information that is necessary to the understanding of your presentation.

Here is a humorous look at what NOT to do when creating a slide presentation:

Body Language

Body language can be a deal breaker. It can bring an audience in and keep their interest or it can undermine and distract from the message. Often we are unaware of our own bodily movements and quirks. Over awareness can also distract ourselves from being natural and doing our best.

          • The best way to improve our body messages is to get feedback, especially in the form of a video of our public speaking, in order to assess the areas to work on.

Body language.docx

Presentation Anxiety

  • Some people perform best under pressure, others mess it all up when they feel stressed and are the center of attention.

  • There are tips on how to overcome presentation anxiety, the most important of which is to be very well prepared.

Feedback and Self-Assessment

Feedback helps us to improve on our future presentations.

Audience feedback can be immediate or follow afterwards.

  • Do they appear to be listening? interested?

  • Did they understand the main points or did they ask for clarity afterwards?

  • What suggestions were offered?

Self-assessment is important to improve upon our delivery of information.

  • How do you feel immediately afterwards? later in the day? the next day?

  • What went well? What didn't?

  • Which slides helped me to deliver content better? Which ones didn't?


Here is an example of an audience or expert feedback form:

Presentation Feedback Form.docx

Here is an example of a Self-Assessment form to use:

Learn by Observing Others

Besides practicing, the best way to improve your presentation skills is to observe others.

  • Which visuals are the most effective?

  • What informational strategies work that you can try?

  • Notice body language and learn to use good gestures.