Difference between revisions of "Oral Presentations"
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− | {{3040Topic | + | {{3040Topic |
+ | |Chapter_TOC=[[Common_Applications|Common Applications]] > Oral presentations | ||
− | |Introduction= Admittedly, public speaking can be stressful and overwhelming. In addition to careful planning, attention must be paid to the delivery and the needs of the audience. | + | |Introduction= Admittedly, public speaking can be stressful and overwhelming. In addition to careful planning, attention must be paid to the delivery and the needs of the audience. However, oral presentations are one of the most fruitful sources of personal growth. They develop communication skills and confidence in expressing opinions and facts. This section discusses all the useful techniques for delivering a good presentation. |
|...by students= | |...by students= | ||
− | I think oral presentation is an art and a science. You can follow specific steps and get good at it, but you also need to practice. Like an art, such as painting, the more you practice, the better you become. - Ali | + | I think oral presentation is an art and a science. You can follow specific steps and get good at it, but you also need to practice. Like an art, such as painting, the more you practice, the better you become. - '''Ali''' |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | <div style="font-size:125%;"> '''''Students Suggestion'''''... </div> | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | <div style= "font-size:110%;">'''[[Important_Tips|Important Tips]]''' for giving powerful presentations </div> | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | <div style="font-size:125%;"> '''''Summary''''' </div> | ||
+ | |||
+ | Oral presentations are similar to the writing process regarding the use of the ABC format. When presenting, remember to: | ||
+ | * A - state what you will be presenting (purpose) | ||
+ | * B - say what you said you were going to present (body) | ||
+ | * C - state what you just said again (conclusion) | ||
+ | |||
+ | These simple yet crucial steps provide a strong foundation to a fabulous oral presentation. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
}} | }} | ||
== '''Oral Presentation '''== | == '''Oral Presentation '''== | ||
− | + | [[Image:Presentation_delivery_tutorial.jpg|thumb|An oral presentation.]] | |
− | The purpose of | + | The purpose of an oral presentation is almost the same as any piece of writing. An oral presentation often includes at least one of the following purposes: |
*Communicating data analysis | *Communicating data analysis | ||
*Discussing result of a research | *Discussing result of a research | ||
*Persuading or informing audience about a particular subject matter | *Persuading or informing audience about a particular subject matter | ||
− | * | + | *Providing instructions on how to do a specific task |
− | Similar to writing, the key | + | Similar to writing, the key features of a successful oral presentation are: |
*Simplicity | *Simplicity | ||
*Clarity | *Clarity | ||
*Logical organization | *Logical organization | ||
− | |||
− | However, there are also significant differences between an oral presentation and writing. These | + | Following these principles will greatly increase the chance of a great presentation. |
+ | |||
+ | However, there are also significant differences between an oral presentation and writing. These include: | ||
*Time restrictions | *Time restrictions | ||
− | *Short attention | + | *Short attention span/concentration of the audience |
− | + | *Audience don't have the chance to revise the content of your presentation | |
− | * | + | : '''Remember''': the audience only gets one chance to hear your presentation. |
− | + | ||
− | Remember | + | |
− | + | ||
=='''Guidelines for preparation and delivery'''== | =='''Guidelines for preparation and delivery'''== | ||
Line 37: | Line 56: | ||
==='''1.Think about your audience'''=== | ==='''1.Think about your audience'''=== | ||
− | It is crucial to answer these questions when preparing your presentation | + | It is crucial to answer these questions when preparing your presentation. |
+ | |||
*What do they know about the subject? What terminology would they know? | *What do they know about the subject? What terminology would they know? | ||
Line 46: | Line 66: | ||
*How much information can they absorb? | *How much information can they absorb? | ||
− | TIP: | + | TIP: If they are new to the topic, their level of absorption may be lower than an expert audience.<br> |
+ | Leave your audience with a clear picture of the gist of your contribution, and provide them with the source if they want <br> | ||
+ | to read further after the presentation. | ||
Line 55: | Line 77: | ||
It’s important to give your presentation a structure like your writing. | It’s important to give your presentation a structure like your writing. | ||
− | As stated above, oral presentation has lots of common features and principles as writing. | + | As stated above, oral presentation has lots of common features and principles as writing. One of these features is the way you organize your speech using the ABC approach like you would for a piece of writing. This is to grasp your audience's attention and help them follow closely. |
− | Here is an indication of how to organize your speech using the ABC format: | + | Here is an indication of how to organize your speech using the [[ABC_Approach|ABC format]]: |
Line 68: | Line 90: | ||
:*Get listener’s attention by telling own experience, statistics, humour or other effective technique applicable to your audience | :*Get listener’s attention by telling own experience, statistics, humour or other effective technique applicable to your audience | ||
− | :*Clearly state the purpose | + | :*Clearly state the purpose |
− | :*List the main points of what you | + | :*List the main points of what you would cover - to sustain their attention |
Line 77: | Line 99: | ||
''Goal'': ''Tell them what you said you would tell them'' | ''Goal'': ''Tell them what you said you would tell them'' | ||
− | The most important part of the presentation where you expound, discuss and support the | + | The most important part of the presentation where you expound, discuss and support the points stated in the introduction in the same order. |
Line 87: | Line 109: | ||
− | :'''Summary''': - A clear summary of your purpose and main points will ensure that the audience gets the big picture.It should answer the question, "So what?” telling the audience what was important about the information you conveyed. Use the same key words used in the body and make a fresh, brief, and concise re-statement of your case. This helps drive your main points home and ensures that your listeners have a clear understanding of your intentions. | + | :'''Summary''': - A clear summary of your purpose and main points will ensure that the audience gets the big picture.It should answer the question, "So what?” telling the audience what was important about the information you conveyed. Use the same key words used in the body and make a fresh, brief, and concise re-statement of your case. This helps drive your main points home and ensures that your listeners have a clear understanding of your intentions. <ref name = "Lang Skills"> http://www.etsu.edu/scitech/langskil/oral.htm </ref> |
− | :'''Emotional Response''': If your speech is designed to arouse an emotional reaction, plan to make a strong appeal in the conclusion. | + | :'''Emotional Response''': If your speech is designed to arouse an emotional reaction, plan to make a strong appeal in the conclusion. <ref name = "Lang Skills"/> |
− | :'''Recommendations''': If your presentation includes a recommendation, particularly one requiring action on the part of the audience, state it clearly as part of your ending. Plan the precise words you will use in your recommendation. Let your audience know exactly what you want them to do. | + | :'''Recommendations''': If your presentation includes a recommendation, particularly one requiring action on the part of the audience, state it clearly as part of your ending. Plan the precise words you will use in your recommendation. Let your audience know exactly what you want them to do.<ref name = "Lang Skills"/> |
− | :'''Exit line''': Do not flounder at the end. Make a crisp statement and end your presentation on a positive note. Plan and memorize the ending statement, then use it. | + | :'''Exit line''': Do not flounder at the end. Make a crisp statement and end your presentation on a positive note. Plan and memorize the ending statement, then use it. <ref name = "Lang Skills"/> |
==='''3. Stick to a few main points'''=== | ==='''3. Stick to a few main points'''=== | ||
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− | ==='''4.Put your outline on cards | + | ==='''4.Put your outline on cards or paper'''=== |
− | It is important to remember that the best presentations are extemporaneous, where the presenter conveys his/her depth of the material by relying less on written | + | It is important to remember that the best presentations are extemporaneous, where the presenter conveys his/her depth of the material by relying less on written materials during the presentation except for occasional reference. This also allows last-minute changes in phrasing and adding emphasis that improve delivering. |
− | However, the appropriate use of notes for reference makes a presenter look more natural.Depending on personal | + | However, the appropriate use of notes for reference makes a presenter look more natural.Depending on personal preferences, there are different materials for writing speech notes. |
− | Refer to '''table 1''' below to see the pros and cons of each of these materials | + | Refer to '''table 1''' below to see the pros and cons of using each of these materials. |
::{| border = "1" | ::{| border = "1" | ||
− | |||
! !! '''Advantages''' !! '''Disadvantages''' | ! !! '''Advantages''' !! '''Disadvantages''' | ||
|- valign="center" | |- valign="center" | ||
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!'''Computer generated slides''' | !'''Computer generated slides''' | ||
| • Gives visual enforcement <br> • Gives the option of turning on and off <br> • Involves the audience unlike the former two || • Makes you lose eye contact with the audience as you continue to look at the screen <br> • Becomes tempting to read from screen <br> • Appearance of the slides becomes additional issue to consider - as it is one key parts of the presentation <br> • Technology might let you down – back up plan should be thought in advance | | • Gives visual enforcement <br> • Gives the option of turning on and off <br> • Involves the audience unlike the former two || • Makes you lose eye contact with the audience as you continue to look at the screen <br> • Becomes tempting to read from screen <br> • Appearance of the slides becomes additional issue to consider - as it is one key parts of the presentation <br> • Technology might let you down – back up plan should be thought in advance | ||
+ | |+ style = " bottom |'''Table 1 - Advantages and Disadvantages of different materials used for writing speech notes | ||
|} | |} | ||
+ | |||
==='''5. Practice makes perfect''' === | ==='''5. Practice makes perfect''' === | ||
− | Practice is the most important factor in making a good presentation. The effects of practice will be apparent on your attitude towards the material and the audience. | + | Practice is the most important factor in making a good presentation. The effects of practice will be apparent on your attitude towards the material and the audience.<ref> http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/oralpres.html </ref> |
− | Some effective techniques of practising for speech | + | Some effective techniques of practising for speech are: |
:'''1. Practise before mirror''' | :'''1. Practise before mirror''' | ||
− | ::'' | + | ::''Benefit'': |
::*Allows hearing and seeing yourself in action | ::*Allows hearing and seeing yourself in action | ||
::*Helps improve your confidence and familiarity with the material | ::*Helps improve your confidence and familiarity with the material | ||
::''Limitation'': | ::''Limitation'': | ||
− | ::* | + | ::*Difficult to efficiently evaluate your performance while speaking |
:'''2. Audiotape your voice''' | :'''2. Audiotape your voice''' | ||
− | ::'' | + | ::''Benefits'': |
− | ::*You can identify the variation in speed or tone | + | ::*You can identify the variation in speed or tone in your voice |
+ | ::*Recognize use of distracting fillers like 'um's, 'er's, 'like's and 'you know's | ||
::''Limitations'': | ::''Limitations'': | ||
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:'''3. Practice before live audience''' | :'''3. Practice before live audience''' | ||
− | ::'' | + | ::''Benefits'': |
− | ::*Gives you a chance of getting feedback from others rather than evaluating | + | ::*Gives you a chance of getting feedback from others rather than evaluating yourself. |
− | ::*Makes the | + | ::*Makes the practice seem very realistic |
::''Limitation'': | ::''Limitation'': | ||
− | ::*May not get honest feedback from the audience you have chosen | + | ::*May not get honest feedback from the audience you have chosen |
::*Content of presentation may not be suitable for chosen audience. Hence, impractical to expect fulfilling evaluation. | ::*Content of presentation may not be suitable for chosen audience. Hence, impractical to expect fulfilling evaluation. | ||
:'''4. Videotape presentation''' | :'''4. Videotape presentation''' | ||
− | ::'' | + | ::''Benefits'': |
− | ::*Allows you see yourself as others | + | ::*Allows you see yourself as others do and enables you carefully assess every aspect of the presentation; use of gestures, mannerism such as adjusting cloth, fiddling with tools |
− | ::*You can give the tape to other people and get as many | + | ::*You can give the tape to other people and get as many feedbacks as you would like |
− | ::*Effective at minimizing nervousness – don’t have to worry about how you look or sound during the real presentation because you already know | + | ::*Effective at minimizing nervousness – don’t have to worry about how you look or sound during the real presentation because you already know! |
==='''6. Speak vigorously and deliberately'''=== | ==='''6. Speak vigorously and deliberately'''=== | ||
− | Vigorously | + | ''Vigorously'' '''means''' enthusiasm <br> |
− | Deliberately | + | ''Deliberately'' '''means''' care, attention and appropriate emphasis on key words and phrases |
You have a limited amount of time and audience’s short attention span to work with - so it’s crucial to convey your interest in the topic and demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm. | You have a limited amount of time and audience’s short attention span to work with - so it’s crucial to convey your interest in the topic and demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm. | ||
− | Remember: Engaging audience’s attention and maintaining their interest is just as necessary as informing them about the subject matter. Use the videotaping technique discussed above for evaluating your performance. | + | '''Remember''': Engaging audience’s attention and maintaining their interest is just as necessary as informing them about the subject matter.<br> |
+ | Use the videotaping technique discussed above for evaluating your performance. | ||
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==='''7. Avoid filler words'''=== | ==='''7. Avoid filler words'''=== | ||
− | Filler words like ‘um’s, ‘uh’s, ya know, ‘like etc tend to common in | + | Filler words like ‘um’s, ‘uh’s, ya know, ‘like etc tend to be common in people speeches. In fact, in most cases you would be surprise to find out how much you use them and not even realize it. |
− | + | However, filler words are distracting and irritating to the audience. | |
− | + | To avoid using filler words in your presentation: | |
+ | |||
+ | :*Practise your speech as many times as you can because excessive use filler words tend to be indicative of lack of familiarity with the topic of discussion. | ||
+ | :*Replace filler words with strategic pauses. These short pauses allow readers to expect a change in the subject of discussion. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Best way to evaluate yourself is to use the videotaping technique once again. | ||
==='''8. Use rhetorical questions'''=== | ==='''8. Use rhetorical questions'''=== | ||
− | Rhetorical questions are those that you ask to get listeners’ thinking. You don’t expect them to answer it but rather make them think about it and prepare them for the important information you are about to discuss | + | ''Rhetorical questions'' are those that you ask to get listeners’ thinking. You don’t expect them to answer it but rather make them think about it and prepare them for the important information you are about to discuss. |
When is it most effective to use rhetorical questions in your presentation? | When is it most effective to use rhetorical questions in your presentation? | ||
− | :1. As a grabber at the | + | :1. As a grabber at the beginning of your speech |
:2. As a transition between major points | :2. As a transition between major points | ||
:3. As an attention-getter right before your conclusion | :3. As an attention-getter right before your conclusion | ||
Line 204: | Line 234: | ||
==='''9. Maintain eye contact'''=== | ==='''9. Maintain eye contact'''=== | ||
− | + | Frequent eye contact is one of the key strategies for maintaining audiences' interest. It allows you communicate personally with the audience and this makes the audience feel obliged to listen. | |
− | Remember to visit every section of the audience as much as you can. | + | '''Remember:''' to visit every section of the audience as much as you can. |
− | ==='''10. Use appropriate gestures'''=== | + | ==='''10. Use appropriate gestures and posture'''=== |
Incorporate appropriate gestures in your presentation. This reinforces your speech and helps in maintaining the audience’s attention. | Incorporate appropriate gestures in your presentation. This reinforces your speech and helps in maintaining the audience’s attention. | ||
+ | What is expected from a good speaker? | ||
− | + | * Use hands and fingers appropriately to emphasize major points | |
+ | * Stand straight - no leaning | ||
+ | * Avoid standing behind the lectern throughout the presentation - this creates distance with the audience | ||
+ | * Avoid turning your back on the audience to point on screens or other visual aids | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
+ | == Strategies for avoiding nervousness during presentation== | ||
− | + | *'''Know your speech''' - Be so sure of the material you are covering and look like you are the expert in order to distract the audience from noticing your nervousness. | |
− | + | ||
− | |||
− | + | *'''Prepare yourself physically''' - avoid caffeine or alcohol at least several hours before presentation, eat well, do relaxing exercise | |
− | |||
− | + | *'''Picture yourself giving a great presentation''' - imagine success, confidence and how much people would enjoy your presentation - this helps control negative feelings which amount to nervousness | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | *'''Have a glass of water nearby''' - it is very likely to have a dry throat from nervousness but don't let it get in the way of your wonderful presentation | |
− | |||
− | + | *'''Meet some of your audience in advance''' - ice-breaking technique to start good relationship with the audience | |
− | |||
− | + | *'''Remember you are the expert''' - the audience are eager to hear what you are about to tell them | |
− | |||
− | + | *'''Do Not admit nervousness to audience''' - to your surprise nervousness is not as apparent to the audience as you might think so avoid being nervous about looking nervous | |
− | =='''Further | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | =='''References'''== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Pfeiffer, William Sandford & Jan Boogerd. (2006).Technical Writing: A Practical Approach, fourth Canadian Edition. Toronto. Pearson Education, Inc. | ||
+ | <references/> | ||
+ | |||
+ | Jeff Radel. Oral Presentation. University of Kansas Medical Center. retrieved April 7, 2008 from http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/oralpres.html | ||
+ | |||
+ | Bill Hempphill, Language Skills Handbook, Online Edition, retrieved Apr 9, 2008 from http://www.etsu.edu/scitech/langskil/oral.htm | ||
+ | |||
+ | =='''Further Readings'''== | ||
http://people.engr.ncsu.edu/txie/publications/oral_presentation_skills.pdf | http://people.engr.ncsu.edu/txie/publications/oral_presentation_skills.pdf | ||
http://www.scivee.tv/node/2903 | http://www.scivee.tv/node/2903 | ||
+ | |||
+ | http://www.ecf.toronto.edu/~writing/handbook-oral.html |
Latest revision as of 00:00, 12 April 2008
COMP3040 > Common Applications > Oral presentations
Introduction
Admittedly, public speaking can be stressful and overwhelming. In addition to careful planning, attention must be paid to the delivery and the needs of the audience. However, oral presentations are one of the most fruitful sources of personal growth. They develop communication skills and confidence in expressing opinions and facts. This section discusses all the useful techniques for delivering a good presentation.
Contents
|
...by studentsI think oral presentation is an art and a science. You can follow specific steps and get good at it, but you also need to practice. Like an art, such as painting, the more you practice, the better you become. - Ali
Students Suggestion...
Important Tips for giving powerful presentations
Summary
Oral presentations are similar to the writing process regarding the use of the ABC format. When presenting, remember to:
These simple yet crucial steps provide a strong foundation to a fabulous oral presentation. Oral PresentationThe purpose of an oral presentation is almost the same as any piece of writing. An oral presentation often includes at least one of the following purposes:
Similar to writing, the key features of a successful oral presentation are:
Following these principles will greatly increase the chance of a great presentation. However, there are also significant differences between an oral presentation and writing. These include:
Guidelines for preparation and delivery1.Think about your audienceIt is crucial to answer these questions when preparing your presentation.
TIP: Make sure you address the lowest common denominator in your audience and adjust the presentation’s technical level appropriately.
TIP: If they are new to the topic, their level of absorption may be lower than an expert audience.
2.Preparing the presentationIt’s important to give your presentation a structure like your writing. As stated above, oral presentation has lots of common features and principles as writing. One of these features is the way you organize your speech using the ABC approach like you would for a piece of writing. This is to grasp your audience's attention and help them follow closely. Here is an indication of how to organize your speech using the ABC format:
Goal: Tell them what you are going to tell them Main points to include are:
Goal: Tell them what you said you would tell them The most important part of the presentation where you expound, discuss and support the points stated in the introduction in the same order.
Goal: Tell them what you just told them The presentation should conclude with a well-planned ending. The following are the key points to include in your presentation.
3. Stick to a few main pointsDo not try to include too much content in the time allowed. Audience’s short term memory has limited capacity so organise the presentation around few major points.
4.Put your outline on cards or paperIt is important to remember that the best presentations are extemporaneous, where the presenter conveys his/her depth of the material by relying less on written materials during the presentation except for occasional reference. This also allows last-minute changes in phrasing and adding emphasis that improve delivering. However, the appropriate use of notes for reference makes a presenter look more natural.Depending on personal preferences, there are different materials for writing speech notes. Refer to table 1 below to see the pros and cons of using each of these materials.
5. Practice makes perfectPractice is the most important factor in making a good presentation. The effects of practice will be apparent on your attitude towards the material and the audience.[2] Some effective techniques of practising for speech are:
6. Speak vigorously and deliberatelyVigorously means enthusiasm You have a limited amount of time and audience’s short attention span to work with - so it’s crucial to convey your interest in the topic and demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm. Remember: Engaging audience’s attention and maintaining their interest is just as necessary as informing them about the subject matter.
7. Avoid filler wordsFiller words like ‘um’s, ‘uh’s, ya know, ‘like etc tend to be common in people speeches. In fact, in most cases you would be surprise to find out how much you use them and not even realize it. However, filler words are distracting and irritating to the audience. To avoid using filler words in your presentation:
Best way to evaluate yourself is to use the videotaping technique once again.
8. Use rhetorical questionsRhetorical questions are those that you ask to get listeners’ thinking. You don’t expect them to answer it but rather make them think about it and prepare them for the important information you are about to discuss. When is it most effective to use rhetorical questions in your presentation?
9. Maintain eye contactFrequent eye contact is one of the key strategies for maintaining audiences' interest. It allows you communicate personally with the audience and this makes the audience feel obliged to listen. Remember: to visit every section of the audience as much as you can.
10. Use appropriate gestures and postureIncorporate appropriate gestures in your presentation. This reinforces your speech and helps in maintaining the audience’s attention. What is expected from a good speaker?
Strategies for avoiding nervousness during presentation
ReferencesPfeiffer, William Sandford & Jan Boogerd. (2006).Technical Writing: A Practical Approach, fourth Canadian Edition. Toronto. Pearson Education, Inc.
Jeff Radel. Oral Presentation. University of Kansas Medical Center. retrieved April 7, 2008 from http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/oralpres.html Bill Hempphill, Language Skills Handbook, Online Edition, retrieved Apr 9, 2008 from http://www.etsu.edu/scitech/langskil/oral.htm Further Readingshttp://people.engr.ncsu.edu/txie/publications/oral_presentation_skills.pdf http://www.scivee.tv/node/2903 http://www.ecf.toronto.edu/~writing/handbook-oral.html |