Giving Presentations

Notes from the Observatory!Dr. Geoffrey A. Walker V. 5.2

Once upon a time, information was sacred...

'The devout monk enjoys four particular benefits from writing: the time that is precious is profitably spent; his understanding is enlightened as he writes; his heart within is kindled to devotion; and after this life he is rewarded with a unique prize '

Trithemius, J. (1492) De Laude Scriptorum

‘an organism within the complex ecosystem of post-modern society. It has an active social life and is subject to behavioural problems. But, just as you would nurture a child, it needs love, care and attention to create an understanding of the environment in which it operates.'

Walker, G. (2007) Future Witness

now, information is..

YouTube Video

How NOT

to use

Powerpoint

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YefStVmvTnc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Z_v6Z2jx4

Hans uses Gapminderhttp://www.ted.com/talks/

hans_rosling_shows_the_best_stats_you_ve_ever_seen.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_reveals_new_insights_on_poverty.html

The Beauty of Data Visualisation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLqjQ55tz-U

David McCandless

Preparation + Practice = Performance

Many people are nervous about talking in front of an audience, usually because they are afraid of making a mess of it. Ironically, it is uncontrolled nerves that are most likely to lead to a poor performance - so building confidence through preparation and practice is really important. Giving presentations is one of the skills that employers expect graduates to have, so you should make the most of any experience you can get.

Presentation Nerves?

Where do you give presentations?

• In tutorials • As part of the

assessment of projects

• In activities or events• Other?

Preparing your PresentationThere are 8 components to a presentation:1.Setting objectives2.Knowing limitations3.Establishing key points4.Identify beginning5.Identify middle6.Identify end7.And then...questions, comments, next?8.Other visual aids and handouts

Practising your Presentation

Once you have prepared, you need to do 5 things before you actually give your presentation:

1.Practice2.Visuals3.Script 4.Space5.Breathe

Giving your PresentationThere are 4 things to remember during your

presentation:1.Presence2.Eye contact3.Voice4.Move

General Presentation Points• Check the spelling and grammar.• Do not read the presentation. Practice the

presentation so you can speak from bullet points. The text should be a cue for the presenter rather than a message for the viewer.

• Give a brief overview at the start. Then present the information. Finally review important points.

• It is often more effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time so the audience listens to the presenter rather than reading the screen.

• If the content is complex, print out the slides so the audience can take notes.

• Do not turn your back on the audience. Try to position the monitor so you can speak from it.

Fonts• Select sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica. Avoid serif

fonts such as Times New Roman.• Use no font size smaller than 24 point.• Use a larger font (35-45 points) or different colour for the

slide title.• Use a single sans-serif font for most of the presentation. Use

different colours, sizes and styles (bold, underline) for impact.• Avoid italicised fonts as they are difficult to read quickly.• Use no more than 6-8 words per line• For bullet points, use the 6 x 6 Rule. One thought per line

with no more than 6 words per line and no more than 6 lines per slide

• Use dark text on light background or light text on dark background.

• Do not use caps except for titles.

Graphics & Design• Keep the background consistent and subtle.• Use only enough text when using charts or graphs to

explain clearly. • Keep the design clean and uncluttered. Leave white space.• Use quality clipart and use it sparingly. The graphic should

relate to and enhance the topic of the slide.• Try to use the same style of graphics throughout the

presentation.• Limit the number of graphics on each slide.• Check all graphics on a projection screen before the actual

presentation.• Avoid flashy graphics and noisy animation effects unless

they relate directly to the slide. • Limit the number of transitions used. It is often better to

use only one so the audience knows what to expect.

Colour

• Limit the number of colours on a single screen.• Bright colours make small objects and thin lines

stand out. However, some vibrant colours are difficult to read when projected.

• Use no more than four colours on one chart.• Check all colours on a projection screen before the

actual presentation. They may project differently than what appears on the monitor.

Using Body Language

Body language is an important part of communication which can constitute 50% or more of what we are communicating. If you wish to communicate well, then it makes sense to understand how you can (and cannot) use your body to say what you mean.

Eye contact

Make eye contact with the group

Act on what you seeGlance around the room

often

Non Verbal Communication

Keep an open postureDon’t turn your back on

the audience unless necessary

Keep control of the group

Control those distracting mannerisms

Using Your Voice

Don’t gabbleDon’t rushVary your toneControl the group using

promptsDon’t read from slides