Oral Presentations

ELEC 421-81

Objective and Outline

1. Why is the ability to present orally important?

2. What are the components of an effective oral presentation?

Structuring the presentation Preparing of the presentation Preparing to present Presenting Summary

Why is this Important?

Engineers must communicate

Good communicators advance

But it is hard Oral communications can be intimidating You must connect with your audience

Nothing should be explained in a way that it cannot be understood by an intelligent 12 year old. - Einstein

The Five Commandments

Develop a number of (five) main points Tell’em, Tell’em, Tell’em Rehearse (Verbal, Vocal, Visual) Pay attention to your audience Pace your presentation

The Structure of a Presentation

The five parts of a presentation1. Introduction2. Objective3. Overview4. Presentation5. Summary (Conclusion)

The Structure of a Presentation

Is the message clear? Be careful not to hide the major points. Most people remember five or less key points. They may remember one or less points you think

important.

SUMMARIZE the most important points/concepts/facts in the conclusion slide.

The Structure of a Presentation

1. Tell them what you are going to Tell them2. Tell them3. Tell them what you told them

Introduce an "agenda" or set of goals for the presentation

Provide content and information Summarize the presentation.

Preparing the Presentation

Start with the Last Slide!

When you are ready to create your presentation, forget the details for a minute, forget the presentation's organization

Write your conclusion or summary slide first! Emphasize the most important points. Build your presentation around them.

Preparing the PresentationStart Early

Presentations tend to take longer than expected. Enhancements and last minute changes are normal.

Think About Your Slides 24 point font or larger (consistent throughout) A half dozen bullets per slide (avoid full sentences) Limit the Whiz-bang stuff

Communicate ideas and information instead of dazzling people with fancy graphics.

You want your audience discussing your content, not your presentation style.

Don’t read your slides, let them be a guideIf you don’t have content…have color – John Peeples

Avoid – “You gave a great presentation, .. What was it about?

Effective Visuals

Effective Visuals

Effective Visuals

PresentingDon’ts

Wing it Wander presentations that lack focus Read from your notes Take long pauses to compose thoughts

Do Rehearse

Rehearsing

Make it real Review the entire presentation With the same tools and in the same room if possible Plan to present, not to recite Time yourself

Have a backup plan If the computer or projector dies If the plane loses your luggage

Basic Rules of Good Presentations

Dress Appropriately

Present, Don’t Recite. Reading notes can convince your audience that you are

unprepared.

Pace the Presentation Stay in the time allowed

2 minutes a slide is a good guideline. Less than 10 seconds, throw out the slide More than several minutes, consider multiple slides. Keep your audience interested.

Distribute Handouts if Appropriate

Giving an Effective Presentation

Some Fear Presentations More than Death. Only because the presentation is imminent “Speak" to one or two members of the audience.

Observe others, but concentrate on just a few. Keep in touch with your audience

Face and Observe your Audience. Don't hide behind the computer. Make eye contact.

Are they attentive? Are they fidgeting or checking their watches? Taking notes (smiles and nods), or taking naps (blank

stares)?

Question and Answer Period

Three Approaches1. Field questions during the presentation.2. Answer questions at the end of the presentation3. Defer questions to private communications

You are the Best Judge. Retain control of the flow of the presentation. If you defer questions, follow through as promised. “I don’t know” can be an acceptable answer. Signal the end of the question session.

Oral Presentation Summary

Remember The Five Commandments

Develop five main points Tell’em, Tell’em, Tell’em Rehearse Pay attention to your audience Pace your presentation