Presentation Skills Essentials

Dynamic Introduction and Conclusion

Coherent, Logical Organization

Good Audience Rapport

Effective Handling of Questions

Clear Transitions

Clear Speech

Good Audience Rapport

Eye Contact

Body Language: posture, gestures,facial expressions

Generally Friendly Demeanor

Appearing to Enjoy Yourself

Are you a…?

star gazer

hula dancer handwashersoldier

birdwatcher wall talker

pendulum surfer Leaning Tower of Pisa

Don’t stand behind a barrier which creates a physical, psychological, and communicative distance between you and your audience.

Do not turn your back to the audience. Doing so is an insult to them. Your slide is not the “star” of your presentation; it is only an aid to understanding. Speak first, then show your slide. If you show the visual first, the audience will not listen to your words.

Once slides are visible, then LOOK, TURN, TALK. The audience and their satisfaction is the most important consideration during your presentation. Keeping their attention and interest is crucial.

Maintain eye contact. Look at your audience 90% of the time.

Smile. Be friendly and enthusiastic.

Check to see if your listeners are understanding.

VISUAL AIDS - DOs and DON'Ts

Don't turn your back on any part of the audience to look at slides on the screen behind you.

Don't speak while looking down at the document camera.

Don't crowd slides. Too much information is frustrating to the audience.

Don’t use complicated, crowded charts and graphs.

Don’t use complete sentences; use graphics as much as possible.

Do maintain parallel structure throughout your text.

Do have a back-up plan (copies of slides) in case something goes wrong.

Do select slide layouts carefully. Fancy is not always better. Bright colors, backgrounds, fancy fonts, etc., can get in the way of the information you are presenting.

Do check and re-check the sequence of slides. It is very irritating to an audience to watch the presenter shuffle back and forth trying to find a particular slide.

An Attention-getting Introduction

Components of a good introduction:

Welcome the audience

Get their attention with: - an amazing fact- an interesting story or personal anecdote

- a problem to think about- a thought-provoking question- a famous quote

Other considerations: Is it a good idea to use humor? How do you establish credibility?

A Dynamic Conclusion

• Briefly summarize the main points of your talk.

• Ask if there are any questions.

• Thank the audience.

Do NOT say:

Asking and Answering Questions

Asking Questions1) Signal question.2) Ask and wait (3 seconds).3) Hint/encourage, if necessary.4) Evaluate and repeat correct answer.

Answering Questions1) Clarify and repeat/restate the question.2) Answer the question.3) Check for satisfaction.