PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Center for Professional Communication

The extent to which the presenter(s) establishes the purpose of the presentation and previews the content.

The Introduction

Professional Presentations

Agenda

Introduction Organization Content Visual Aids Command of Material Delivery Tips Conclusion Activity

The extent to which the presentation was well organized, coherent, and obviously practiced before delivery.

Organization

The purpose of your talk Audience expectations?

Presentation “Take Away”

Organization Tips

Start with the end in mind

Organization Tips

Who are they? What do they expect? Why will they listen?

REMEMBER! Where is it? When is it?

Know your audience as well as possible

Organization Tips

Simple does not mean stupid. Content and Evidence is Critical:

What are the take aways?1. ______________________2. ______________________3. ______________________

Keep it simple

Organizing Tips

I. Introduction(transition)

II. BodyA. Main point & Evidence

(transition)

B. Main point & Evidence

(transition)

C. Main point & Evidence

(transition)

III. Conclusion

Outlining your content

The extent to which the presenter(s) demonstrates knowledge of the subject matter being presented and clearly answers to assigned topic.

Content

Content, content, content

No matter how great your delivery, or how professional and beautiful your supporting visuals, if your presentation is not based on solid content, you cannot succeed.

So what?

The extent to which the presenter(s) uses visual aids to enhance the presentation and add value to the audience.

Visual Aids

Keep it simple

People came to hear you and be moved or informed (or both) by you and your message. Don't let your message and your ability to tell a story get derailed by slides that are unnecessarily complicated, busy, or full of “junk”.

Visual Aids

Focus on Message and Take Away(s) Limit Bullets Points & Text Limit Animation (transitions & builds) Use High-quality Graphics

Have a Visual Theme Use Charts & Graphs Use Color & Fonts Well Use Video or Audio Spend Time in the

Slide Sorter

Visual Aids

The extent to which the presenter(s) knows and is able to express the ideas being presented.

Command of Material

The art of storytelling

Good presentations include stories. The best presenters illustrate their points with the use of stories, most often personal ones.

Can you pass the “elevator test”? Check the clarity of

your message with the elevator test. This exercise forces you to "sell" your message in 30-45 seconds.

Confidence – How to get it

We fear what we do not know.

Delivery Tips

Body Language

The extent to which the presenter(s) engages the audience and uses movement to enhance the presentation.

1

2 34 5

Projector Screen

Audience

2

4 31 5

Projector Screen

Audience

3

4 51 2

Projector Screen

Audience

4

1 53 2

Projector Screen

Audience

5

1 23 4

Projector Screen

Audience

Pronunciation & Language

The extent to which the presenter(s) demonstrates an awareness of audience and purpose, effective speech structure, pronunciation, and word choice that creates a professional tone.

Voice Quality

The extent to which the presenter(s) speaks effectively including pace, delivery, volume, tone, vocal variety and articulation.

Eye Contact

The extent to which the presenter(s) establishes and maintains eye contact.

Ability to Answer Questions

The extent to which the presenter(s) is able to handle questions during and after the presentation.

The extent to which the presenter(s) reiterates the main ideas of the presentation.

Conclusion

Professional Presentations

Conclusion

Introduction Organization Content Visual Aids Command of Material Delivery Tips Conclusion Activity