The Matter of Speaking(How to give a good presentation)

Dr. David A. GaitrosResearch Associate

Department of Computer ScienceFlorida State University

dgaitros@fsu.edu

It's quite simple. Say what you have to say and when you come to a sentence with a grammatical ending, sit down-- Winston Churchill

"There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave." -- Dale Carnegie

“I didn’t say the things I said." -- Yogi Berra

“I never do it perfect but I try to do it right" -- David Gaitros

Overview

• Organization• Who am I and why should you listen to me? • Why are you giving this talk? • The tips• Finally !

04/18/23 Copyright 2011 3

Organization• A talk should have three

distinct parts– An Introduction– The body of the talk (takes

up most of the time)– A conclusion or wrap up

• Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them and then tell them what you said.

• It should be obvious to the participants what part they are on.

Who am I, Why should you listen to me?

• Subtly establish yourself as an authority or someone knowledgeable in the area you are talking.

• Can be done anywhere in the presentation but should come early.

• Experience, education, publications, etc.

• Example is to mention that you were the speech writer that got George W. Bush elected President.

A talk should have a reason• To Inform/Educate:

– Share knowledge, breaking news, etc.

• To Entertain: – An informative speech can

also be entertaining.• To Touch Emotions:

– Motivational speeches• Move to action to take a

side in a debate– Very common

Tips on Presentation

• Smile, be pleasant• Start slowly and

gradually speed up• Dress nicely and

appropriately • Be genuine and

entertaining• Use your “Outside”

voice

Voice Tips and Timing

• Practice, practice, practice

• Make sure you can deliver the presentation in the amount of time

• Vary your voice• Fluency -> Talk right• Don’t read the slides

• Put notes on the notes page or 3x5 cards

• Set the Presentation to automatically go to the next slide.

• Tape yourself• Avoid “Um” , “Er”,

“Like”, “Totally”

Tips on Body Language

• Smile – Be confident• Stand up straight• Walk around• Use your hands, be

expressive • Eye contact – scan the

whole audience• Keep hands out of

pockets

Tips on Visual Aids

• Keep them simple• Bullets are best, pictures

are better• Use large fonts• Use Color—Make it pretty• Prepare handouts if you

can• Practice demonstrations

– You will, in most cases, have to slow them down

• Don’t over due the visual affects

• Go to the venue ahead of time– Make sure slides can be

seen– Make sure you can be seen– Make sure your equipment

works

• HAVE A BACKUP PLAN…

Final tips

• Respect the audience, don’t talk down to them. Treat them as at least peers - ALWAYS!

• Use clear English, make yourself understood• Don’t make excuses and don’t point out

mistakes• KNOW YOUR SUBJECT• Keep calm• Save time for questions

Finally

• Make sure the audience knows the end is near or here.

• Wrap up the subject…Hit the main points– Well Organized– Entertaining– Simplicity is best– Be sincere – The audience should remember you

Questions