effective presentation strategies i

Oral Presentation “Half of the world is composed of peoplewho have something to say and can’t,and the other half, who have nothing tosay and keep on saying it.” - Robert Frost.

Definition:

An oral presentation is relatively formalkind of a talk requiring preparation andsome amount of writing.

Defining Purpose Identifying Topic:

The topic is a general outline of the subject.

It should arouse interest.

It should stand alone as a message.

It should tell something about the presentation.

Defining Purpose:

Depending upon the your purpose of presentation– to inform, to analyze, or to persuade – one shouldbe flexible enough to adjust to new inputs &unexpected audiences reactions.

Analyzing Audience Know Your Audience:

What are their interests, likes and dislikes?

Are they familiar with the topic?

Is their attitude hostile or friendly?

What’s the size of the group?

Age range? Gender distribution?

All audiences have one thing in common;they are at the receiving end of the processof communication.

Analyzing Audience Know More About Your Audience:

Audience’s Knowledge of the subject:

Do not repeat what people already know.

Do not spend much time of basics.

Audience’s relation with you:

Be clear about your relation with the audience,

e.g. subordinate or superior.

Think about the responsibility and authorityin relation to people you are addressing.

Analyzing Audience Know More About Your Audience:

Audience’s Participation varies as follows:

Purpose Audience’s Participation

--- Low Moderate High

Entertainment

Ceremonial

Informative

Persuasive

Organizing Contents Always prepare more material than require, as

this will help you feel confident.

Arrange your contents into three parts:

Introduction:

Main Body:

Conclusion:

In other words,

…Say what you want to say, say it;then say what you’ve already said.

Introduction of the Speech “The brain starts working the momentyou are born and never stops until youget up to speak in public” - Anonymous

An introduction must be brief & shouldstate the subject.

It should also capture attention, inspiresconfidence & preview the contents thatfollow.

Introduction of the SpeechAn introduction may be developed in

the following ways:

Ask a question

Tell a story or anecdote

Refer to the occasion

Use quotation

Use an unusual idea or comparison

Express its usefulness

Main Body of the Speech Depending on the topic & introduction of the

presentation, any of the following patterns oforganizing the main body can be chosen:

Chronological:

e. g. “The Profile of X Institution”, “ChangingFace of the Earth”, “History of Sports”

Categorical:

e. g. “Roll of Advertising”, “EnvironmentalProtection”, “Importance of Presentation”

Main Body of the Speech Depending on the topic & introduction of the

presentation, any of the following patterns oforganizing the main body can be chosen:

Cause & Effect:

e. g. “Impact of Cinema on Children”, “Internet– Boon or Bane”, “Smoking in Youngsters”

Problem – Solution:

e. g. “The Global Warming”, “PopulationExplosion”

Conclusion of the Speech “A speech is like a love affair, any foolcan start one but to end it requiresconsiderable skill.” - Lord Mancraft

The conclusion of speech is almost asimportant as the beginning because peopletend to remember what they hear first andlast.

The ending of the speech should be brief,forceful.

Conclusion of the Speech Indicate that you’ve reached the end with

verbal clue:

“In conclusion…”

“To sum up…”

“Let me conclude…” or

“Before I conclude…”

Use summary of your speech:

Make an appeal:

End on a positive note:

Visual Aids Spoken words are ephemeral, & because of

this limitation, speeches often need strongvisual support:

Handouts,

Chalk boards,

Flip charts,

Overhead Projector,

PPT Slides,

Charts & Tables

Visual Aids Importance of visual Aids:

Increase interest in audience

Illustrate key points

Signal transition from one part of the presentation to the next

Increase impact of the message

Help listener retain information

Help you to present ideas without depending on notes

Better option in case of language & accent problem