Effective Slideware Presentations

Kevin Eric DePewODU English

Presentation Overview

• Giving the Presentation• Designing Presentations

Giving the Presentation

• Conceptualizing the Task• Presentation Etiquette • Reading vs. Speaking• Physical Presentation

Conceptualizing the Task

Slideware presentations ARE NOT meant to be stand alone texts

Slideware presentations ARE meant to to be multi-modal and work in conjunction with the spoken word

Presentation Etiquette

• DO NOT… exceed your time limit be unorganized

• DO… show confidence in your work know your material be respectful

Reading vs. Speaking

• Know the culture• Reading

A: helps to keep you organized, on-task D: often prevents eye contact, loss of ethos

• Speaking A: demonstrates knowledge in material D: can appear unorganized

Physical Presentation

• Pay attention to your location; especially if using a screen for slideware

• Make eye contact Do not talk to the screen or paper; point to

text when appropriate If using slides; do not just read them, but

use them to organize your talk

Designing Presentations

• Slideware Elements• Appropriateness• Communicate Visually

Slideware Elements

• The way that each slide looks affects how the audience receives information

• Therefore, pay attention to Fonts Color Special effects Images Document design

• Alignment, Contrast, Proximity• Repetition

Appropriateness

• Use appropriate backgrounds, images, and special effects for your presentation

• Discuss one issue per slide• Use as little text as possible• For long passages…

do not place entire quote on slides excerpt, verbalize, or place in handout

Communicate Visually

Questions

• Your questions are welcomed and encouraged