LECTURE 5

SUB TOPICS

◦Preparing an Oral Presentation

◦Planning an Oral Presentation

◦Practicing for an Oral Presentation

INTRODUCTION

◦Presentations are part and parcel of life as a student.

◦You are required to present your ideas to a group of students, colleagues, etc.

◦There are many aspects to consider when preparing for your oral presentation:

◦How to prepare and organise the content of your presentation

◦How to prepare and use your visual aids

◦How to project your voice effectively

◦How to use body language

◦How to overcome your fear of speaking in public

◦Choosing a Topic: It must be of interest to your audience, and you must have knowledge on the topic.

◦Brainstorm ideas: Ask yourself what would be interesting to your audience.

◦Narrow down your topic: Make sure your topic has plenty of reference material, is visually interesting and if you are able to engage your audience.

STRUCTURE OF A PRESENTATION

◦There are always three important parts:

◦Introduction: Make sure that you have something that grabs the attention of your audience. Keep it short and simple. It is basically a preview into your whole topic.

◦Attention grabbing ideas:

Provide statisticsAsk a rhetorical questionTell an anecdoteTell a jokeState a quotation / proverb / saying

◦Body: Prepare atleast three main points, which should be supported with examples, illustrations, explanations, elaborations, etc.

◦Include transitions in your body. It helps to link ideas smoothly and allows your audience to follow your thoughts smoothly.

◦Think of interesting ways to engage your audience’s attention, because their attention can wane after several minutes.

◦Conclusion: the part everyone looks forward to!

◦Use this opportunity to summarise your main points, or give a powerful ending to leave a lasting impression on them.

USING VISUAL AIDS

◦Photographs, charts, graphs, maps, etc, can be presented using PowerPoint, laptops, projectors, radios, TV, among other forms of media.

◦It must be relevant to your presentation content.

◦Keep visuals simple and minimal. Don’t overuse them.

TIPS FOR POWERPOINT SLIDES

◦Use a suitable background.

◦Minimise the texts on the slides but ensure that the font is big and clear enough for everyone to read it.

◦Use colours sparingly.

◦Include appropriate visuals.

◦Have visual balance.

◦Include any audio files, if necessary.

◦Must be grammatically correct and free of spelling errors.

◦Rehearse your presentation

◦Have Plan B!

VOCAL DELIVERY◦Use a microphone if your voice is too soft.

◦Use different levels of volume.

◦Vary your pitch accordingly.

◦Don’t speak in monotone.

◦Speak at an appropriate rate.

◦Try not to use any fillers: “um” “er” “like”

◦Pronounce your words clearly. Don’t have fake accents!

◦Don’t memorise your speech as it will sound unnatural.

◦Rehearse your presentation.

◦Speak confidently!

BODY LANGUAGE◦This usually involves the upper part of the body, including facial

expressions, eye contact and gestures.

◦Don’t read from the notes.

◦Use hand gestures appropriately.

◦Don’t focus too much on the visual aids or media.

◦Ensure that your expressions are spontaneous, natural, and they match your message.

◦Avoid distracting facial expressions.

◦Maintain your posture carefully.

OVERCOME YOUR FEAR OF

PRESENTING

◦Choose your own topic that you have adequate knowledge in.

◦Start earlier and prepare properly.

◦Practice and rehearse frequently.

◦Don’t memorise as your delivery will be affected.

◦Use cue cards but keep your notes brief.

◦Ask your friends to help provide you with feedback.

◦Reduce the amount of text on your slides.

◦Do some breathing exercises to calm down.

◦Have a back up plan in case anything happens.

◦Look at familiar or friendly faces, smile and maintain eye contact.

THANK YOU!