Guidelines for Oral Presentations

University of the Sacred Heart Department of Humanities

Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines

LAD

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure
Gen. Colin L. Powell

Objectives
To help with the preparation process of oral presentations and activities

To improve oral presentation skills

How to Focus Your Message

Determine if you want to:
Motivate Educate Persuade Inform

Components of a Presentation
All presentations must have:
An introduction A body A conclusion

Organize Your Message Effectively

Determine your topic, and what you will cover Brainstorm and organize all your ideas Research - Make sure you are wellinformed on your topic

Classify and order your ideas

Emphasize the important elements

Write an Effective Conclusion

Summarize the key points of the presentation
Summarize how to implement solutions Summarize future predictions based on your persuasion strategies

Creating the Presentation

Make it BIG
If it looks too big on the computer, its the perfect size

Keep it SIMPLE
Present the main idea of each concept

Creating the Presentation

Make it CLEAR
Choose an appropriate font, font size, and color

Be CONSISTENT
Use a logical sequence and one format

Preparation
Prepare your visuals in advance Always make back-up copies Rehearse a lot (avoid the use of papers or note cards) Know how to use the technical equipment Preview the room, and select the layout that is best for your presentation

Advantages of Visual Aids

Enhance understanding of the topic Help your speech be more impressive, and improve your image Maintain the audiences attention and increase their interest Help build credibility Add variety

Diversity of Audiovisual Aids

Sketches and Maps Audiovisual Equipment Overhead Projectors Slides & Transparencies Handouts, pamphlets, brochures Films, videotapes, audio tapes, music, CD-ROMs & iPods

Graphs & Charts

Photographs, Pictures & Slides Objects, Models or Realia

Posters & Books

PowerPoint Presentations

Preparing Effective PowerPoint Slides

Use visuals sparingly Rule 7 X 7
Use no more than 7 lines of text per slide Use no more than 7 words per line of text

Restrict the contents of tables and graphs Maintain uniformity in font style, font size, and bullets

Constructing Effective Visual Aids

Never use confusing abbreviations The use of periods at the end of the bullets is not necessary

Artistry and sounds do not substitute for content, and they can distract your audience
Select complimentary colors; avoid color clashes Use fonts like Sans Serif or Times New Roman

Constructing Effective Visual Aids

Transparencies Slides Handouts

Title
Subtitles Body

36 pt
28 pt 24 pt

48 pt
36 pt 28 pt

24 pt
20 pt 16-18 pt

Construction of Graphs
Present one graph per slide Limit the amount of numbers or figures No more than 3 curves or horizontal bar lines per graph
Reading Comprehension in English
0% 47% 40% 13%

Excellent Fair

Good Deficient

Examples of Font Sizes

This is font 48
This is font 36
This is font 28 This is font 24
This is font 20
This is font 18
This is font 16

The font size of the word below is written in 48.

Overuse of Visual Aids

Attention of audience will be divided
Audience may pay more attention to visuals than to speaker Avoid slides with too much movement and/or sounds

How to Conduct Yourself During Your Presentation

Be punctual Stand up, or sit straight Keep hands in front of you Maintain eye contact with the audience on all sides of the room Start the presentation with a smile Use a conversational tone Dress neatly and professionally

Use Your Voice Effectively

Speak loud enough to be heard, and be confident Dont speak in a monotone Alternate the rate of your voice Slow down when emphasizing important points

Pauses can also be used to add emphasis

Drink water to prevent voice problems

Top Ten Mistakes Made by Presenters

No preparation Lack of enthusiasm No eye contact Lack of facial expression Stays in one place Lack good visuals Ineffective closing No audience involvement

No presentation objectives Mediocre first impression

Things to Avoid
Corporal Movement
Swinging and moving excessively Playing with hair Chewing gum Clicking the top of a pen Playing with jewelry Leaning against something for support

Things to Avoid
Voice
Speaking
Too fast Too slow Too low

Fillers (repetitive sounds and phrases) ah um and

Arrogance

Steps to Reduce Your Speaking Anxiety

Know the room
Arrive early Walk around the room

Realize people want you to succeed Dont apologize for being nervous

Know the audience Know, practice, and revise your material Learn how to relax Visualize yourself speaking

Concentrate on your message

Turn nervousness into positive energy Gain experience

How to Control Your Nervousness

Transform fear and nervousness to presentation presence and strength
Breathe deeply and exhale slowly (repeat) Stretch your muscles (neck, legs, and arms) Repeat breathing exercise, close your eyes, relax, feel prepared and ready

Walk the room: feel the space of your success

Greet your audience (Impact them)

Question and Answer Session

Know the background of your topic

Find out if there are any current / recent studies Know if there is any influence or impact on society / environment / organization Know the sources on which your research is based

References
4 Important Design Concepts
http://www.kumc.edu/SAH/OTEd/jradel/Effective_ visuals/102.html

Preparing EFL Learners for Oral Presentations

Presenters Online
http://www.presentersonline.com

References
Overcoming Speaking Anxiety in Meetings and Presentations
http://www.all-biz.com/newroot/Authors.asp?

Tcnicas de Presentacin Publicitaria

Prof. Modesto Aguayo, Universidad de Sagrado Corazn

Using Visual Aids

http://www.askjeeves.com/main/followup.asp?qcat=ho me&ask=how+can+i+make+a+good+oral+presentation

GOOD LUCK!!!

Prepared by Professors Delia Serrano and Jennifer Soler 2002 Revised by Professor Delia Serrano 2003 Revised by Patricia Kidd 2004 Revised by Prof. Delia Serrano 2005