TOPIC 4 MAKING PRESENTATIONS

4.1 PRESENTATION POINTERS

To help ensure successful presentation, ask the following
questions:

Why am I giving this presentation?

 
What do I hope to achieve?
 
How much does the audience already know about the
subject?
 
What are some of the visual aids I can use to make a point?
 
What are the needs and expectations of the audience?
 
How can I make my talk interesting?
4.2 PLANNING
Two aspects

- the structure of subject matter or content

(what you are going to present, that is, the arrangement of
the  ideas and facts that you are going to present)
-the  structure  of  the  presentation
( how are  going  to  present  your subject matter)

4.2.1 Structuring the Subject Matter

a.Mind mapping
- Central idea and then developing the idea
(eg. p. 68)
b. Outlining
-To think in a linear pattern (eg. on p.68)

c. Use of organisational patterns

i.Chronological order
-Using time as framework such as in narratives, sequences,
processes or series of events
ii.Spatial order – describing buildings, places, etc
iii.Topical order – most important topic to the least important
iv.Comparison-contrast order
-Organise information according to similarities and differences
or positive and negative aspects of the subject
v.Cause-effect order
-Organises information according to causes and effects
v.Problem solution order
- Sequence of problems and respective solutions
Presentation Format
Step 1 Introduce yourself
Step 2 Give the topic and the estimated amount of time for the
presentation
Step 3 Give an outline of the talk, that is explain how the
presentation is organised:
i. Topic A
ii Topic B
iii. Topic C, etc
Tell the audience when they can ask questions – whether
they can interrupt or only ask at the end of the presentation
Step 4 Refer to visuals when necessary
i. Talk about Topic A
ii. Summarise topic A
iii. Repeat for all topics
Step 5 Summarise the main points of the whole presentation
Step 6 Conclude with a powerful statement and allow questions
Structuring the Presentation pp.70-71
Factors

a.Audience Awareness
-Focus on the needs and temperament of the audience
-Eg if they are your superiors, demonstrate your expertise
-Be well-prepared
-Peers – appear enthusiastic and natural
-Mixed audience – concentrate on the topic

b.Effective Opening Lines

-Influence the way your speech is received
-Create right impression
-Capture attention of the audience
( for egs, refer to p.68)
c. Appropriate Visual Aids
-To make the talk more persuasive, interesting and
professional
-Audience follow ideas more clearly
-Egs are graphs, charts, drawings, maps, etc

d. Non-Verbal Communication
- non-verbal cues or body language
- posture, how you move, hands, eye contact
i.Friendliness – they can ask questions
ii.Ridicule – they may think you are making fun of them

Simple Rules
-Maintain frequent eye contact
-Smile, nod and move arms when necessary
-Maintain a reasonable distance from individual members
(Actvities on pp.72-74)
4.3 THE PRESENTATION PROPER
Tips for effective presentation

1.Be clear about the objectives of your presentation.

2.Structure the content in a simple, logical manner.
3.Have a strong opening statement.
4.Use relevant examples to illustrate your points.
5.Choose appropriate visuals to support the presentation.
6.Show enthusiasm.
7.Consider the audience and adapt according to their needs
and expectations.
8.Listen carefully to questions and ask for clarification if
necessary.
9.Be polite.

(Activity 4.6 p.75-76)

Summary

- Format, content and structure of a presentation

determine extent
to convince, direct, lead and inform others

-Appropriate topics to structure a presentation

-Important issues on audience awareness, use of visual

aids and impact of non-verbal cues.