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Oral Presentations
University courses often require giving a presentation
at some point and although they can cause some uneasiness, they are
extremely valuable experience. Verbal communication skills are very important
and can be learned and applied in the world of work. As with learning
any new skill practice it is key, so the more you do the better you should
become. It is important to recognize that some amount of nervousness
is to be expected and can most often be used to fuel passion and excitement
when you deliver your presentation, however if it is starting to interfere
with your performance then you should probably learn to manage that
anxiety, for more information please see our handout on Managing
Public Speaking Anxiety.
Techniques
for a Successful Oral Presentation:
·
Know expectations: amount of time, format of
presentation, topic, how the presentation is graded
·
Choose a time to present (if possible):
There are benefits to going early or late, you need to decide what works
for you. Going early you can set the stage and get your presentation
over with, going late you can see other presentations for ideas and add to
yours. You should also consider what other assignments and exams you
have so you can pick a time that works with the rest of your academics.
·
Choose a topic (if one is not already
selected for you), try and pick one you will be interested in and that you
have experience and expertise in.
·
Research your topic, make sure that it is
strong and appropriate research for you topic
·
Create and use visual aids if appropriate
(remember you don’t want to be reading word for word from your
PowerPoint)
·
Create a presentation outline with major
headings and information that you want to cover
·
Anticipate questions and prepare answers
·
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Ask friends or classmates for
feedback, or practice in front of a mirror.
·
Before the presentation make sure that you
get a good night’s sleep so you will be focused, and do not drink too
much caffeine (this will make you jittery and your brain does not function
as well)
·
Arrive early so you can situate yourself and
set up any equipment or visual aids you are using
During
the
presentation:
·
Accept your nervousness
·
Introduce yourself and the topic of your
presentation
·
Use an interesting opening line to grab the
audience’s attention
·
Stay in control: talk slowly, appropriate
pitch and make eye contact
·
Avoid staying in one place, walk around to
engage each section of the audience, just make sure you are not moving too
much
·
Wrap up your presentation with a powerful
end, conclude with a relevant summary, clever remark or interesting
question to ponder
After
the presentation:
·
Do not focus on the negative, instead learn where
you need to improve
·
Treat yourself, presentations can be
challenging and exhausting and you should reward yourself for a job well
done
For more information on Oral
Presentations:
http://www.auburn.edu/~burnsma/oralpres.html
http://www.calss.utoronto.ca/pamphlets/oral.htm
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