Delivering Presentations Presentation skills develop with practice Delivery

Delivering Presentations Ø Presentation skills develop with practice Ø Delivery involves three key elements: • Body language (eye contact, use of space and movement, gestures) • Voice (projection, pitch, pace) • Speaking style (connection with audience, clarity and conciseness, level of vocabulary Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Improving Body Language Ø Sustain eye contact Ø Size gesture and movement to the space available Ø Maintain an open posture Ø Use facial expressions to emphasize message, express enthusiasm, and indicate that you are approachable Ø Study how dynamic speakers use body language Ø Videotape your presentation or practice in front of an audience who will give you feedback Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Improving Posture Problem Tilted posture Solution Stand straight, weight even on both feet Slumped posture Keep shoulders back, knees relaxed Leaning away Keep knees slightly bent Leaning on something Closed gestures Move away from inviting surfaces Fig leaf posture Drop arms to side of body Turn palms to audience Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Improving Gestures Problem Solution Lecturing gestures Don’t point figure at audience, cross arms, or put hands on hips Steepling Don’t place hands in prayer position Too few or too small Use more and larger gestures Too few sustained Hold gesture until point is completed gestures Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Other Body Language Improvements Problems Solutions Lack of sustained eye Hold eye contact long enough to contact complete a sentence Repetitive movements Avoid fidgeting, pushing glasses up and irritating habits the nose, playing with hair, jingling change in pocket, rubbing hands together, rising up on toes, etc. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Improving Voice Ø Speak naturally rather than reading from notes Ø Breathe deeply and practice projecting your voice Ø Keep chin level to avoid a high-pitched voice Ø Avoid pitching up at the end of a statement Ø Vary your pace to enhance your message Ø Use pauses to create emphasis Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Improving Voice Problem Pitching up Solution Have someone model what you’re doing and then practice maintaining level pitch at end of sentences. Sounding stilted Avoid reading; give presentations at every opportunity to increase confidence Not enunciating clearly Improve diction by pausing, breathing deeply, and slowing down Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Improving Voice Problem Solution Fading out Breathe more deeply and/or more often Not projecting Breathe more deeply or speak in shorter, less complicated sentences Sounding dull Gain control of anxiety and practice varying tone, pitch, pace, volume, and expression Poor pronunciation Speak with good volume and pace; practice pronouncing key words; work with a voice coach. Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Improving Speaking Style Ø Address your audience directly; personalize your presentation Ø Use simpler words, shorter sentences, and more repetition Ø Distinguish between jargon and specialized language Ø Avoid filler sounds and words; pause silently Ø Audiotape presentation and concentrate on one aspect of speaking style at a time Ø Practice voice exercises Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Improving Speaking Style Problem Solution Using jargon or too Pay attention to audience’s level of many acronyms expertise and restrict use of acronyms Being wordy Rehearse with someone who will write down wordy phrases, sentences, and passages in your presentation Revise for conciseness Lacking personal pronouns Refer to people by name and switch perspective to 1 st or 2 nd person Using fillers Practice pausing silently Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Practice, practice To improve your confidence and delivery, consider one of the following activities: Ø Join a Toastmasters’ club Ø Take a presentation skills course at a local college Ø Get involved in theatre sports Ø Take up singing Ø Sign-up for vocal coaching Ø Take an auctioneering course Ø Seek opportunities to present Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication

Toastmasters Ø To locate the Toastmasters’ club nearest you, contact tminfo@toastmaster. org Ø For more general information, visit the Toastmasters’ website at http: //www. toastmasters. org Stevenson/Whitmore: Strategies for Engineering Communication