Giving an effective presentation Content structure delivery Content

Giving an effective presentation Content, structure, delivery

Content What is the purpose of the presentation? What is the main focus? Is the material suitable for the time available? Am I in command of my material? (And can I pronounce key words correctly? ) • Who am I presenting to? What can I expect them to know? What will I need to explain? • •

Structure • Divide the talk into meaningful sections and introduce the speaker for each one • Give each section a short heading • Use bullet points on slides to show the main points within sections • Tell your audience the structure of your talk at the start • Plan your slides in conjunction with your talk

Designing slides • Try to keep text to a minimum! • Avoid fancy backgrounds/fonts, multiple colours, pictures/animations. • Go for clarity • Make sure any diagrams and pictures are easy to see and understand

Delivery: the basics • Eye contact • Body language • Voice: pace volume intonation

Delivery: aids • Use of slides: Show the slide first, then speak • Do not simply read your presentation off the slides! • Expand on what is on your slides with what you say • Do not read out a script! Do not memorise your presentation by heart! • Use palm cards to remind yourself of key points (look – speak – discard)

Finally… Remember – Practice makes perfect! Practise your presentation till you are confident with it