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MAKING
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
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The
key to overcoming fear and stress associated with speaking in public is
to fully prepare. The necessary steps include:
PLANNING THE PRESENTATION ~ As with all academic undertakings, it
is necessary to set aside quality time for researching your topic.
Academic oral presentations
require depth and understanding of the material. It will not be considered
of sufficient quality if you only give an impromptu presentation. You
must decide what you are going to say, what points should be illustrated
with visual aids, and how long the presentation will be.
Remember, the audience will
hear the presentation only once. Make it easy for them to understand the
major points of your speech.
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| Content:
An oral presentation must be well organized
so that the information flows smoothly and the listener is able to
easily understand. Because the audience hears the presentation just
once, the ideas communicated should be clear and precise.
Organization:The
most successful presentation is simple in its organization. First,
you tell the audience the purpose of the speech; you then present
the major ideas; lastly, you finish your presentation with a conclusion
or a summary. Note cards can
allow you to present your speech with less anxiety. In fact, it
might allow your audience to believe that you are delivering your
speech with little effort and great enthusiasm. Notes, especially
on 3x5 cards, can:
- remind
you of what needs to be said.
- help
you keep your ideas organized and in proper sequence.
- keep
you on the subject.
- help
you stay within the allotted time.
Use key phrases
or key words on your cards. Thus it is easy to glance at the card
and see the next idea. By using only key phrases or key words, the
student is not tempted to read the speech word for word. In using
this method or the outline format, it requires that the student be
very familiar with the material and fully understand it. If the instructor
follows the presentation with a question-and-answer period or asks
for clarification of key points, the student is better able to answer
the questions with a solid understanding of the material.
TIP:
Number the cards as you prepare them.
Should they become disorganized, you can quickly place them in
the correct order. Use a highlighter to more easily spot "cues."
Visual
Aids: Some material will be much easier
to explain with an effective visual aid. It may take the form of
a simple list of points with the use of bullets or numbers, a chart,
a graph, a diagram or a picture. Use of visual aids adds significantly
to the quality of preparation and presentation. Decide also where
in your presenta- tion the visual aids would fit best (in terms
of flow and explanation). These visual aids can also be used to
remind you of key points to make during your presentation.
TIP:Be
sure to mark the insertion of visual aids on your note cards.
Timing:
How do you know how long your speech is
going to take to deliver? The best way is to practice it several
times, preferably in front of the mirror. Allow extra time to explain
visual aids or perhaps for a question-and-answer period after the
presentation. If the time allotted is set, practice until you stay
within the allotted time. It might be necessary to shorten the material
to be presented or to lengthen it.
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Practice,
practice, practice. This will insure a smooth flow and
familiarity with the material. Be aware of how the speech flows. If
necessary, modify your note cards. Rearrange the order of key ideas.
Stand in front of the mirror. Be aware of your appearance, posture,
gestures and eye contact. Pay attention to the sound of your voice.
Is it loud enough? Are you enunciating the words clearly and precisely?
Stand, placing equal weight on both feet.
- Rehearsing:
Time your presentation more than once.
- Choose
to deliver the speech in a comfortable, relaxing mode.
- Do
not rush. Remember, the length of the speech might have to be
shortened in order to avoid rushing through all the material.
- Avoid
becoming rattled when the moderator holds up one finger indicating
one minute of time remaining and you still have six note cards
to get through!
- You
might want to record your speech, playing back the tape and
analyzing the effectiveness of your voice.
- Enthusiasm:
Analyze your presentation.
- Are
you enthusiastic?
- Energize
your delivery with enthusiasm and confidence.
- Videotaping
your presentation will give you excellent feedback on appearance,
posture, mannerisms, and voice. This can be invaluable in knowing
what to modify.
- A
friend willing to critique your performance can be almost as
effective.
TIP:
If you are not sure of the pronunciation
of a word, look it up in the dictionary before you deliver your
speech. Come fully prepared.
Delivering
the Presentation:Now
that you are actually before the audience, take a deep breath. Use
the desk or podium to rest your notes but do not lean on the desk
or podium. Stand straight looking at your audience directly. Eye
contact is essential, helping create a bond between the speaker
and the listener. Scan the room, looking at people to the left,
center, and right for a few seconds each. Use your anxiety to advantage,
energizing your delivery with enthusiasm and confidence.
TIP:
Take a deep breath. Remind yourself that you
are fully prepared and that you are the expert on the subject.
The key to confident oral presentations is planning
and preparation.
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Please send any questions, or comments to Nora E. McMillan, email, nmcmilla@alamo.edu,
or Carol A. Keller, email, ckeller@alamo.edu |
Oral
Presentations
