Planning the Presentation

• Determine the purpose

• Analyze the audience

Writing Oral Presentations

• Organize the message

• Develop the opening

• Compose the body

• Write the conclusion

Organizing the Message

• Define the main idea

• Limit the scope

• Choose the approach

• Prepare the outline

• Choose the style

Developing the Opening

• Arouse interest

• Build credibility

• Preview the presentation

Composing the Body

• Limit the main points

• Connect the ideas

• Engage the audience

Writing the Conclusion

• Restate the main points

• Describe the next steps

• End on a strong note

Using Visual Aids

• Clarify main points

• Create interest

• Add variety

• Improve learning

Common Visual Aids

• Overhead transparencies

• Electronic presentations

• Chalkboards and whiteboards

• Flip charts

• 35-millimeter slides

Other Visual Aids

• Product samples

• Scale models

• Audio tapes

• Film strips and movies

• Television and videotapes

Overhead Transparencies

• Advantages– Inexpensive

– Easy to use

– Simple to create

Overhead Transparencies

• Disadvantages– Lack of flexibility

– Fragile format

– Overhead projectors

Electronic Presentations

• Advantages– Real-time data– Multimedia– Flexibility and portability

• Disadvantages– Specialized equipment– Technique versus content– Overuse of special effects

Six Tips for Success

1. Set up early

2. Bring two of everything

3. Back up your programs

4. Secure technical support

5. Avoid real-time Internet use

6. Have a contingency plan

Creating Effective Slides

• Content and graphics

• Design elements

• Consistency

• Special effects

Readable Content

• Select a central idea

• Limit the content

• Write short phrases

• Use parallel grammar

• Prefer the active voice

• Use short informative titles

Effective Graphics

• Reduce details

• Avoid repetition

• Shorten numbers

• Limit data

• Highlight key points

• Adjust size and design

Design Elements

• Color schemes

• Background design

• Fonts and type styles

• Consistency

Animation and Special Effects

• Transitions

• Builds

• Hyperlinks

Effective Handouts

• Complex charts or diagrams

• Company reports

• Magazine articles

• Case studies

• Lists of Websites

• Copies of slides

Complete the Presentation

• Evaluate the message

• Edit the content

• Develop visual aids

Practice Your Delivery

• Memorizing

• Reading

• Impromptu speaking

• Speaking from notes

Presentation Preparation

• Practice your delivery

• Introduce the slides

• Limit the number of slides

• Prepare the location

• Consider cultural diversity

Build Your Confidence

• Prepare extra material

• Rehearse

• Think positively

• Visualize success

• Take a few deep breaths

• Be ready

• Get comfortable

• Don’t panic

• Keep going

Appear More Confident

• Don’t rush

• Maintain eye contact

• Stand tall

• Control gestures

• Use your voice

Answer Questions

• Focus on the questioner

• Respond appropriately

• Maintain control

• Survive the hot seat

• Motivate questions

Conclude the Presentation

• Prepare the audience

• Answer the final question

• Summarize the main idea

• Thank the audience

• Leave with confidence

Three-Step Process

• Planning

• Writing

• Closing

Planning, Writing, and Completing Oral

Presentations