Oral
Presentations
The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005
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This presentation will answer these
five questions...

What are the different types of presentations?

What are the elements of the communication
process?

How do you create an effective presentation?

What are the elements of all good presentations?

What “pitfalls” should you try to avoid?
The Writing Centre - StFX University, 2005
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Three Goals

To turn nervousness into confidence

To learn how to evaluate a presentation

To advise others to become better presenters
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#1: The Different Types of Presentations
You could make a thousand different types of
presentations …
Informing
Demonstration
Definition
Description
Expository
Persuasion
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#1: The Different Types of Presentations
 Impromptu
- “Off the cuff”
 Memorized
- Recited
 Manuscript
- Read
 Prepared
- Spoken with cue cards
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
Message
Speaker
Listener
Response
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
Key learning …
Speakers must be aware of all aspects of a
presentation, NOT just how they are
feeling at that moment …
the speaker is only one part of the whole ….
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
REMEMBER...
You have the audience and, more
importantly, the message to think about.
Realize this and you should begin to take
control over your anxiety.
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
Speaker –
The speaker wants to
communicate an idea
Message –
The speaker puts the idea
into a structured message
Channel –
The message is sent
through a channel to the
audience
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
Audience – the audience receives
and interprets the message
Response – the audience responds
to the message
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
The speaker must focus on
words, attitude, tone, and
outward appearance
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
The listener has needs which you the speaker - are trying to meet.
Just as you would “write for your
readers”, you should try to “speak for
your listeners, not for yourself.”
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
Message = Content + Form
Content – the information you
want to deliver
Form – Structure of the
message, the style, the
features of delivery
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
Response
Pay attention to the reaction of the
audience during and after the
speech
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
RESPONSES to a speech can include:

non-verbal or verbal responses before and
during speech

questions right after speech

questions and comments received later
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#2: Elements of the Communication Process
Use the
RESPONSE
to your presentation to
become a better presenter
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#3: Creating a Presentation
Presenting
is only one part
of the equation!
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#3: Creating a Presentation
Successful presentations involve
Planning & Practice
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#3: Creating a Presentation
The more you
PLAN and PRACTICE,
the less nervous
you will be.
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#3: Creating a Presentation
The more you
PLAN and PRACTICE,
the more effective
you will be.
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#3: Creating a Presentation
Pfieffer uses the outline ROTGD to help you think
about planning your presentation
Research
Organization
Text
Graphics
Delivery
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#3: Creating a Presentation
Planning and writing
your presentation should be
given equal or more
importance than the delivery
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#3: Creating a Presentation
Research
-
-
-
Who is the audience?
What is the purpose?
How much time to speak?
Know the topic . . .
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#4: Elements of a Good Presentation
Organization
-
-
Introduction - Tell them what you
are going to tell them
Body Tell them
Conclusion - Tell them what you
told them
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#4: Elements of a Good Presentation
The Introduction:
Opener
 Objective
 Preview

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#4: Elements of a Good Presentation
The Body
Key Point 1, Supporting Material, Transition
Key Point 2, Supporting Material, Transition
Key Point 3, Supporting Material, Transition
Remember you have a limited amount of time
– gauge the volume of content carefully.
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#4: Elements of a Good Presentation
The Conclusion


Summary
To Do
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#4: Elements of a Good Presentation
Text
-
-
-
Simple descriptive words are better
Never read from a script
Never memorize a script
Use cue cards with major points
written in large letters (the script)
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#4: Elements of a Good Presentation
Rule of 7
for slides or overheads
try not to put more than
7 words on 7 lines
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#4: Elements of a Good Presentation
Graphics
 Fit
the setting
 Support the message
 Wake the audience
 Used sparingly
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#4: Elements of a Good Presentation
and are…
 Pictorial
 Colourful
 Creative
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#4: Elements of a Good Presentation
Delivery
– enthusiastic
 Delivered with care
 Be careful with hand gestures
 Energetic
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#5: The Pitfalls to Avoid

Mispronunciation

Filler words:
ahhhs, ummmms, uhhhs, “you know”,
“right?”

Not being heard

Uninteresting voice
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#5: The Pitfalls to Avoid

Ineffective gesturing

Equipment not working

Using visual aids incorrectly

Wrong clothes

Opening with a joke
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#5: The Pitfalls to Avoid

Poor eye contact

Weak introduction

Ineffective transitions

Weak conclusion (Thank You!)
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Goals to Achieve...
Overcome Nervous Anxiety
Change the nervousness to confidence
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Confidence
adds energy to a
presentation
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Overcome Nervous Anxiety
It is not fear you are feeling; it is
nervousness
 Identify the source – self-consciousness
 Recognize the solution – your ability
 Think positively – I am … I can ... I know …
 Relax
 Gather support from the audience

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Evaluating a presentation
means making a critique of
both the strong and weak
aspects, not just a criticism.
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Evaluating a Presentation
Focus on the positive
 Tell presenters what you liked
 If someone is doing something that really
does not work, show them a technique
that does work
 Do not criticize without providing a
solution or suggestion

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Focus on the message, but also think
about how the presentation is
created, organized, and delivered
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Critical Reflection...
How did the audience respond to
your presentation?
What did you do well?
What skills do you need to improve
before your next presentation?
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Remember…
Present yourself positively
every chance you get.
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References
Arredondo, Lani. How to Present Like a Pro: Getting
People to See Things Your Way. New York:
McGraw-Hill Inc., 1991.
Koch, Arthur. Speaking With a Purpose. 5th ed.
Boston: Allyn Bacon, 2001.
Pfeiffer, William S. Pocket Guide to Public Speaking.
New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2002.
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