Guidelines for Effective Presentations
Organizing your presentation
The introduction captures the attention of the audience, connects the topic to the audience,
clearly states what the speech is about, and previews the main points.
About 10-15% of total speaking time.
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Get the attention: surprising or interesting facts, rhetorical question, an example, an
anecdote regarding the project.
Tell the audience how the information will benefit them
Tell ‘em What you are going to tell ‘em. Briefly state what the speech is about.
Preview the main points
The body of the speech explains, develops, clarifies, proves the main points
 Limit your main points (3 or 4)
 Cluster information logically
Chronological: discuss events in order of occurrence
Topical: divide topics into subjects
Problem/ Solution: discuss problem, then the solution
The conclusion presents a summary of the main points and a final thought. Keep it short. End
with a strong statement. About 5-10% of total speaking time
Transitions keep the audience on track. Plan transitions from the introduction to the body,
between each main point and between the body and conclusion. (“Now that we have examined
the problem, lets look carefully …,” “So what have we learned? Let’s review”)
Developing your points
 Provide at least one piece of supporting material for each point: definitions, examples
(use a lot of examples), quotations, statistics, anecdotes, descriptions, factual
information, comparison and contrast.
 Use a variety of support for interest
 Use visual aids to clarify abstract ideas, to present statistics, to explain a process, to
reinforce a point.
 Emphasize fresh, new perspectives; novelty holds attention
 Point out relevance to listeners
 Use concrete language; avoid abstractions, keep it simple
Delivering your presentation
 Walk confidently to the front. Arrange notes. Gather your thoughts. Look at audience.
Smile (at least look friendly). Pause. Begin speaking without looking down deliver the
introduction and conclusion without looking at notes.
 Look at individuals in the audience (3-5 seconds each) while speaking.
 Glance at notes DO NOT READ
 Balance your weight evenly. Bend your knees. Avoid shifting weight.
 Speak at your normal rate. (Beginning speakers rush.) Write SLOWLY in your notes.
 Pause instead of filling it with um, ah and uh.
 Let your gestures be natural. Avoid clasping the lectern or clasping hands behind
back
Above all show interest in your listeners, show enthusiasm for your topic, show interest in
communicating your ideas.