ESI 4554 ISE Systems Design
Tips on Presentations &
Public Speaking for
Industrial Engineers
Fear…
You will, at some point in your life,
have to stand up in front of a large
crowd and talk.
Fear…
– This can be a frightening situation.
– Speaking, like writing or listening, is a skill.
– Once you have the basics, the rest is practice, polish
and style.
– Few of us are great speakers, but all of us can
become more effective if we take the time to
practice the basics.
Fundamentals
• Analyze your Purpose and the Audience
• Get Organized
• Conduct your Research
• Support your Ideas / Findings
• Use English that is Alive
• Ask for Feedback
Nonverbal Communication
• You will always encounter some level of stage fright.
• some get a little nervous, some become ill.
• increases with the number of people listening
• increases if you don’t know the material
– Practice your presentation
• (use a video camera & tripod if needed).
– Know the first couple of paragraphs “COLD”!
• This will get you through the introduction and the first transition to the
main point.
Nonverbal Communication
•
Be confident.
– Come on strong. Be natural.
– Establish good eye contact with audience.
– If you break down or loose it, don’t apologize; the audience
will probably not notice unless you tell them.
Look Good!
• Proper appearance builds confidence and reduces stage
fright.
• Items to consider to eliminate any negative barriers
before you start talking:
– Fresh Haircut
- Tie Straight
– Shoes shined
- Fresh shave
– Suit pressed
– All buttons buttoned
Look Good!
• Ladies:
– conservative dress, make-up and accessories
– perfume may be a distraction to audience if excessive
• Posture
– Stand straight and alert, don’t be artificial
– Don’t rock back and forth or side to side
Eye Contact
• Establish eye contact with audience immediately.
• Let audience you are talking to them. Don’t stare, but
look at them occasionally.
• This is the best vehicle for obtaining audience feedback
and holding their attention.
Face and Gestures
– Use facial expressions, but don’t overdo them.
– Use as if talking naturally.
– It is OK to use your hands and arms, if done
naturally.
Visual Aids
– Objects, models, photos, maps, Powerpoint slides.
– Passing around objects may distract. Use if they add
meaning and connection to your briefing.
– Handouts:
• have great impact, but don’t overload with info.
• If using Powerpoint, slides are usually handed out before presentation.
Visual Aid Tips
– Don’t stand between visual aid and audience.
– Don’t talk to the visual aid; talk to the audience. Use a
pointer; use the arm closer to the visual.
– Keep the visual aids clear, simple and readable.
– Know your visual aid.
Visual Aid Tips
– Spell / grammar check any text you are showing.
– Don’t READ all the words in the visual: this is
boring!
– Keep artwork simple: 2-3 colors max.
Speech Rate
– People can listen 4-5 faster than the normal rate of speech.
• If too fast, your speech is unintelligible.
• If too slow, your meaning suffers.
– Varying your speed keeps your audience’s attention.
– So… speak not too fast, not too slow.
Pitch & Volume
– Use the proper volume for the room you will be
speaking in.
– Speak in a voice range comfortable for you, then
change inflection for emphasis.
Pause…
– Gives you time to catch your breadth and collect your
thoughts.
– Never be in a hurry to finish.
– Pause for the audience to digest your comments.
• Short pauses divide points within an idea.
• Long pauses transition from one idea to another.
Articulate…
– Make your works distinct and understandable.
– Practice the correct pronunciation of any term you
are unfamiliar with, don’t get caught on the spot.
– If unsure, check the dictionary.
Length of Presentation
– Length of presentation is crucial.
– On many occasions time is restricted to maintain a schedule.
– It this is the case, time your presentation a few times.
– Simply know what you have to say and say it.
Practice, Practice, Practice
• Practice out loud
– Practice in front of critical listener if possible, or use a video
camera.
– The more you practice, the smoother your presentation will
go.
• Anticipate questions the audience might ask.
• This may reveal “holes” in the core of the presentation.
What to look out for…
• Introduction
– Previews major points to be covered.
• Background
– Give enough background to understand problem.
– Not too much, not too little.
• Flow
– Presentation logical and easy to follow.
– Topics are logically tied together and transition well.
• Conclusion should summarize major points.
• Stay within time limit if specified.
What to look out for…
• Structure & Organization
– Problem Statement concise, clearly defined.
– Constraints and Assumptions of the problem are realistic and
clearly defined.
– General Approach: logical, relevant, original, clearly presented and
explained.
– Work Breakdown Structure were clearly presented and defined.
What to look out for…
• Structure & Organization
– Evaluation of Alternatives or Final Design / Solution Development
and Approach clearly presented/explained. Solution and
alternatives seem feasible and relevant.
– Implementation of Solution clearly presented/explained
– Validation of Solution clearly presented/explained.
– Areas of Future Study clearly presented/explained.
What to look out for…
• Visual Aids
– Relevant
– Interesting
– Artistic Effort (Originality)
– Quality
– Clarity, Neatness
– Spelling
Basic Evaluation Criteria
1.
Company Background: (brief, concise)
2.
Problem Background: (sufficient, relevant)
3. Goal (s) and Objective (s): (clear, to the point)
4.
Description of Deliverables at the end of the project.
5. Scope, Constraints/Assumptions, Merit: (clear, relevant)
6.
General Approach: (Clearly presented - very logical)
Basic Evaluation Criteria
7.
7.
Presentation of Expected Results / Deliverables:
(Clearly described)
Results and Deliverables: (Accomplishments to Date)
8.
Command of Subject Matter
9.
Command of Language
10. Quality of Visuals
11. Equal Participation by each team member
12. Appropriateness of Dress
Q&A