Oral presentation
Planning and preparation
The key to successful presentations is effective planning and preparation.
Planning
Analyse the set task carefully to see what kind of presentation you are expected to do. For example, the approach you are required to take for a marketing presentation in a business subject will differ significantly from a tutorial paper presentation in sociology. Understanding of the purpose of the presentation and the role you will be required to play is important. Also consider the audience involved and their role. Examine the assessment criteria carefully as this will help you to focus your preparation. If you are expected to devise a topic, make sure it is appropriate and relevant and discuss it with your tutor. Brainstorm your ideas, individually and/or in your group, and devise a draft plan.
Working in groups
Additional responsibilities and skills are involved when working with other students. You will need to communicate, negotiate and co-operate about such things as planning meetings, the sharing of the preparation workload and the role each person is to play in the presentation.
Preparation
Research your content material, keeping in mind the defined boundaries of the task (eg: the time limits involved). If appropriate, you will need to find and/or develop suitable aids and consider how to make best use of the presentation venue, especially in terms of seating arrangements, location of aids and equipment, etc. Finalise your plan and prepare cue/prompt cards if necessary.
It is important to rehearse your presentation. Practise such things as effective voice production, appropriate body language, using cue cards and any visual aids and equipment - and check your time management. You may find it useful to practise using a mirror and a clock! If working in a group, you will need to rehearse not only the content elements contributed by each person, but also the links between each person’s contribution.
Performance
It is useful to think of presentations as a special kind of performance where you have a solid basic structure plus some flexibility. Remember that the non-verbal aspects of communication are very important to any audience. In certain circumstances, how you deliver the material can be just as, if not more, important than what you actually say. So, pay particular attention to such things as visual aids, making effective eye contact and avoiding body language that may distract.
It is natural to be nervous. However, careful planning and preparation will help to overcome anxiety. Talk to your tutor and/or Academic Skills Unit staff if you are concerned about anxiety levels.
Assessment criteria
Make sure you have been provided with the assessment criteria by your lecturer/tutor and had any uncertainties clarified. Presentation assessment criteria usually focus on three main areas: structure, content and technique. Structure has to do with the appropriate and logical delivery of the material from the introduction through to the conclusion. Content relates to knowledge of the topic and relevance of the material. Technique involves elements such as voice, non-verbal communication, use of aids, etc. You may be required to lead a post-presentation discussion and/or to submit associated written work. You may also be asked to complete a self-evaluation of some kind and your audience/peers might be required to contribute to the assessment.
SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK
- Do I have to inform, persuade, challenge or entertain the audience/class?
- Who is my audience? Do they have any knowledge about my topic? What do I want them to understand?
- What are the constraints of the presentation task (eg: time, venue, equipment, size of group)?
- As a group member, what is my role and what responsibilities do I have?
- What kind of research is necessary (eg: on-campus, Internet, library, community)?
- Has my presentation got a clear structure, with an effective introduction, logical development of the main points and a strong conclusion?
- Are my visual aids (eg: handouts, slides, overheads, video, powerpoint) clear, simple and relevant?
- Are my cue cards easy to read, appropriately highlighted and clearly numbered?
- What aspect/s of my presentation could I improve with more practice (eg: voice projection, eye contact, use of notes, time-management)?
Don't forget ... planning + preparation + practice + performance = presentation.
For further information on oral presentations, please refer to Chapter 8 of the Study Skills Guide (Keamy and Reed, 1999).