Objectives of the course
1. Recognising good and poor talks.
2. Identify and resolve your concerns.
3. Techniques to avoid poor talks.
4. Dealing with your nerves.
5. Tips for group presentations.
Why Give A Presentation?
Three Main Purposes
1. Inform
2. Persuade
3. Educate
Why Are Presentation Skills Important?
Deliver
information
about your
programs and
services
Enlist support
for financial
and
managerial
needs
Educate the
public on
specific
health issues
Influence and
persuade
stakeholders,
government
leaders, etc.
Provide
opportunities
to:
Advantages of presenting
• Addressing the multiple senses.
• Increasing your credibility.
• Effective use of time.
• High profile.
• Persuasive.
Four Cornerstones of a
Great Presentation
Great
presentations
require you to:
Know Your
Audience
Know
Yourself
Know The
Material
Know Your
Purpose
Fear
• Feared more than death!
• THE FACTS: Shaky hands, memory loss,
nausea, and knocking knees.
• NORMAL!
Causes of the Anxiety
• Fear of the unknown OR loss of control.
• Fight or flight mode.
• No backup plan.
• No enthusiasm for subject.
• Focus of attention.
Effective Presentations
• Control anxiety – Don’t fight it.
• Audience centered.
• Accomplishes objective.
• Fun for audience.
• Fun for you.
• Conducted within time frame.
Why is it important to know your audience?
Know Your Audience
Purpose: Allows you (the speaker)
to determine what and how you
should present.
Demonstrate concern for the
audience's interests
Tailor the presentation to fit the
audience’s needs
Audience Profile
Start by creating an audience profile that includes:
Audience Information
Roles and Responsibilities
Age
Knowledge Base
Learning Styles
Culture
Number of Participants
Purpose for Attending
Why?
Use job related examples
Ensure the use of age appropriate content/materials
Tailor presentation based on knowledge of audience
Incorporate all learning styles
Use culturally sensitive content/materials
Ensure enough materials/handouts are available
Address the question, what’s in it for me (WIFM)?
Why?
Talk with members of the audience beforehand.
Distribute a survey before the presentation.
Talk with the organizer.
Review evaluations from past presentations.
Get a sense of what the audience is like by
attending a presentation .
Ask for information that describes the audience.
Ways to Gather Information about your Audience
Know Your Purpose
Why are you doing the presentation?
Decide whether the main purpose of your talk is to…
Provide information
increase awareness
Change attitudes
create emotion
Build new skills
training activities
Types of Presentations
Motivational
Speech
(change attitudes)
Purpose: Interest
the audience in
your topic and
motivate them to
take action
Informational
Speech
(provide information)
Purpose: Inform
the audience
about a specific
topic or issue
Extemporaneous Speech
A person is asked to speak without preparation
Demonstration
Speech
(build new skills)
Purpose: Teach
the audience
something new
Know The Material
Research
Use content information from
credible sources
Data/Statistics
Incorporate data /statistics that is
relevant to the audience
Resources
Provide some resources that will be
helpful to the audience
Know Yourself
Part of knowing yourself as a speaker is knowing…
a) Your style
b) Your skills/strengths
c) Your weaknesses
Communication is Key
Our body language can positively or
negatively impact the way we interact
with one another.
What do you think this picture is saying?
Presentation Styles
What are some ways to keep the audience engaged?
Type of Activity
Lecture
Group discussion
Question and answer
Case study
Brainstorm
Quiz
Game
Panel
Debate
Story
Problem solving
Role-playing
Demonstration
Large Group Small Group Pairs/Threes Individual
What makes a talk poor?
• Little/no eye contact
– No engagement with the audience.
• Mumbling
– Often because not engaging with audience.
• Reading from a paper
– Too fast, monotone.
• Little/no structure
– Lack of clarity.
• Too much information.
• Bad visual aids.
Dealing with nerves
• Be prepared
– Plan and rehearse.
– See ‘dealing with nerves’ box.
• Deep breathing!
– May sound naff, but it works.
• Engage with your audience
– Makes you feel more relaxed.
Presenting as part of a team
• Plan talk together.
• Set responsibilities.
• Structure talk
– Intro – sections - conclusion
– Ensure everyone will speak.
• Smooth links between speakers
– Someone to introduce talk.
– Introduce next topic & speaker.
– Someone to conclude.
“Great speakers aren’t born,
they are trained.”
Presenting is a Skill…
Developed through training and
experience
Planning
• Who are you talking to?
• Why are you talking to them?
• How long do you have to talk?
• What main points do you want to convey?
Planning Your Presentation
1. Determine purpose
– What do you want to accomplish?
2. Know your audience !!!
– Success depends on your ability to reach
your audience.
– Size.
– Demographics.
– Knowledge level.
– Motivation.
– Why are they attending?
– What do THEY expect?
More Planning
3. Plan Space
– Number of attendees and seats.
– Seating arrangement.
– Lighting, and lighting controls.
– Audio/Visual equipment.
– Distracters.
4. What Day and Time?
– Morning.
– Afternoon.
– Evening.
– Work day versus weekend.
– Any day!
Still More Planning
5. Organization
– Determine main points (1-5).
– Evidence.
– Transitions.
– Prepare outline.
– Prepare a Storyboard.
6. Rehearse…Rehearse…Rehearse!!
– In the actual room if possible.
– Work to a script and time your presentation.
– Practice Q & A.
– Check equipment – load your slides in advance.
– Make contingency plans.
Extra preparation hints
Ask ahead of time what equipment provided:
- overhead projector vs. PowerPoint
What format used:
- PC vs. Mac?
CD / Memory Stick (flash drive) / Zip?
Emergency back-ups:
- overheads
- handouts
Build Rapport
• … relation marked by harmony or affinity
– Audience members need to trust you and feel
that you care about them.
• Start before you begin
– Mingle; learn names.
– Opportunity to reinforce or correct audience
assessment.
– Good first impression.
• People listen to people they like.
Opening Your Presentation
• Introduce yourself
– Why should they listen.
• Get attention, build more rapport,
introduce topic
– Humor.
– Short story.
– Make audience think.
– Invite participation.
• Get audience response
Completing the Opening
• Clearly defining topic
• If informative…
– Clear parameters for content within time.
• If persuasive…
– What’s the problem.
– Who cares.
– What’s the solution.
• Overview
Keep it simple and clear
If you understand it - you should be able to
explain it in simple terms.
It is not enough to know it - you have to explain
it clearly.
More information more learning
Structuring your Presentation
• Three section structure:
introduction.
information.
recap.
• Prepare everything you need in
advance.
• Check on the day that everything
works.
Presenting Main Points
• Make point-transition,…make point-
transition,…make point-transition, etc…
• Supporting evidence.
• Examples.
• Feedback & questions from audience.
• Attention to, and focus on, audience…
are they listening?
Practice
• Practice in front of people.
• In the venue.
• Fix things that don’t work.
• Timing.
• Gets you used to being in front of an
audience.
Giving the Presentation
• Only a small proportion comes from
what you say.
• Posture.
• Tone of voice.
• Don’t rush!
Six steps of presenting effectively
• Decide what your
purpose is.
• Think about the
audience.
• Gather data.
• Apply suitable
structure.
• How open?
• How close?
Common failings of presenters
• Rejecting the audience.
• Showing nerves.
• Poor use of visual aids.
• Speaking for too long.
• Poor preparation.
• Being clever!
First few minutes
Be aware of:
• Negative body language
• The unfunny joke
• The overbearing expert!
Warm up!
• Helps you to relax
• Helps you to be heard
• Helps you to sound more confident.
Warm up!
• Deep breathing exercises- in for a
count of 5, out for a count of 5. In for
6, out for 6, and so on, up to 10.
• Hum! This loosens the vocal chords
and warms them up
• Do some tongue twisters. Really try
to articulate the words. Get faster and
faster!
Tongue Twisters!
• Unique New York.
• She sells sea shells by the sea shore
The shells that she sells are sea shells
I’m sure.
• Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry.
• Peter Piper picked a peck of picked
peppers.
• Rubber buggy baby bumpers.
Giving the Presentation, cont:
• Clothing: comfortable, appropriate.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Use notes if you need them.
• Think about when to use hand-outs.
Preparing Power point
• 5 lines, 5 words per line (per slide).
• Headings should “grab” the reader.
• Font size – minimum 24.
• Use colour to keep attention.
• Use pictures, graphics, quotations,
cartoons, charts, etc
Power Point
Advantages
• Portable.
• Professional.
• Can add graphics.
• Clear .
• Can use for hand-
outs.
Disadvantages
• Depends on
technology.
• Lack of audience
contact.
• Can’t add to it.
• Overcrowded .
Power point
Advantages
– Professionalism.
– Creates strong
image.
– Organization.
– Increase
attention.
– Improve
retention.
Disadvantages
– Technical
hiccups.
– Hard to design.
– Set-up time.
Power Point tips
• Look at the audience, not the slides.
• Don’t overcrowd.
• Pay attention to colour and layout.
• Print out slides.
• Test beforehand.
Tips for an Inviting Room
• Speaker position and tables.
• Registration table / Table for
handouts.
• Break out rooms.
• Lighting/heating/comfort.
• Is there a Microphone, LCD Projector
and a screen, flip charts etc?
Concluding Your Presentation
Goal
• Inform audience that you’re about to
close.
• Summarize main points.
• Something to remember, or call-to-action.
• Answer questions.
Designing Good Slides
• Content
– If it doesn’t add value, don’t say/use it.
• Color
– Know your room and lighting
• Dark room – use light font on dark background.
• Bright room – use dark font on light background.
Content
• Purpose
– Complement speaker.
– Talk ≠ technical report.
• Density
– 7-10 lines/page.
– 4-8 words/line.
– Test: Project a sample in the room, or in
a room of approximately the same size
as will be used in the real presentation.
Maximizing Visibility
• Font size minimums:
– Titles - 32 point .
– Text in bulleted lists - 20 point.
– San serif font.
• Use of Colors:
– High contrast.
– Dark background with light letters.
– Light background with dark letters OK.
Maximizing Visibility
• Font size minimums:
– Titles - 32 point
– Text in bulleted lists - 20 point
– San serif font
• Use of Colors
– High contrast
– Dark background with light letters
– Light background with dark letters OK
If it can’t be read –
it’s a waste & it annoys the audience
– Outline of talk – not every word.
– Put talk in speaker notes.
– No full sentences.
– Delete articles (the, a, an)
– Illustrate concepts.
Appropriate Composition
Why Use Aids?
• Audience visualize
message.
• Keeping audience
interested.
• Increasing
retention &
understanding.
• Reinforcing major
points.
• To make, explain or identify a point.
• To emphasize, clarify or reinforce a
point.
• To remind, summarize or review a
point.
• We remember –
– 10% of what we read
– 20% of what we hear
– 30% of what we see
– 50% of what we see and hear
Why Use Aids?
• Enhance understanding.
• Add variety.
• Support claims.
• Lasting impact.
Used poorly, however, they can be a
distraction and lead to an ineffective
presentation
Why Use Aids?
Visual aids
• Make use of facilities at hand i.e.
PowerPoint.
• Don’t over use the technology.
• Make your slides clear and not too
detailed.
• Utilise other visual aids such as
flipcharts, whiteboards … etc.
• PowerPoint slides
• Overhead transparencies
• Graphs/charts
• Pictures
• Web links (http://www.unh.edu/uacc/unhpathways.html )
• Films/video
• Flip charts
• Sketches
• Chalk or white board
Visual Aids
Visual Aids and Supportive Materials
Flip Chart White Board
Handouts DVD/Video Laptop and LCD Projector
Practice beforehand.
Do not obscure the screen.
Ensure all listeners can see the visual aid.
Talk to the audience – not the board or
screen.
Have a backup plan just in case the
equipment does not work.
Keep the layout simple and with minimum
details.
Visual Aids and Supportive Materials
Use of Images
• Use one image per slide.
• Two to contrast, but make them big.
• Draw arrows – animate.
• Do not enlarge small images.
• Do not distort the image.
• Credit the source
– author, book/article/website, date, URL.
Use of Animation
• Should enhance, not distract.
• Should not kill time.
• Custom Animation only.
• Use same transition between slides.
Flipcharts and Whiteboards
Good Points
• Low-tech.
• Easy to add to.
• More contact with
audience.
• More interactive.
Bad Points
• Can only use once.
• Can’t add graphics.
• Can be hard to
read.
• Hard to see.
Flipcharts and Whiteboard Tips
• Don’t hide!
• Draw lines if needed.
• Pay attention to colour.
• Call ahead to check on facilities.
• Stick to a few key points.
Using Flipcharts
• Prepare ahead .
• Use top 2/3 of
page.
• Talk facing
audience.
• Alternate colors.
• Practice flipping and
tearing off pages.
86
Visual Aids Should…
• Outline, explain, support main points.
• Serve audience’s needs, not
speaker’s.
• Be simple and clear.
• Supplement and support…
NOT DOMINATE!...
the presentation
Be Visible
• Use Sans Serif fonts (fonts without feet)
– e.g. Arial, Tahoma, Trebuchet, Verdana, etc.
• Titles should be 32-44 pt. font size, BOLD.
• Text should be as large as possible
– First level 24-32 pt font size.
– Second level 20-28 pt font size.
– Etc.
• Use color wisely
– Contrasting colors.
Key tips for slides
• There should be contrast in written
text against the background
This is OK This is OK
This is not OK This is not OK
Use high contrast colors for important lines, symbols or
text, and lower contrast colors for less important lines,
symbols or text. But use a limited number of colors
What makes a good presentation?
• Divide into groups.
• What makes a good presentation?
• Some things to think about
- presenter.
- resources.
- structure.
What Makes an Effective Speaker?
• Control of information.
• The voice used.
• The right words.
• Use of body language.
• Prompts, scripts and notes.
• The right location.
• Useful and meaningful visual aids.
Inform
• Sharing knowledge.
• Relevant data.
• Too much information deadly.
• Decide what is essential, leave out
rest.
• Provide sufficient facts.
• Interested listeners can ask for more.
Catchy titles
• Catchy titles should:
– Command attention; and
– Encourage people to sign up
– Short – no more than 10 words
– Explanatory
Vocal Techniques
• Loudness
– Will you be using a microphone?
• Pitch
– Vary to make points
• Rate
– Watch your audience
• Pause for effect
– Allow time for message to “sink in”
• Deviate from the norm for emphasis
Speak Clearly
• Speak at reasonable pace.
• Use inflection.
• Project your voice. Do not mumble.
• Talk to the audience: Not screen,
camera, notes, or self.
• Use professional language. Avoid
idioms / slang.
The Voice
C: Clear – the use of simple, easily understood words
and phrases.
L: Loud (enough) – it is important that everyone can hear
you.
A: Assertive – a bright and confident air born of
knowledge of the subject and good preparation.
P: Pause – it is essential to allow the listeners time to
digest what you have said.
Use the Rights Words
What you say, and how you say it,
is the key to a successful presentation:
– state your position or point.
– explain your ideas.
– use examples.
– restate your position or point.
Body Language
• Make eye contact,…Audience focus:
maintain eye contact with audience.
• Use your hands,…but don’t go crazy.
• If possible move around,…but slowly!
• Maintain good posture.
• Make sure everyone can see you.
Body Language
• DON’T speak with your back to the
audience.
• Dress professionally.
• Face your audience.
• Point and re-orient.
• Be enthusiastic.
Audience Involvement
• Involve the audience, if time.
• Ask questions; call on individuals;
small group activities.
• Repeat what they say.
• Write responses on white board or
flip chart.
Scripts and Notes
• Learn and use a script for formal
presentations to large groups.
• Underline key words that will best remind
you what you want to say.
• Use one card for each slide or topic.
• If possible, have someone else advance
slides for you.
Speaker Reads Slides
• A speaker may put his entire presentation on his slides.
He turns his back to the audience and reads the slides
aloud. Perhaps he feels this approach guarantees all
the information will get to the audience.
• This may be the most annoying way to give a
presentation. Audience members feel insulted: they
already know how to read! They wonder why the
lecturer doesn’t simply hand out a copy of the slides.
• The visual presentation dominates the presenter. The
presenter is not adding
any value to what is on the slides.
Psst! This slide is way too busy!
Common Problems
• Verbal fillers
– “Um”, “uh”, “like”, “you guys”
– Any unrelated word or phrase.
• Swaying, rocking, and pacing
• Hands in pockets.
• Lip smacking.
• Fidgeting.
• Failure to be audience-centered.
Control of Information
• Know your subject well.
• Know what you are talking about.
• Practice.
• More practice.
• More rehearsals.
- in front of the mirror.
- in front of colleagues or friends.
- in front of family members.
• Believe in yourself.
• Know your opening by heart.
Closing Summary
• Audience is always attentive at the
beginning.
• Somewhat less attentive in the
middle.
• Generally more attentive at the end.
• Tell them what you are going to say.
• Then say it.
• At the end, say it again.
• Allow time for questions.
Practice
• If group: rehearse as a group
– Check timing .
– Provide feedback to each other .
• If individual: rehearse with friend or
faculty.
• Rehearse without PowerPoint.
• Rehearse with PowerPoint in
classroom.
Performance
Explain figures, and point to important aspects
Visual Aids should:
Supplement presentation
Outline main points
Serve audience’s needs, not speaker’s
Simple and clear
Vs.
• What are some positive signs of
expressing, other than verbally?
Speaking Notes
• Write opening &
closing.
• Use Index cards -
key points.
• Use VERY LARGE
LETTERS .
• Number each card.
Rehearse, Rehearse
• Practice in front of
a real audience.
• With your peers –
tougher & honest.
• If not, practice on
your feet.
• In front of a
mirror.
Using Humour
• Adds spice to your
presentation.
• Mental recess for a
heavy topic .
• Use earlier in the
presentation.
• Help connect with
audience.
Some Humour
• People are funny. They want the
front of a bus, middle of the road
and the back of the Mosque.
• Do not take life too seriously.
You will never get out of it alive.
• When all else fails, please read the
instructions.
Questions
Paraphrase questions from the audience:
1. so that others hear the questions.
2. to make sure you understand the questions.
3. to stall while you think about an answer.
Consider what questions may be asked and
prepare the answer ahead of time.
Do not be afraid to say you do not know the
answer to the question.
Always be polite when answering questions.
Allow the audience to answer some of the
questions – this enhances their experience
and allows knowledge sharing.
Questions and Answers
• Know your audience as best you can.
• Recognize influential/expert members
of your audience at the outset.
• Paraphrase back to ensure
understanding.
• Answer honestly, get back later if
necessary.
• Respond in a focused way.
• Check you have answered the query.
Dealing with Questions
Dealing with Questions
• Questions show people are listening!
• Allow time to deal with them.
• Decide when to answer them.
• Try and anticipate.
• Don’t be afraid to stop and think.
Presenting With Confidence
• Non-Verbal Communication.
• Voice and Vocal Variety.
• Speaking Notes.
• Rehearsing.
• Interacting with Audience.
Facing your Fears
• Write your fears on a post-it.
• Stick them up.
• Find ways to face them in the group.
Facing your Fears
Be prepared
know your presentation
Rehearse (but don’t over rehearse!)
Talk with audience beforehand
Provide Handouts
Turn your nervousness into energy
Ask questions
Practice and get feedback from friends, co-
workers, etc.
Be realistic and set realistic goals for yourself.
Use relaxation exercises such as deep breathing.
Encourage yourself and avoid self-criticism.
Methods for Managing Stress
What are some common signs of stress?
Techniques for managing stress:
Methods for Managing Stress
Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Isolate one muscle group and
creating tension for 8-10 seconds, and then let the muscle relax.
Mindfulness – Focus on body sensations and breathing.
Meditation – Clear the mind of stressful outside interferences by
focusing on a single thing, such as a key word, sound, or image.
Guided Imagery – Direct thoughts to a safe, comfortable place
free of stress such as a beach or garden.
Humor Therapy – Use the power of smiles and laughter to aid
healing.
How to deal with inconsiderate
interruptions?
• Hecklers
• Silly Questions
• Hostile remarks
• Latecomers
• Chatterers
• Other
Skills for Delivery
• Using and Selecting Audio and Visual
Aids.
• Creating a Successful Learning
Environment.
• Overcoming Jitters.
• Presenting with Confidence.
Number of Slides
• 1 slide = 2 – 3 minutes.
• Image slides less.
• Time yourself.
• Leave time for questions.
Appropriate Handouts
• Supplement presentation.
• Useful tables or Outline of
presentation.
• Pertinent articles.
• Presentation (3 or 6 slides per page)
as last resort.
Summary
• Preparation is key!
• Practice!
• Watch out for tone and body language.
• Your flipchart/PowerPoint is a complement
only, don’t let it take over!
• Questions are good, but prepare for them.
• Fears can be tempered with good
preparation.