Presentation
Skills
English IV: Blended

Essential
Understanding
This presentation will help you improve:
your ability to present knowledge and ideas
by designing a logical organization and style
for your audience using visual displays,
technology and appropriate language
choices.

Elements of a
Strong
Presentation: AM
Audience
Who are they?
What do they need to know?
Message
What content are you required to present?
Which elements of your content are essential,
which are supplementary?

Elements of a
Strong
Presentation: PM
Presenter
How can you design your presentation so that
the content creates an impact on the audience?
How can you reduce distractions so that the
focus is on the content, not the presenter?
Medium
What’s the most effective medium to use?
How does this choice improve the impact?

Audience
Who are they?
What do they need to know?
What can you assume they already know?
What will they gain by paying attention to
your presentation?
How can you keep them engaged (handouts,
interaction)?
In the real world, it’s never about “getting a
grade.” Consider the real purpose.

Message
How much time do you have?
What content are you required to present?
How can you make it fit the time constraints?
Brainstorming: When working in groups, you must
be supportive of every idea, but firm enough to
throw out weak or unnecessary content.
Visualize ideas – Use diagrams, mapping, outlines,
chart to help you organize and simplify.

Presenter
You will need to be able to:
To use your voice to emphasize your content.
To use body language to accent your content
(gestures, facial expression)
To adjust your timing (speed, detail, length)
To deal with your own nervousness
To respond to audience (eye contact, changing
pace given cues)

Presenter
Know about what you want to say.
Look at people when you speak to them.
Speak clearly and keep what you say simple.
Ensure that your words, body language and voice
all emphasize your most important content.
Adapt your delivery to your audience by paying
attention to the signs of confusion, disagreement
or boredom.
Summarize and check that people understand you.

Medium
Flip Chart and Poster presentations:
Clear and concise
High Visual impact
Well-organized
Binders or Folders:
Well-organized
Allow for review after presentation

Medium
Powerpoint (or other presentation software)
If you use a small font, your audience may not be able to read what you have written
CAPITALISE ONLY WHEN NECESSARY. IT
IS DIFFICULT TO READ AND APPEARS
RUDE.
Avoid complicated / distracting transition
Specialty fonts are often difficult to
read
Colors that don’t contrast the background are
difficult to read.
Background images often obscure text.

Group Dynamics
Rehearse early and often.
Have a real introduction; don’t simply begin.
Introduce yourselves.
Know your transitions and make them smooth and
logical, especially between presenters
Have an “anchorman” who directs the flow of the
presentation.
Inactive presenters should not be inattentive.
Use each member’s strength.