BISC110/S11:Guidelines for oral presentations

Tips for Oral Presentations
The following tips from the PLTC Oral Presentation Peer-Tutors will help guide you in the development of your oral presentation.

TIPS:
 * Keep it simple!
 * Keep to the time limit. ( presentation + Q&A)

QUESTIONS:
 * What is my purpose?
 * Who is my audience?
 * What do they already know about the topic?
 * What information will they find relevant? interesting? amusing?
 * If the information is controversial, what is the audience’s position, attitude or reaction likely to be?
 * What information might I include/leave out?

ORGANIZATION:
 * Engage the audience with your first sentence; don’t mistake your first sentence for your introduction.
 * Use clear and simple topic sentences and transitions.
 * How might I organize the material?
 * Use scientific format to your advantage
 * Introduction (catch attention, set up problem, broad/specific questions, hypothesis, etc.)
 * Method (experimental design, set-up, etc.)
 * Results (what did you find, statistical significance, graph/table?)
 * Conclusion (explain what it all means, future directions, limitations, etc.)


 * Have I made the structure of my talk clear to the audience?

PRACTICE AND DELIVERY:
 * Practice enough so you avoid reading aloud.
 * Nerves: if you know your material, nerves can only give you an extra boost of energy.
 * Make sure you know how to use your visual aids with your presentation; practice on the technology you will be using.
 * Look enthusiastic, confident, and sincere—don’t use weak words (just, really).
 * Make eye contact in slow sweeps of the room (make “M” or “W” scans across the audience).
 * Stand still; balanced on both feet.
 * Any gestures or movements should appear natural and fit with what you are saying.
 * Voice: watch for Volume, Clarity, Variety and Inflection!¬¬¬
 * Watch for fillers: ah, umm, like, you know, OK.
 * Talk slowly, remember the power of the silent pause—write in pauses if it helps.
 * When giving a group presentation:
 * Pay attention to the transitions
 * Look interested and attentive when your team members are presenting.
 * Anticipate questions: what are the weak points of your argument?
 * When answering questions:
 * Don’t be defensive or roll your eyes.
 * Don’t rush to answer—remember, pauses can be powerful.
 * Smile your way through your mistakes

USING A POSTER:
 * Follow the guidelines of your instructor (clear colors, spacing, visuals, etc).
 * Give the audience a second to take in the poster and skim through it before beginning (to decrease distraction).
 * Reference the poster in a logical fashion
 * Don’t make your audience have to read everything
 * If pointing, make it exact. Turn towards the poster, find the spot, turn back, and then begin talking while facing the audience.
 * Other ideas: Props from experiments, model, handout, etc.
 * Summarize quotations in your own words, drawing attention to their specific significance.

CONCLUSION:
 * Sum up the 1 or 2 main points you wanted to make.
 * Recapture your audience with your final statement; end on a high note.
 * Prepare an outline or note cards.
 * Use single key words.
 * Number them!