A presentation can be
divided into many parts, or the standard rule can be followed which
is a three-part structure. At the beginning you introduce what will
be talked about; in the middle you will give your talk; at the end
you will summarize what you talked about.
So there is a beginning,
middle and end of your presentation.
The presentation structure should be as follows:
- The introduction
- The main body
- Summarizing and concluding
The main body of the presentation
contains the details of the subject described in the introduction.
For a clearer structure which will help the audience to follow the
information AND to remember it, the main body can also be
divided into different parts. This division can be done as follows:
1. Introduction
2. Main body of information
3. Summary/Conclusion
Presentation preparation:
Introduction of oneself, speciality,
title, etc.
Subject/Title of talk.
An outline of the
subject and structure of your talk.
The scope of your talk:
what is and is not presented.
Reference to the type of visual
aids you plan to use.
Reference to how long you are going
to speak for.
Reference to questions and discussion.
A summary of the conclusions.
Introduction of oneself, speciality,
title, etc:
This introduction should be simple
and short. You should thank the chairperson, greet your audience/listeners;
introduce yourself, and then begin. The following example may be
used:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman
Good
morning/good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
(if required, state name, speciality
and where you came from)
It is a pleasure to be here in ...... to address you....
Subject/title of talk: Must be something that will call their attention
and curiosity.
The title of my presentation
is...
I’d like to discuss and report on...
The theme of my presentation
is....
The subject of my talk is...
I’m going to talk
about....
I plan to say a few words about...
My topic
today is...
An outline of the subject and
structure of your talk:
I’ve divided my talk into (three)
parts...
My presentation will be in (three) parts...
I’m going to divide my presentation into parts...
In the first part...
Then
in the second part...
Finally...
OR: First...
Second...
Third...
OR:
The first point I’d like
to make is...
The second point concerns...
And finally,
I’d like to summarize (or talk about)...
The scope of your talk; what is
and is not presented:
Reference to the type of visual
aids you plan to use:
I will also use visual aids with
my presentation...
The use of visual aids will accompany
my presentation...
Reference to how long you are
going to speak for:
Reference to questions and discussion:
Finally, I’ll end my presentation
with an invitation to ask questions or make any comments you
like.
OR: After my talk I’ll be happy to answer
any questions.
A summary of the conclusions:
So, that brings me to almost
the end of my talk. I’d like to summarize the main points covered...
OR: That concludes the main part of my talk. Now I’d like
to summarize the main points...
OR: I would
like to end by emphasizing some observations based on what I’ve
said...
OR: Now I would like to finish with a brief
conclusion.....
Inviting questions and/or introducing
discussion:
That concludes my talk. Any questions
or comments?
OR: That concludes my talk. Thank you very
much. So, now I’d be very interested to hear your comments.
OR: I’d like to sum up by saying...
OR: Just
before concluding I’d like to say...
OR: I’d
like to finish with...
- a summary of the main
points.
- a brief conclusion
Handling questions:
Sorry, I’m not sure I’ve understood.
Could you repeat?
I didn’t catch your question.
In my experience...
I would
say...
It could be...
The planning and preparation for
a more effective presentation:
- Competent: Knowledge of the subject, and the ability
to pass that information to an audience.
- Dynamic: Lively style! Some presentations are competent
in many respects but sound boring!
- Coordination: Both the structure of the talk and the
handling of visual supports.
- Enthusiastic: The speaker has to make his or her interest
in the subject very clear.
- Clear: Both the speech and visual supports must be presented
in a way they can be understood.
Possible characteristics of an
audience that would affect a presentation:
Technical level or knowledge
- Expectations - Size
Questions and / or discussion - Ability
to concentrate -
Ability to remember - Interests
Speaker’s competence and good
technique:
1. Knowledge
2. Presentation technique
a. competent
b. organized
c. enthusiastic
d. clear
3. Avoiding bad presentation techniques:
a. overrunning
time
b. slides out of sequence, slides shown at the wrong
moment
c. reading text, getting confused
d. talking
too fast
e. losing notes
4. Important points to remember:
Objectives of speech
What do you want to get across
Know about your audience
Write out presentation
Check language
MAKE IT
SIMPLE
Decision of visuals
Check equipment
5 Cotent:
What to include
Length (time) / depth
(technical detail)
6.Sequence:
Beginning, middle, end,
summarizing
7.Presentation:
Style:
-
formal / informal
-
enthusiasm / confidence
-
clear
Voice:
- variety
/ volume
- pauses /
speed
Body language:
-
eye contact
- gesture
/ movement
- posture
(do not turn back on audience)
8. Visual aids:
Type / order / clarity / practice
9. Notes / presentation / language
a. simple /
clear
b. spelling
c. length
d. structure signals
of key ideas
In a medical congress you will probably
expect the following:
l. Probably very formal.
2. High expectations in terms of technical support, with a fair
amount of detail.
3. High level of specialist knowledge
– audience are professionals.
4. Use of visual supports
with essential information, with possible future publication
of Congress Proceedings.
Visual Aids:
I’d like to show you...
Take
a look at this...
Here we can see...
You must make sure that visuals are
well prepared, well chosen and clear.
Keep them down to a minimum
– the standard is one per minute.
Never show a visual until
you want to talk about it, or else you may become confused.
Visuals make information more memorable.
Show information which
is not easily expressed in words.
Highlight information; which
parts of the visual are most significant.
Cause audience to
employ another sense (more attentive) to receive nformation.
Bring variety and therefore increase audience’s attention.
Save time.
Clarify complex information.
DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK ON THE AUDIENCE
Never make the visuals the main attraction.
Presentation techniques:
Speakers giving a presentation should
always stand up when computer aids are not administered. In
a long presentation sitting for a segment is accepted.
Speakers
should not move around if there is a podium. Usually a podium restricts
movement.
Movement is often very useful and desirable.
You
should always look at the audience and at different people.
You should always check with the organizers that all the equipment
works.
When using overhead transparencies you should always
use a pointer.
When using a pointer on the screen, make sure
you don’t keep moving it around. Try not to use a script; the use
of cue cards is easier.
Using notes is acceptable. Make
sure there’s enough eye contact.
A good presentation is a like
a theatrical performance – you need to be an actor.
If you are
running out of time, speak more quickly. |
