Oral Presentations

1. Research

The best way to avoid stress is to be thoroughly prepared. If you know your topic very

well, you are more able to think quickly and evenly while you are speaking.

2. Plan

What is your purpose? Is there a question you must answer or are you selecting your

own topic and focus? Think about your AUDIENCE. What does your audience know

about this subject? What will they be interested to hear?

Write a list of main points. Put them in logical order. Think of your presentation in

three parts: a beginning, middle and an end.

3. Practise

Practise your presentation. Say it aloud.

Do not read it – maybe use prompt cards with dot points.

Be aware of body language. Think about

• the way you look (don't distract the audience with loud jewellery or by

fiddling)

• your posture (it's easier to relax and breathe normally when standing

tall)

• making eye contact with people in the audience.

Use clear pointers such

as:

Following on from this …

My main point is …

There are three main types

…

It is first necessary to

establish …

Finally, I want to …

Beginning – Introduction

• Opening statement (can you put it in one sentence?)

• Explain how you have structured the material and the issues you will discuss.

Middle – the body of the talk

• Give the main points or arguments. Make any sub?points clear.

• Develop the points and where possible break up the information with visuals,

questions etc

• Emphasise important points.

End – conclusion

• give a clear summary of the main points and a statement of your final position.

Sample notes for a presentation on: How to give a presentation

1. Know your audience

• Who is your audience?

• What do they know about the topic?

• Do they have any particular characteristics you may need to consider—such as age,

education, experience, language ability …

2. Narrow your topic

• A broad topic can be too superficial—boring even

• Use lively examples

3. Research well

• The more you know the less nervous you will be

• Use