· Structure
o Introduction (~20 %). Introduce your topic, explaining why it is important and interesting. Sometimes it helps to relate an anecdote to capture your audience’s interest. Give a little history and follow with a brief overview of what you will be talking about.
o Body (~70 %). Tell your story
o Summary / Conclusion. (~10 %) Summarize for your audience what you just told them, and discuss what additional work needs to be done.
· Provide perspective (your point of view). Use the studies you cite to evaluate your thesis statement.
· Try to focus on one central message without too many side tracks.
· Develop your ideas in logical sequence
o Provide a foundation so everyone can understand the topic.
o Explain how each study relates back to your thesis!
o Lead your audience - perhaps ask questions
o Distinguish between solid evidence and speculation
o Include specifics (statistics, details of how studies were conducted, charts showing results of studies, etc.)
o Credit your sources (use (Name Year) on slide)
· Use signposts throughout in order to keep your audience oriented
· Prepare an ending
o Summary / conclusion
o Try to end with a summary take home message
Enhancing Your Presentation with Illustrations
· Include properly credited pictures and figures – if you are just using a picture off of a website, paste the address in very small font below it.
· Simplify tables by recreating them or highlighting important parts with boxes.
· All illustrations should be large enough to see easily.
· Reduce what you will present to notes for yourself (an outline)
· Rehearse (especially for length -- the actual presentation usually takes less time than a rehearsal) to yourself and to a friend
· Make your title descriptive and informative title
· Be able to summarize each study in 2 or 3 sentences
· Learn correct pronunciations
· Dress appropriately
· Present what your title indicated (truth in advertising)
· Communicate clearly
o Avoid jargon
o Explain abbreviations
· Use a laser pointer (or the mouse pointer) to draw your audience’s attention to important details on your slides, but don’t wiggle it around
· Avoid distracting mannerisms
o Excessive hand movements
o Wandering around the front of the room.
· At the conclusion, stop, and then thank audience for opportunity to speak
· Volunteer to answer questions
· Attitude / Style
o Relax
o Don't hurry (nervous often fast – then you end up short!)
o Practice (perhaps write out) opening statements
o Use notecards (don't memorize, don't read)
o Language = "heightened conversation", personal, vivid
o Be enthusiastic!!!
· Voice
o Speak loudly enough
o Articulate words
o Place emphasis on end of sentence
o Avoid monotony
§ Change volume, speed and rhythm
§ Repeat or pause for emphasis
o Avoid the use of “uh,” "o.k.?", "right?", "you know?", “like,” and other distracting filler words.
· Mannerisms and body language
o Look at your audience -- maintain eye contact
o Good posture
o Move
o Use gestures and body language
· Repeat the question
· Give a brief and focused answer
· If you don't know, say so, and perhaps make an educated guess. Don't try to bluff.