Tips on Oral Presentations

Courtesy of Prof. Michael L. Goldberg

1. Oral presentations need structure, just like essays. Indeed, the analytical essay style provides one possible organizing structure for your presentation. Like an analytical essay, your presentation should have a strong thesis that allows you to develop an argument or a line of thinking until you reach a conclusion. This is especially true if you are using a more imaginative structure (skit, multiple voices, etc.). You will want an introduction that establishes the focus of the presentation for your audience. The clearer you are at the outset, the better your audience will be able to follow the points you are developing. You will want to think especially hard about transitions--those key statements that let the audience know you are moving on to another point, linking an upcoming point to one made earlier, moving in a different direction, or bringing up a point from an earlier part in the presentation. Consider your audience members--what you think they know and what they do not know. For instance, can you assume that everyone knows the basic history of the period? Ask the instructor if you would like advice. While not necessary, a compelling introduction that "hooks" the audience in some way helps get the audience tuned into your presentation from the start. After certain key points, you might want to reemphasize or restate an argument or conclusion. Unlike a written paper, an oral presentation does not allow your audience to go back to figure out what you were trying to say. Finally, the conclusion should, at least, tie together the points you have made and bring the presentation to a smooth closure (rather than simply saying, "Well, I guess that's all I've got"). At best, the conclusion should use the preceding points to consider a larger point, to leave the audience thinking, "I really learned something from that," or "That really made me think."
2. Different presenters are comfortable with different types of cues. Some need a fully written-out script. In this case, you should at least be comfortable with what you have written, and not be forced to stare at the text continually while speaking haltingly. Others use cue cards with key words or phrases, and some use an outline. Some people even speak without notes. You may have your own method, but whatever method you choose, you must come prepared. Just as you should not hand in a paper after the first draft, you should not simply script out your presentation and then fail to practice and then preview your presentation. You should practice first without an audience, and then preview the presentation for an audience (family, friends, groupmates--anyone you feel will be both supportive and honestly critical). Your audience can help you correct unclear points or places at which you lose your audience. Previews will also help you become comfortable with your words, and enable you to rewrite or rethink parts of your presentation that simply do not sound right. Sometimes, what works on paper does not work orally, and vice-versa. Your previews are a good time to voice any fears or concerns you have about your speaking ability or presentation. The preview is also a good opportunity to time yourself. Make sure you know how much time you have been allocated, and how much time your presentation will take (not including questions at the end from the audience, but including all supplemental material you present).
3. Do not apologize before or after you speak. Let the audience decide for itself how clear or exciting or prepared you are or how interesting your presentation is.
4. Relax. This is as friendly an audience as you are likely to address. Everyone will be performing a similar task, and we have been together for some time now. Everyone wants you to do well.
5. Consider style as well as content, just as in writing. Make eye contact with your audience, avoid a monotone delivery, and convey a sense of enthusiasm or interest in your subject.
6. Audio-visual aids or handouts are often useful tools. However, make sure they are appropriate, and will not distract from your presentation. They should be support tools; that is, do not expect the AV aids to make the points themselves. Rather they should be used for illustration and emphasis. Avoid supplements that have a lot of written text unless absolutely essential, and, if you do use these, make sure you allow time for the audience to read and understand the text before you continue. Make sure you are comfortable using the equipment required for your presentation (you should have at least one preview using all your supplements), or else make sure whomever you have designated to run the equipment knows what he or she is doing and is clear how the supplements will work with your presentation. Equipment sometimes fails, so have a back-up plan if your AV aids become unavailable. Let me know at least three days in advance if you want AV equipment such as a slide projector, PowerPoint, or video player. You can find videos in the UW Library Catalogue and in the Educational Media Center's collection. Allow enough time for delivery of materials located off the UWB campus.
7. The group should establish a rough outline for the presentation, the earlier the better. Everyone in the group must take part in the oral presentation. In general, try to encourage those who have been shy to take a significant part in the presentation without applying too much pressure. You might consider appointing a moderator from your group to keep track of the presentation as it is taking place and make sure everyone sticks to the agreed-upon time limits.
8. About a week after your group's presentation, I will provide written comments. Save them for the graduation portfolio that is required of all Interdisciplinary Studies and Environmental Sciences majors. Remember, like writing, public speaking is a skill that must be developed over time. Although some people, for a variety of reasons, are more comfortable than others speaking publicly (just as some people seem to be "naturally" better writers), everyone can learn these skills with time, guidance, practice, and patience. Do not expect to master this skill immediately if you have rarely done it before, but do expect that your hard work and preparation will enable you to perform at a much higher level than had you completed neither the work nor the preparation.

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