Oral Presentations

One of the most nerve-racking parts of many projects is oral presentations. Presenting yourself in front of judges and peers is difficult, as you seem to need to be great or apologize. Neither is true and oral presentation of your work is a necessary part of research. Below you find a few tips on oral presentations and although the list is long it should prove helpful. But the best tip anyone can give you is to practice. Practice to your parents, friends, dog, plants, mirror or tape recorder. Practice and ask for feedback.

Content

• Accurate
• Enlightening
• Well Documented
• Interesting

Delivery

• Use appropriate volume and pitch (tone should be like dignified conversation)
• Be conscience of your speed (not too fast or too s-l-o-w)
• Avoid any speech tics and slang (like, you know, uhh; a tape recorder may help here)
• Practice difficult pronunciations
• Dress appropriately not allowing your attire to distract from your work
• Avoid distracting mannerisms with you hands, paper, etc. (video tape yourself if possible)
• Face the audience and make eye contact, especially when using audiovisuals
• Avoid blocking the audience's views of your visuals
• Do not rely on too many numbers or overwhelming statistics
• Always ask for questions, if need be repeat the question to allow yourself time to think about it or allow others to hear it
• Meet time constraints

Visual Aids (transparencies, slides, charts, computer display, white board, etc.

• Remember the reason for visuals is to explain a complex idea concisely and focus your audience on your logical conclusion.
• Display props only large enough to be seen by everyone
• Choose the right number and type of visual - enough to support and not distract
• Use no more than one visual for every minute or two of talk (5 plus a title and concluding slide for a 10 minute talk)
• Avoid technical glitches by preparation and practice
• Use overheads or slides (computer slides as well) effectively to explain complex issues
  • No more than seven lines and thirty five words per slide
  • Use outline form for explanations, do NOT read paragraphs
  • Do not read entire speech from overheads or sides, look at your audience not the slides
  • Use large font with lots of open space
  • Lable all graphs and drawings with easy to read text
  • Color scheme, fonts and transitions should be consistent
• Distribute handouts before you begin to speak
• Display props for inspection, do not pass them around the audience (It can be distracting)
• Avoid turning out all lights for use of visuals, ask someone to control this for you

Other

• Use note on paper or cards but do not read your speech!
• Prepare notes neatly, make them easy to be seen by you (large print, numbered)
• Mark notes with places to smile, slow down, change pace, show slide, etc.
• Catch the audience's attention with startling statements, anecdotes, a question, an appropriate quotation, etc.
• Summarize your conclusion
• Never apologize in opening or closing: "my project is not great but..."