© 2010 centre for english language communication national university of singapore

© 2010 Centre for English Language Communication NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

To understand how to deliver an oral presentation clearly, appropriately and persuasively

What is your message?

How do you deliver your message?

1.Preparation

2.Delivery

Define your purpose

For example:

◦To persuade the audience to buy the new design of Product AAA

◦To propose a new salary scheme for employees of your company to be implemented next year

Articulate your core message

For example:

◦ The new salary scheme is fair. We propose that it be implemented beginning January next year.

◦ The new design of Product AAA is a good one. Buy it.

Analyze your audience

◦ Size ◦ Composition

cultural professional/specialist

◦ Likely reaction ◦ Level of understanding◦ Attitude towards you

Consider logistics

◦ Timing

◦ Duration  

◦ Physical environment  

◦ Equipment

Gather the material

◦ Keep your core message in mind

◦ Let the core message help you decide what information is relevant or not

Organize the material

◦ Main points

◦ Supporting points

They should work towards articulating the core message of your presentation.

Prepare an outline

◦ Make sure the talk is proportioned correctly.

◦ Show the relationships between ideas very clearly.

Your outline helps you and your audience visualize the relationships between your main and supporting

points.

Prepare visual aids

◦ Design and layout

◦ Color

◦ Text and graphics

◦ Animation

Rehearse

but do not memorize!

Introduction

◦ Get audience's attention and interest

Make what you say relevant to them Ask a question Arouse curiosity Give surprising information Tell a joke

CULTURE dictates what strategy in the introduction is appropriate or not

Introduction

◦ Tell the audience what the topic is

Preview your main points

Establish your credibility

Use of connectives

◦ Use linking words to connect your ideas    

Communicative cues

◦ Eye contact◦ Gestures◦ Facial expressions◦ Voice◦ Speed

Handling of visual aids

◦ Make sure the whole audience can see the visual aids. ◦ Talk to the audience, not to the visual aids. 

Conclusions

◦ Signal that the presentation is ending. 

◦ Reinforce the central idea.

Summarize the main points. Make a prediction. Refer to points made in the introduction. Call for action if your presentation requires the

audience to do something.

Handling of questions

◦ Anticipate questions (even before the delivery itself)

◦ Listen to the entire question and make sure you understand it. 

◦ Credit the person for asking the question

To deliver your message clearly, appropriately and persuasively, remember these two questions:

What is your message?

How will you deliver it?

Thank You

Q & A