some thoughts on making presentations - umass...

Mechanical Engineering Department

Dr. Peter Avitabile University of Massachusetts Lowell Presentation Thoughts - 0421307 - 1 Copyright © 2001

Some Thoughts onMaking Presentations

Peter AvitabileMechanical Engineering DepartmentUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell



There are several things that make for a poor presentation. First is reading directly from the slide and not facing the audience. Second is talking in a very low voice so no one can hear you. Third is using a font that is too small to be read by anyone. Fourth is providing all the words that describe the content of your presentation - people tend to read you words rather than listen to you explain what you have to say. Also, too much clutter on a slide is distracting.






Several things that make for a poor presentation.

First is reading directly from the slide

and not facing the audience.




Second is talking in a very low voice so no one can hear you.




Third is using a font that is too small

to be read by anyone.




Fourth is providing all the words that describe the content of your presentation

People tend to read your words rather than listen to you explain what you have to say.



There are several things that make for a poor presentation.

Too much clutter on a slide is distracting

Along with whistles, pops, snaps, etc.



Make sure important items are clearly identified



Always try to put your audience at ease



Try to give your presentation as if it were to a friend or associate so you feel comfortable

Don’t focus on the large crowd in the audience Illustration by Mike

Avitabile



Your presentation material is just a summary of your material to be presented

Use the bullets on the screen as reminders of what you need to discuss next

Organize the material in your head (or on paper first) before you make detailed slides



Don’t be nervous about your presentation.

You probably know more about the subject you are presenting than most people in the audience.

If you don’t know the answer to a question or understand what is being asked, then say so.



THREE GOLDEN RULES FOR PRESENTATIONS

•Tell them what you are going to tell them

•Tell them

•Tell them what you told them



TITLE

NAME

AFFILIATION

TITLE PAGE NUMBER REVISION

Cover Slide



Typical Slide

HEADING

BULLETS



Slide with Graphics

Graphics make some presentations more enjoyable

but too many unnecessary graphics are annoying



Cover Slide with Graphics

A cover slide with some graphics and outline is useful

This creates a pleasant diversion while transitioning between one presentation and another



Closing Slide

A closing slide should have some summary information instead of a blank slide with nothing on it



and remember

You only have one chance to make a first impression!!!

You never know who may be in the audience and how important he is now – or in the future !

some thoughts on making presentations - umass...

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