Effective Presentation

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Effective presentation

What is an effective presentation?


An effective presentation makes the best use of the relationship between the presenter and the
audience. It takes full consideration of the audience’s needs in order to capture their interest,
develop their understanding, inspire their confidence and achieve the presenter’s objectives.
A good presentation even more effective
By bringing together advice from a wide range of people, the aim is to cover a whole range of
areas.
Whether we are an experienced presenter, or just starting out, there should be ideas here to help
me to improve.

Some stages in planning a presentation

1. Preparation
Many factors affect the design of my presentation. A powerful presenter will acknowledge and
address each of the following:
•objectives;
•audience;
•venue;
•remit.

2. Choosing the main points


•what are the main points we wish to make?
•are these points structured in a logical, coherent way?
•do these main points reflect our own objectives and take account of the needs of your
audience?

3. Choosing your supporting information


The supporting information helps my audience understand, believe in and agree with my main
points.
•what will add clarity to our argument reminding the audience of any supporting theories.
•what will add authority to our argument.
•what will add colour to our argument.

4. Establishing linking statements


The next stage is to develop the linear flow of your presentation linking statements to show
clearly how your main points fit together.
•“The next stage in our project was to …”;
•“Another important issue of consideration was …”;
•“By following this argument we can now see that …”.

5. Developing an opening
The introduction to my presentation is crucial. It is my first point of contact with my audience; i
can either capture or lose your audience’s interest in a matter of seconds.
•introduce myself;
•state what i will be talking about (a title or subject area)
•state how i will be talking about it
•state what i intend to be the outcome of my presentation (an informed
group,
•state what i expect my audience to do (listen, take notes, ask questions before/during/after,

6. Developing a conclusion

Your conclusion is another important stage in your presentation. You can use it to remind your
audience of your main points,
•a summary of my main points
“We have discussed the following points…”;
•a summary of the process i have been through
“By looking at X we have found that Y …”;
•a parting statement to stimulate my audience’s thoughts (this might be a
question or a bold comment).

7. Body language
body language is crucial to getting your message across. Make sure that you are giving the right
messages: body language to avoid includes crossed arms, hands held behind your back or in
your pockets, and pacing the stage.

8. Presentation as performance
Making a presentation puts you on public display. An audience not only listens to your ideas, it
also responds to the way you use your voice and your body.
To begin with, imagine that you are in the audience for your presentation. What might:
•grab your attention?
•stimulate your imagination?
•inspire your confidence?
•develop your understanding?

9. Make contact with your audience


One of the key challenges faced by the presenter is to establish links with her/his audience
•eye contact;
•gestures;
•spoken contact;
•your use of language.

10. Conclusion
Continually explore your personal style using any or all of the above suggestions in different
combinations for different effects. Above all, remember two main points:
•be yourself— even in the most formal of surroundings you will need to be yourself.
•avoid any behaviour that might be off-putting to your audience— always be deliberate and clear
in your use of your voice and physical actions.
Abdull Majid
A2M(A

Last modified: 13:14

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