How to structure and deliver a presentation Flashcards
When might a presentation be required in your industry?
Bidders / parties may be asked to give a formal presentation of their proposals (i.e. architects)
This provides an opportunity for clarification, and also to meet those who will be working on the project
What should you consider before delivering a presentation?
Whether you need to deliver any demonstrations
How knowledgeable the audience already is on the given subject
How much interaction you want from the audience
Any time constraints there are for your talk
What setting you are in
Your ability to use any kinds of visual assistance
What is the structure of a Basic Presentation?
Greet the audience and introduce yourself
Introduction
Main body of your talk
Conclusion
Thank the audience and invite questions
What should your presentation introduction cover?
Introduce your general topic
Explain your topic area
State the issues/challenges in this area you will be exploring
State your presentation’s purpose, for example, ‘I will argue that…’ or maybe you will ‘compare’, ‘analyse’, ‘evaluate’, ‘describe’ etc.
Provide a statement of what you’re hoping the outcome of the presentation will be, e.g. ‘I’m hoping this will be provide you with…’
Show a preview of the organisation of your presentation
Also explain:
- The length of the talk
- Signal whether you want audience interaction
- If applies, inform audience whether to take notes / whether you will provide handouts
What should the main body of your presentation cover?
Main points should be addressed one by one with supporting evidence and examples
Before moving on to the next point you should provide a mini-summary
Links should be clearly stated between ideas and you must make it clear when you’re moving onto the next point
Allow time for people to take relevant notes and stick to the topics you have prepared
What should your presentation conclusion cover?
Signal that it’s nearly the end of your presentation, e.g., ‘As we wrap up/as we wind down the talk…’
Restate the topic and purpose of your presentation - ‘In this presentation I wanted to compare…’
Summarise the main points, including their implications and conclusions
Indicate what is next/a call to action/a thought provoking takeaway
Move on to the last section
What are some types of presentation?
Demonstration (usually used when you want to show how a product works)
Problem-Solution (particularly useful in persuading the audience)
Storytelling
Remaining Method (good for situations where you’re presenting your perspective on a controversial topic which has split people’s opinions)
What are the deadly sins of a Powerpoint presentation?
Graphics / effects which steal attention
Too much text on the screen
Used to serve too many purposes – visual aid, speaker prompt, handout, takeaway document
Every slide looks the same
Reading all the words on the screen (words should just be a prompt, then expand through your speech)
Not using the powerpoint at all / using it as a visual aid with condensed and easy notes
