Practical points of an oral presentation

1. Practical points of an oral
presentation

2. Review of an oral presentation
• It is a condensed version of the paper.
• It is organized around one TOPIC. A
TOPIC is a clear statement of a problem.
• It has logic (a string of topics), little text,
and clear graphics.
• It tells a story with graphs, tables and
pictures.

3. Some practical stuff
• Rate: About 100 words per minute. Use
pauses, and repeat critical information.
• Opening: Immediately catch the
audience’s interest and attention.
• Transitions: Make the relation between
successive elements clear to the
audience, lead them trough your talk.

4. Some practical stuff
• Conclusion: Summarize the main
concepts. Signal that the summary is
beginning ("In summary, ...”).
• Length: Don't run over! Ever! Shorten by
removing detail.
• Questions: Always leave time for
questions.

5. Practice
• Practice: A minimum of 10 practice runs.
How does the talk flow?
• Practice all parts. Practice starting from
the beginning, the middle and the end.
• Your presentation is important, treat it
that way.

6. Before the presentation
• Is the software compatible with the
host’s?
• Do you have all the files and resources?
• Back-up your presentation with an
alternate medium, e-mail it to yourself,
or e-mail it to your host for testing.
• Is there a sound system? How loud?

7. Before the presentation
• Technology fails.
The embarrassment is greater for the
host. You impress the host when you
have an alternate solution to the
problem.
• What will you do if you have no AV?

8. During the presentation
• Take several deep breaths as you are
being introduced.
• Speak naturally at a moderate rate and
use automatic, moderate gestures.
• Concentrate on the projection screen.

9. During the presentation
• Converse with your audience. Involve
them with questions and make eye
contact. If you ask a question wait for the
answer.
• Keep an eye on your time. Don't run over
your limit. Ever!
• Be prepared for interruptions.

10. During the presentation
• If you have to apologize, you did not do
your job; don’t apologize.
• Give yourself and others credit for your
own work. If you use borrowed slides
give credit the people right on that slide.
• Don't criticize aspects of the trip, city,
facilities, etc.

11. Handling questions
• Include a Question & Answer slide (Q&A
slide) at the end.
– Keep it in the background as you answer
questions from the audience.
– Select the TOPIC images from your slides, fit
them on the Q&A slide in view of the
audience as the session goes on.

12. Handling questions
• Repeat each question to the audience.
• If you are unsure, say the question again
or ask: “Would you mind clarifying?”
• Take a moment to reflect on the
question.
• During the talk, answer questions
immediately if it clarifies a problem.

13. Handling questions
• “I don’t know.” is an answer. Don't
apologize. Ask for suggestions from the
audience.
• Finish question by asking the person if
the question was answered.
• Avoid prolonged discussions with one
person. Settle it in a private discussion.

14. An oral presentation
• Is a condensed version of the paper.
• Is organized around one TOPIC – A clear
statement of a problem.
• Has logic (a string of topics), little text,
and clear graphics.
• It tells a story with graphs tables and
pictures.

15. rescom.rmutl.ac.th
???
Drrainer@rmutl.ac.th