Case Presentations

1. Case Presentations Factors Contributing to a Great Oral Presentation

2. Preparation • Start preparing well in advance • Divide up outside research among group members immediately • Share results and brainstorm often • Collaborate as a group for SWOT, issues, recommendations, etc • Arrange material in a logical sequence • Anticipate questions and address them

3. Structure • Begin with a short introduction • Analyze every aspect of the company and industry • Focus analysis on key points • Summarize the key points made in the presentation at each major transition • Repeat key points using different phrasing if necessary

4. Structure • Connect key points with each other and with the rest of the presentation • Build to a logical conclusion • Key points should be critical to the conclusion or recommendations • Conclusion or recommendations should be a logical result of your analysis

5. Introduction Company Analysis Financial Marketing Production & operations Research & development Organizational structure Organizational culture Information technology Human resources Management Supply chain management Content

6. Content • Industry Analysis • Major or key competitors • Financial ratio analysis • Company • Competitors • Industry • Competitive forces • Industry attractiveness • Drivers of change • Key success factors

7. Content • SWOT • Managerial issues • Prognosis • Strategic goals • “SMART” • Your goals flow from your analysis • Strategic plan • Epilogue (optional) • Q & A

8. Supporting Materials • Use graphs, images, handouts, props, statistics, charts or other supporting materials to illustrate key points • Use space and aids effectively • Effective visual aids • Can be seen by all of the people in the room • Contribute significant information without dominating the presentation • Are used easily by the presenter

9. PowerPoint Slides • Make sure all necessary equipment is set up and in good working order prior to the presentation • Use no more than 10 lines per slide • Use simple, short sentences or bullets • When using graphs and charts use text sparingly • Graphics should enhance- never detract

10. PowerPoint Slides • Use sans serif fonts 24 points or larger • Colors can set moods or relationships • Some colors are difficult to see or read • Avoid colors which do not provide enough contrast with background • PowerPoint slides are only a visual aid- they are not the presentation- they help you present your message

11. Delivery Style • Speak to the audience • Present the material- do not read it • It is acceptable to glance at your notes infrequently- 3 x 5 cards • Do not read from notes, monitor or screen extensively • A presentation is not the same as an essay- keep it simple

12. Delivery Style • Sound confident • If you make an error correct it and continue- do not make excuses • Set the pace of the presentation neither too fast nor too slow • Use pauses effectively • Check the pronunciation of difficult, unusual, or foreign words beforehand

13. Delivery Style • Speak loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear you • Do not mumble • Speak slowly and clearly • Vary your voice quality • When beginning a new point use a higher pitch and volume • Slow down for key points

14. Delivery Style • Maintain eye contact with the audience • Face the audience at all times • Stand up straight and keep head up • Use appropriate gestures, facial expressions and body language • Dress should be appropriate and coordinated • Develop a rapport with the audience

15. Q & A • Good presentations invite a lot of insightful questions • You may want to repeat a question so the entire audience understands it • If you are unsure of a question restate it or ask for a clarification • Wait for the questioner to finish • Break in only if the questioner rambles

16. Q & A • If you cannot answer a question just say so • Answer each question thoroughly but succinctly- do not “pile on” • Spread the wealth • Each presenter should participate equally • Allow audience to participate equally • Control the Q & A

17. Conciseness • Stick to the timeline of the case • Ensure your presentation lasts exactly 20 to 25 minutes • Include an additional 5 to 10 minutes to answer all questions • Prepare additional material in anticipation of questions • Never run over time- 30 minutes total

18. Rehearsal • Run through presentation once early • Go back and re-think the sequencing • Discard non-essential elements • Insert missing analysis or key points • Time each presenter • Critique each presenter • Rehearse

19. Accuracy of Information • Demonstrate a command of the subject- you should know more than your audience • Ensure that technical information is conveyed accurately • Proofread for spelling, grammar, etc • Include citations wherever appropriate

20. Creativity • Presentations should be creative • Express new ideas, or • Ideas expressed in novel ways • Use the visual aspects of a presentation as powerful tools to enhance message • Presentations should be fun so that key concepts are remembered easily

21. In Conclusion… • Prepare early and thoroughly • Analysis should flow to a logical result • Exploit verbal and non-verbal tools • Control Q & A to help build your case • Watch your time • Develop rapport with your audience • Make the presentation memorable