Mastering Oral Presentations: Tips and Strategies for Success

1. Emma Bartle e.bartle@uq.edu.au The 5 W’s (and one H) of giving a good oral presentation Source: www.cartoonstock.com

2. What? • What’s so different about oral communication? • Listeners have only one chance to hear your message • Two ways to communicate effectively: • K.I.S.S (Keep it simple, stupid) • Focus on getting 1-3 key points across • Repeat key insights • Tell them what you’re going to tell them (outline) • Tell them • Tell them what you told them (summary)

3. Why? • Why are you giving this presentation? • Two main goals: • Leave your audience with a clear picture of the project and your contribution • Make them want to read your thesis

4. Who? • Who is your audience? • Think of your audience in layers: • Experts in your sub-area • Experts in the general area • Others that know little or nothing in the area • Avoid using too much jargon

5. Where? • Where is the presentation being held? • Things to consider: • Is there a projector? • Can the audience see the screen clearly? • Is there a podium?

6. When? • When will these nerves disappear? • Remember: • A well organised and practiced talk will always go well. • Taking a deep breath will calm you down. • Slow down! • Pause before answering questions − Eat a banana…

7. How? • How do you give a good oral presentation? • Some tips to get started: • Visualise your opening statement • Monitor your habitual behaviour • Converse with the audience • Use good transitions between slides • Have a prepared and memorable summary • Make it obvious you have reached the end

8. Whatever • Whatever you do, don’t… • just read to the audience. It’s not an essay. • apologise for any aspect of your presentation • point the laser at the audience • point out things on the computer’s monitor • turn your back on the audience • just read to the audience • be afraid to give yourself credit…but don’t forget to give others credit where due