Making Effective Presentations

1. Making Effective Presentations

2. Have an introduction slide • Start with a brief introduction • What is your topic? • What are the main points you will cover? • Make a transition to your first point • Do NOT read the topic line of each slide: we know how to read!

3. PowerPoint Slides • Follow the 6 x 6 rule: • A maximum of six points per slide • About 6 words per point • NEVER put a paragraph on the slide, even as evidence • A graphic can help focus audience attention • Make the font as large as possible to fill up the slide • Make sure the font colour is visible on the slide

4. PowerPoint: What to avoid • Fancy gimmicks and lots of special effects • Too much text on a slide • Some presenters feel that more pictures and less text are better. • Not enough information • Reading off of the slide • This suggests that your audience is too stupid to be able to read.

5. PTT • An easy technique to remember with PowerPoint is PTT: • POINT – point at the item you’re going to discuss • TURN – turn back to your audience and make eye contact • TALK – talk to your audience • It’s fine to turn back to your slide if you get lost • It’s easier to find your place on a slide with FEWER words

6. Body Language • What you DON’T say is as important as what you DO say • Firm body position • No swaying • Ballet position • Place hands on the podium if applicable

7. Attire • You add to your ethos if you look professional • Dress to impress without going overboard • Pin your hair back if necessary – we need to see your face

8. Gestures • Gestures need to be thoughtful and pre-planned • No fidgeting – keep your hands out of sight if you feel uncomfortable • No wild gesticulations • As a rule, keep gestures with the “box”. • Presenter’s triangle

9. Vocal Variety – Emphasizing Points • Give more volume to a word or a phrase • Slow down • Speak more softly • Make a pause after an important point. • Speak clearly at all times. • Don’t rush – a nervous tendency.

10. Eye Contact • Try to make contact with every member of your audience. • Do not focus only on the teacher or your friends! • You need to be familiar with your material. • Remember to PTT: Point, Talk and Turn!

11. Podium • You can choose to use the podium or not. • You cannot hide behind the podium! • You still need to think about what you will do with your hands. • Lie your hands on the sides of the podium. • However, do not shake the podium if you are nervous!

12. Time • We will begin presenting on Tuesday, November 15 (Day 2)/Wednesday, November 16 (Day 1) • Minimum time: 6 minutes. • Maximum time: 9 minutes. • Be ready to answer questions!

13. Conclusion • You must have a conclusion! • Review main points. • Worst conclusion (yet most common): • So yeah, that’s it. • GROAN!!!!!