doug,
defining the objective & sharing it with the audience is one of the best places to start.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
1.define your objectives, what to say and how to say it
2. determine the audience, what their knowledge, interest, and positionong is
3. choose a strategy that suits the objectives, include information that suppost the objective
4. organize the points to be made
5.
rehearse and gather feedback
Being prepared and knowledgeable about the topic are key to a succesfull prentation. The audience can see that presenter is knowledgeable about the topic and feel comfortable they can get a good answer
Have a defined objective for the topic.
The content of the presentation must have a purpose to support the argument and the presentation will include defing information to support the object
Joshua,
and the occasional tangent is okay, however the more prepared we are, the better we will manage our time.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
1. You really need to know who your audience is so you can customize the presentation to work for them. For example, technical terms, processes, etc. This may also allow more time so you don't have to go into further detail on certain areas.
2. Create time into the presentation for questions. Also anticipate that there won't be any questions, so have additional material to supplement. In addition, know your time limit. Some presentations can really carry on, so it's important to limit yourself to the main points. Have an additional presentation later to go into the minute details.
3. Stick with the plan. For me it's easy to go off on tangents because that's how my brain works. Then again, I'm not one to read off of a .ppt, so I have more of a challenge in this area.
Michael,
I love this statement & it is so true.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
A successful business needs "Location Location Location". As teachers we are in the business of presenting information. We need "Preperation Preperation Preperation".
Dale,
yes, the prework is key to having an effective class presentation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Go over the material that will be presented to get yourself familiar with it. Print out course maps, syllabus, and any other hand outs and have them ready to hand out before class. Set up class with desks, seating, and powerpoint, also test run powerpiont to make sure everything works. Check your class roster for returning LOA's to make sure they are here.
Agnes,
this is very true & applies whether we are dealing with a classroom or professional presentation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe the primary things to remember when tasked to deliver an oral presentation include: 1. the audience 2. the objective/overall goal 3. the delivery style. Failure to consider the audience itself is an understandable, albeit fatal, misstep.
Christina,
all of these are great suggestions for effective presentations; I particularly like the emphasis on selecting a topic that you are passionate about as this will really help you drive your message home.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
1. To select a topic you are passionate about and that you feel need to be shared with others.
2. Collect data and prepare your presentation based on current information.
3. Understand need to be addressing the topic you have selected.
4. Become so familiar w/the topic until your knowledge level, experience w/topic, etc. can move you naturally through your presentation.
Grace ,
all of these are great points to keep in mind as we prepare presentations. Knowing the audience really is a key factor & that helps with the other two aspects as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Number one you should convey confidence and knowledge of your subject.
Number two be mindful of who your audience is and present the material at their understanding and need to know. They can only change and comprehend what is in their realm of thinking.
Number three keep it simple and easy to manage. It's difficult to absorb too much information or come up with solutions, especially if it's being bombarded on you.
Be prepared.Be organized and be personable. I believe that it puts your audience at ease.
This module has been very helpful as I don't "formally" present often and get anxious that I am not doing it the "right" way. Now I can see that it is very much like what I do to prepare for class and then when I am giving the presentation in the classroom.
Since the question already takes care of the first priority, preparation, I think knowing your audience and making sure that you are gearing your presentation to their interests is essential.
Of course knowing your content really is a matter of practicing. I can tell when I feel confident with my knowledge of the material and when I do not, my presentation style is different for both scenarios. If I can tell the difference I sure my audience feels my confidence level also.
Amanda,
nothing can replace a good, strong audience analysis & adaptation.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think all of these are great points. If you are not focued, then there is no way to give a great presentation.
