Preparing and Delivering Impactful & Effective Presentations

Preparing and Delivering Impactful & Effective Presentations Dr Gita Subrahmanyam, TLC Dr Kate Daubney, Careers Service

Overview • Who we are and what we’ll do today • Poor & good presentations • Getting it right….for you • Practice doing it • Feedback & discussion • What have we learnt?

What makes a presentation poor?What makes a presentation good?

Getting off to a good start – planning • Decide on the aim of the presentation • Consider your target audience • Think about timing • Where will you be presenting • Plan what you want to say and how you want to say it • Will you use visual aids & handouts • How will you handle questions?

Constructing your presentation • Begin with aims and objectives – what key information do you want to communicate? • Ensure a logical structure – from introduction through body and conclusion • Tailor to your audience (language, level of content, scope/depth) • Use visual aids & handouts • Be aware of time allocated for talk

Visual aids & handouts • Calculate number of slides on the basis of one slide for every 3 minutes of presentation • Don’t over-design your slide template • Use handouts for detailed information like tables/graphs to supplement slide

Communicating effectively • Don’t just dive into the body of your talk • Grab attention - answer the question “why should we listen to you?” • Start with a summary – the key information you want them to leave with • Most important information first – don’t build up to it • Don’t try to cover too much (3-point rule) • Summarise key points at the end

Practice • Plan, prepare then practice! • Timing • Using visual aids and other tools • Flow • Does it achieve what you want it to • Front of mirror, practice partner/s, video

Pre-presentation tips • Make sure you dress suitably • Prepare for contingencies (email, memory stick, OHPs, handouts) • Arrive in plenty of time • Familiarise yourself with any equipment you’re using • Ask for changes to room/equipment if needed

Giving the presentation • Introduce yourself • Start strong • Eye contact • Voice - volume, tone and variation • Energy but no fidgeting • Finish strong

Dealing with nerves • Some nerves are good for performance • Beyond this – what are your fears? • If real – deal • If imagined – get real • Practice, practice, practice

Handling questions • For long multi-part questions jot down key words to remind you what they asked – but LISTEN • It is fine to take a moment to make a note to remind you of what to say in response • Don’t see questions as criticism. Keep calm, respond positively • Try to anticipate (and encourage) questions and prepare for them

Now lets try it! • 5-minute presentations and feedback • Suggestions ON feedback: • Balance negative with positive comments • Use examples to illustrate points made • Learn lessons from others by personalising feedback from others’ talks

To summarise……. • What have we learnt? • What will you do to build on this session? • Any unanswered questions?

Preparing and Delivering Impactful & Effective Presentations