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PREPARING AND GIVING TALKS/PRESENTATIONS
Try to recall a talk you have heard that was easy to follow and gave you
something new to think about. Why do you think it made an impression on you?
In most cases, people who give successful talks have become good presenters
through experience. In addition, most good presenters prepare well before the
actual talk. What should be done before the presentation?
You might find the following tips useful when preparing and giving your own
talk.
Preparation
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Create a logical outline. Remember that your talk should
have a beginning, a middle and an end. |
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Think about the audience. How much do they know? What would
they find interesting? |
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Include just the right amount of information – do not cram
your talk with too much information. On the other hand, give enough background
for your audience to understand your talk. |
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Make the figures in your overheads or slides big enough so
that every necessary detail can be observed. |
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Do not cram you overheads or slides with too much
information. |
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When creating handouts or overheads/slides, use font size
big enough so that everyone can read your text. |
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When using colours in your materials, try to create an
image that pleases the eye. Do not overuse colours. Some colours do not sit
comfortably together. |
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Practise giving your talk. This boosts your confidence. |
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Practise highlighting aspects that are important. Use
phrases such as “It is important to remember that…”, “Two aspects are worth
discussing…”, |
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Time yourself. Is your talk the right length? |
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If you have any language problems, seek help (friends,
colleagues, dictionaries, etc.). |
Do you disagree with any of the tips?
What would you like to add?
The talk
itself
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Signpost
your talk to lead the audience through your talk. They need a map! Give the
audience the structure of your talk at the beginning and summarise the main
points when need be. Make it clear when you move to a new point. |
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Talk as freely as possible – present your talk, do not read
it! |
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Make use of questions. Lead the audience to the answers. |
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Do not read everything in your handouts/slides out loud.
Remember that your audience can read. |
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Try not to give too many details. Concentrate on the
essentials. |
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Give examples to illustrate you point. |
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Talk to the audience, not to the computer screen, the
projected slide or the projector. |
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At the end, ask if the audience has any questions. If you
cannot answer the question, do not use the phrase “I don’t know”. Soften your
answer by saying something like “This is a very good/interesting/important
question, but I’m afraid I may not know enough at this stage. However, …” |
Do you disagree with any of the tips?
What would you like to add?
More presentation tips at:
www.englishclub.net
(oral presentation tips)
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