PRESENTATION SKILLS & PUBLIC SPEAKING 1.2

PRESENTATION SKILLS & PUBLIC SPEAKING 1.2 
[Structuring the Presentation]

I. Beginning      

"Tell them what your going to tell them.“ 

A good introduction arouses the audience’s interest in your topic, establishes your credibility, and prepares the audience for what will follow.  

a. Getting Attention

b. Statement of Theme

c. Building Rapport

d. Audience Needs

Arouse audience interest. Start by capturing the audience’s attention. If you are presenting to a small group, involve the audience, encourage comments from listeners. When speaking to a large group, responding to comments can interrupt the flow of information, weaken your argument, and reduce your control of the situation. Therefore, it’s best to ask people to hold questions until you’re finished--be sure to allow ample time after your remarks.

Build your credibility. Establish your credentials quickly—people will decide about you within a few minutes. Building credibility is easy for a familiar, open-minded audience. For strangers (especially skeptical ones), try letting someone else introduce you. If introducing yourself, keep your comments simple, and don't be afraid to mention your accomplishments.

Previewing your presentation. Help your audience understand the structure and contents of your message. Give them cues to figure out how the main points of the message fit together. Summarize the main idea, identify the supporting points, and indicate the order in which you’ll develop them. Establish the framework so that your audience will understand how the facts and figures are related to your main idea as you move into the main body of your presentation.

II. Middle

“Tell them."

The bulk of your speech or presentation is devoted to a discussion of the three or four main points in your outline. Use the same organizational patterns you'd use in a letter, memo, or report, but keep things simple. 

a. Points to be made

b. Support material, examples, references, visual aids

c. Possible audience objections/queries

An oral presentation must rely on words to link various parts and ideas. For small links between sentences and paragraphs, use one or two transitional words: therefore, because, in addition, in contrast, moreover, for example, consequently, nevertheless, or finally. To link major sections of a presentation, use complete sentences or paragraphs, such as "Now that we've reviewed the problem, let's take a look at some solutions." Every time you shift topics, be sure to stress the connection between ideas. Summarize what's been said, and then preview what's to come. The longer your presentation, the more important your transitions become.You also have to hold your audience's attention. Here are a few helpful tips for engaging an audience:

i. Relate your subject to your audience's needs.

ii. Anticipate your audience’s questions.

iii. Use clear, vivid language.

iv. Explain the relationship between your subject and familiar ideas.

v. Ask opinions or pause occasionally for questions or comments.

 III. End

"Tell them what you’ve told them."

The close of a speech or presentation is almost as important as the beginning because audience attention peaks at this point. Plan to devote about 10 percent of your total time to the ending. When developing your conclusion, begin by telling listeners that you're about to finish so that they'll make one final effort to listen intently. 

a. Reiterate the theme

b. Summary of points

Restating the Main Points. Once you've decided how to announce your close, plan on repeating your main idea. Be sure to emphasize what you want your audience to do or think, and state the key motivating factor. Finally, reinforce your theme by repeating the three or four main supporting points.

Describe the Next Steps. Some presentations require the audience to reach a decision or to agree to take specific action. If you expect any action to occur as a result of your speech, you must explain who is responsible for doing what. Alert people to potential difficulties or pitfalls.

End on a Strong Note. Make sure that your final remarks are encouraging and memorable. Conclude with a quote, a call to action, or some encouraging words. Your task is to leave the audience with a feeling of completeness. Do not introduce new ideas or to alter the mood of the presentation.

[to be continued...]