Delivering an Oral Presentation

Decide what information needs to be presented and then make sure this information is delivered in the most logical manner. Aim to present in a natural way and avoid simply reading to your audience. Use visual aids to support the information in your presentation.

Tips for delivery of an oral presentation

Anxiety

There is nothing uncommon about being nervous.

Accept it and make it work for you.

With practice, nervousness can be controlled and it can act as a stimulus for a lively presentation.

Make a conscious effort to relax about 2–3 hours before the presentation.

Breathe deeply and employ self talk. (I can do this.)

Dress appropriately – you should be the focus, not what you are wearing.

First Impression

Consider neatness in clothes and hair.

Avoid 'difficult to look at' stripes, bright colours, checks.

Wait until everyone is settled and quiet before you begin but be assertive if the group is taking too long to settle.

Stand tall and scan your audience in a welcoming manner.

Body Language

Try to appear relaxed and confident. If you force yourself to do so, it will come naturally.

Avoid setting up barriers to communication such as crossing your arms, pacing aimlessly, avoiding eye contact and appearing uninterested.

Gesture naturally but not distractingly.

Voice

Speak loudly enough to reach all of your audience, but not so loudly as to be off putting. You do not want to strain your voice.

Project to the furthermost row of your audience.

Vary the loudness and softness of your voice.

Make each sentence clear and distinct by not mumbling.

Speak slowly enough for your meaning to be comprehended but not so slowly as to bore your audience.

Vary the speed of presentation in places.

Vary the tone or pitch of your voice. Avoid the monotone delivery that can put your audience to sleep.

Use words you fully understand and can pronounce fluently.

Keep your voice pitched reasonably low, so you can give it inflection when necessary.

Form your words carefully and open your mouth wide when speaking.

Pause and breathe after each point.

What not to do

Read your speech

Slump over the desk

Wring your hands nervously

Wave your arms around frantically

Chew gum

Pace back and forth

Race through your speech

Do not begin by apologising

- I'm sorry I haven't had much time to prepare this.
- I'm sorry I couldn't find much information.
- I'm sorry I'm not good at public speaking.

Tips for handling questions

Go to the presentation aware of possible questions which could be posed. Know how you would respond to each question that you anticipate.
Depending on your preference, you may request that questions are either interspersed within the presentation or saved until the end.
If you wish the presentation to be interactive, prepare questions to pose throughout the presentation and at the outset of your presentation invite questions from the floor.
If you do not wish to disrupt the flow of the presentation, request that questions be kept until the end.
Listen carefully to any question asked. If it is unclear, rephrase the question.
Do not cut short the person who asks the question unless you cannot understand what is being asked or the person is not succinct in posing the question.
Think before you answer.
Answer concisely.
Avoid appearing defensive.
Be honest—if you do not know the answer, offer to do more research to find the answer.
Avoid being drawn into a heated argument with a member of the audience.
Involve your whole audience—do not simply direct your answer to the person who poses the question.