Effective Oral Presentations

Research

The research needs to begin by identifying the goals/objectives of the presentation. Is the presentation to train/teach, inform or sell? Each objective differs from the other. The train/teach objective allows the audience to utilize the presented information as a job function or technical skill. This may include general theory and technical details. The inform objective provides updated information and/or introduces a new product or concept. The sell objective is meant to convince the audience of a certain opinion.

Format

The presentation format is similar to writing a technical paper. With technical writing, a presentation must include an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Never start an with this presentation is about…

The introduction’s purpose is to announce the topic, then transition into the details of the presentation body. A presentation on the subject of Public Relations issues with ABC Company, for example, could be introduced as follows:

• First introduce and define Public Relations as a term: Utilize synonyms that could be presented later—Public Relations is all about image.
• Introduce ABC Company and name the specific issues: ABC Company has an image of poor product performance, poor customer services and high prices.

Presentation Skills

The body of the presentation is the focus. Here, in an orderly and logical fashion, the specific issues are presented. Presenting the issues in the same order as they were presented in the introduction is important. Details for each issue are to be presented completely before moving on to the next issue. Unlike technical writing, transitioning from point to point is not required because the audience will have either handouts or the media screen to follow.

Conclusion

The conclusion ties together the key points of the presentation. It is not necessary to state the exact information again. A good conclusion lists each of the issues and an encompassing statement. For example: ABC Company must address its Public Relations issues of poor product performance, poor customer service and high prices. ABC must improve its product performance, improve its customer service and address its pricing as compared to its competitors. Most importantly, it must change its image. Its Public Relations will improve if its image improves.

Frequently, a well-researched, well-prepared and well-formatted presentation produces lackluster results because professional presentation skills were not utilized. Several key points can make a difference:

• Never make the media screen or handouts appear too busy because too much information can be confusing.
• Align the verbal with the visual, which may sound elementary, but irrelevant information is unprofessional.
• Never appear to be reading the presentation. The best slides, media, and handouts present bullets of information that can be used as notes for the presenter.
• Make eye contact with the entire audience. When the presenter focuses a few individuals in the audience, the other members of the audience will feel ignored and will tune out the presenter.
• Do not exhibit fidgety movements, say the same terms/phrases repeatedly, or use slang. It may make you appear unprofessional.

Effective business presentations are the culmination of several elements. Research the subject and the audience; organize the presentation in a logical and thoughtful manner; and make the presentation as interesting and easy to follow as possible. Each element is critical and no single element is more important than the others.