Oral presentations

 A structure for oral presentations

I Introduction (Attention-getting opener: e.g. a question, a statistic, a quotation, an anecdote)

Tell what you are going to deal with:

 1 Who or what

 2 Why and how

 3 What you want/intend to say

II The substance of the presentation

Present arguments or evidence supporting your aim/intention (use examples):

1 To inform – give evidence/examples

2 To persuade – give arguments/explanations

3 To entertain – choose amusing information or arguments and/or an entertaining manner of presenting them

III Conclusion

Sum up or conclude with personal opinion, analysis.

Six signals all audiences want

1 I will not waste your time.

2 I know who you are.

3 I am well organized.

4 I know my subject.

5 Here is the most important part.

6 I am finished.

Work consciously with your pronunciation, grammar, intonation, vocabulary, and general communication skills.

In addition, you may consider the following advice for giving a good oral presentation:

1 Practice your presentation.

2 Do not read your presentation.

3 Do not begin with an apology for your lack of knowledge or your English.

4 Be thoroughly prepared and familiar with your material.

5 Never be afraid to stop speaking for a moment.

6 Speak at a normal slow rate.

7 Start with a smile.

8 Make eye contact. Don't talk to your notes or to your computer screen.

9 State your topic.

10 Present your points clearly.

11 Come to a conclusion.