learning skills group - macquarie university

Learning Skills Group Putting together a powerful presentation

Overview of this workshop

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This module will focus on: 1.  Planning for oral presentations: structure and

language features 2.  Delivering oral presentations: some useful tips 3.  Criteria for evaluating oral presentations

COPYRIGHT © LEARNING & TEACHING CENTRE I LEARNING SKILLS GROUP 2015

TASK 1 Form groups and share your previous oral presentation experiences in your group by answering the following questions. 1.  Have you done any oral presentations before? If yes,

how many times and for what purpose? When? Where? 2. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of

your presentation skills? 3. How can you improve your skills?

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1] Planning for oral presentations Context: Professional presentations at work or academic

presentations in tutorials? (affects formality) Audience: How much does the audience know about your

topic? (affects breadth and depth of information and choice of terminology)

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Purpose: What is the purpose of your presentation? (to inform/ persuade/ entertain)

Duration: How long is the presentation? FAQs:

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How many slides should I prepare?


1a. Oral presentation structure 1.  Introduction •  opening (greetings, say who you are, introduce team

members) •  topic (How to introduce your topic in an

interesting way? e.g., anecdote, surprising figures, •  preview


2. Body •  main points supported by evidence (select a few important

points) •  use visuals (pictures, photos, figures, tables, video clips?) •  How to organise ideas?

-general à specific -chronologically -for vs against -more important à least important


3. Conclusion •  a very brief summary of main points (not necessary

for a short presentation) •  may include recommendations (depends on topic) •  closing (have an exit line, do not flounder at the last

minute, include take home message) •  provide a reference list


1b. Language features

•  Use language for speech, not for writing (use simple rather than complex sentence structure, action verbs, signpost phrases/signalling devices)

•  Should I write the script for the whole speech?


Task 2: Identify the function of each group of signposting language shown in your handout. Discuss your answers with other students in your group.


Visual Aids … PPT formatting

1.  Apply 6 down and 6 across rule 2.  Leave 50% white space 3.  Use master slide (simple and consistent) 4.  Use Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana (24pt at least) 5.  Use some colours (black/blue on white) 6.  Check grammar and typos


•  Full sentence format -use it when wording is important e.g., for mission statement, objectives, quotes

•  Half sentence format -use it when points/ideas need elaboration -is flexible -can work as prompts

•  Bullet points -are focus, flexible, involving, interactive

[Tips: use parallel structure]


How could the design of the following slides be further improved? Write down at least two ideas on your handout.

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Public security

Globalisation changes the context, the structure, and the institutions of the nation-state. Even the traditional core

areas of public security is being affected, and rationalities from business and the market technologies build less on public authority and more on management and markets.

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17 OFFICE I FACULTY I DEPARTMENT

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TASK 3 What makes it a bad presentation? Discuss in your group and list some characteristics of a poor presentation.


2] Delivering oral presentation: some useful tips

A. Voice 1.  Modulation – voice matches with message 2.  Projection – ensure energy and loudness match with

audience size and venue 3. Pausing – for emphasis and punctuation – remember

to breathe (Watch out for verbal pauses ‘ums’, ‘ahs’ and

monotone!) 4. Speed – suitable rate of speech


B. Eye contact


B. Eye contact (con’td) 1.  Look into the eyes of your audience 2.  Use ‘one thought to one person’ for smaller groups 3.  Use ‘clusters’ with larger groups 4.  Use eye contact as if you were throwing and catching a

ball – grab it and hold it! 5. Be familiar with presentation content 6. Use palm cards (not A4 paper)


C. Gestures and movement 1.  Find a comfortable position and plan your movement 2.  Watch out for: Crossed arms Hands behind back Statue Wandering minstrel


D. Some other tips 1.  Show enthusiasm 2.  Relax and be natural 3.  Have a contingency plan (back up files in email,

hard copy) 4.  Handle question time well 5.  Keep to the time limit 6.  Practise makes perfect! (Presentation Practice Pods,

Level 1 MQ library)

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Things to remember on the presentation day

Before presentation •  Familiarise with equipment (Mac Vs Microsoft) •  Arrive on time •  Back up file After presentation •  Write down questions from audience •  Incorporate feedback from tutors

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3] Criteria for evaluating oral presentations Task 4: Watch one of these 2 videos: 1.  http://vimeo.com/61598778 or 2.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-B4VcaytOA.

Task 5: Watch sample presentations: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/english-for-uni/oral-presentation/ Use the assessment criteria in your handout to evaluate these presentations.

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Elements of good oral presentations

•  Be organised •  Be structured •  Maintain eye contact •  Effective visuals •  Use varied intonations and expressions •  Control repetitive body movements


Take home message •  Know your audience and marking criteria •  Organise your presentation •  Pay attention to delivery style •  Be prepared ‘Preparation is the key to a successful

presentation!’ •  Practice makes perfect!!


learning skills group - macquarie university

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