Effective Presentations Course Quiz

Effective Presentations

• Presenting is a skill developed through training and experience.
• Great speakers aren't born, they are trained.
• Three main purposes for presentations: informing, persuading, educating.
• A presentation is "something set forth to an audience for the attention of the mind."
• An effective presentation "produces a desired result."

Problems With Presentations

• Physical symptoms of anxiety during presentations include shaky hands, blushing, memory loss, nausea, and knocking knees.
• Anxiety-related causes include fear of the unknown or loss of control, fight-or-flight mode, lack of a backup plan, lack of enthusiasm for the subject, and the focus of attention.

Effective Presentations

• Control anxiety, don't fight it.
• Focus on the audience.
• Accomplish the presentation objective.
• Make the presentation fun for the audience and the presenter.
• Stick to the allotted time frame.

Planning Your Presentation

• Determine your presentation's purpose.
• Understand your audience: -Size -Demographics -Knowledge level -Motivation -Expectations

More Planning

• Plan the space: -Number of attendees and seats -Seating arrangement -Lighting, and lighting controls -Audio/Visual equipment -Distracters
• Plan the day and time for the presentation: -Morning -Afternoon -Evening -Work day -Weekend -Any day

Still More Planning

• Organize main points (1-5).
• Provide evidence for each main point.
• Clearly transition between points.
• Prepare an outline.
• Create a storyboard.
• Rehearse the presentation: -In the actual presentation room, if possible -To a script, and time the presentation -Practice questions and answers (Q&A) -Check equipment and load slides in advance -Develop contingency plans

Presentation Outline

• Use keyword reminders.
• Maintain a smooth, conversational flow.
• Adapt to the audience.

Build Rapport

• Create a connection with the audience by showing empathy and care.
• Learn audience members' names before the presentation.
• Build a good first impression.
• People listen to people they like.

Opening Your Presentation

• Introduce yourself and explain why listeners should listen to you.
• Grab the audience's attention, create rapport, and introduce the presentation topic.
• Use humor, short stories, or statistics to make a lasting impression.
• Invite audience participation.
• Get an audience response.

Completing the Opening

• Clearly define your presentation topic.
• Consider the presentation style (informative or persuasive).
• Indicate time parameters for content.
• Lay out the problem(s) to be addressed
• Explain the reasons for concern
• Highlight the desired solutions.
• Provide an overview.

Presenting Main Points

• Make transitions between points.
• Provide supporting evidence.
• Address audience feedback and questions.
• Maintain audience focus and attention.

Concluding Your Presentation

• Alert the audience that the presentation is concluding.
• Summarize the main points.
• Provide a call to action if appropriate.
• Answer questions and address audience concerns at the end of the presentation

Designing Slides

• Only include information that adds value to the presentation.
• Choose colors that are easy to view given the room's lighting conditions.
• Dark rooms demand light-colored fonts on dark backgrounds.
• Bright rooms demand dark-colored fonts on light backgrounds.

Content

• Keep slide content concise: -7-10 lines per page -4-8 words per line
• Test slide content in the room where you will present.

Visual Aids

• Visual aids help clarify and strengthen points.
• Aids improve audience comprehension.
• Aids enhance the impact of presentations.
• Avoid visual clutter and distracting aids.
• Visual aids that are not relevant should not be used in a presentation.
• Visual aids should be simple and clear to convey your message effectively.

PowerPoint Slides

• Different aids in presentations
• Overhead transparencies
• Graphs and charts
• Pictures
• Web links
• Films or video
• Flip charts
• Sketches
• Chalk or white board

Visual Aids Should

• Outline, explain, and support main ideas.
• Meet the needs of the audience, not the speaker's.
• Be simple and clear.
• Supplement and support the presentation, not dominate it.

Be Visible

• Use large, bold fonts for titles.
• Make text as large as possible.
• Utilize different font sizes for the varying levels of headings
• Choose contrasting fonts and colors,
• Utilize visual aids wisely.

Good Slides

• Minimize distractions.
• Reduce eye movement to improve focus.
• Improve the readability of your presentations.
• Maintain consistent slide formatting throughout your presentation.

Effective Speaker

• Properly use information.
• Choose appropriate words.
• Employ effective body language.
• Utilize scripts and notes.
• Select a suitable location.
• Utilize effective visual aids.

Vocal Techniques

• Adjust volume to account for microphones.
• Vary pitch to emphasize different points.
• Vary rate to adapt to the audience.
• Use pauses appropriately for effect.

The Voice

• Use clear and simple words and phrases.
• Ensure your voice is loud enough for everyone to hear.
• Project confidence and enthusiasm.
• Use pauses to give the audience time to process information.

Right Words

• State your position or point.
• Explain your ideas.
• Provide supporting examples.
• Restate your position or point.

Body Language

• Maintain eye contact, but move focus around the room.
• Use hand gestures appropriately, but avoid excessive movements.
• Move slowly and only if possible through the presentation
• Maintain proper posture throughout the presentation
• Ensure the entire audience can see you.
• Avoid presenting with your back turned to the audience.

Scripts and Notes

• Use scripts for formal presentations to large groups.
• Use small cards or projector notes pages, but first write a script.
• Underline key words that will help you remember what to say.
• Use a card per slide or topic.
• Have someone (if appropriate or permissible) advance slides.

Common Problems

• Avoid verbal fillers (e.g., "um," "uh," "like").
• Avoid swaying, rocking, or pacing.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets.
• Keep the presentation centered around your audience.

Pauses

• Employ pauses for thoughtful reflection.
• Use pauses to change gaze to better engage your audience.
• Use pauses to read slides thoroughly without rushing.
• Use pauses to strengthen your points.
• Pauses can be used to emphasize difficult-to-process concepts

Control of Information

• Know your subject thoroughly.
• Understand the topic you are speaking about.
• Practice your presentation.
• Complete more rehearsals: -rehearse in front of a mirror -rehearse in front of colleagues -rehearse in front of family members
• Maintain confidence.
• Know your opening by heart.

Closing Summary

• Audience members will be attentive at the beginning.
• Audience members will be somewhat less attentive in the middle.
• Audience members will be more attentive at the end.
• Clearly state your information.
• Clearly recap your main points.
• Provide a call to action if appropriate.
• Give time for questions

Presentation Tips

• Smile
• Breathe
• Drink water.
• Prepare notes or a script
• End on time or under time

Summary

• Guide the audience smoothly.
• Design effective, accessible slides.
• Effectively use pauses.
• Answer questions thoroughly.

Test your knowledge on the art of effective presentations. This quiz covers essential skills, common problems with anxiety, and strategies for planning a successful presentation. Understand how to inform, persuade, and engage your audience while managing your own nerves.