Presentations II - CM4203 2024

Presentations II - CM4203 2024

• Course taught by Dr. Caoilfhionn Ní Bheacháin
• Class year 2024

Purpose of the Presentation

• Determine the presentation's goal: inform, teach, motivate, or persuade.
• Clearly define aims at the start and check if achieved.
• Thoroughly research the topic and develop a strong argument.
• Structure the material in a logical and coherent format.

Structuring the Speech

• Consider communication strategies (direct or indirect).
• Assess the relationship with the audience and anticipate their reactions to the content.
• How will they perceive the message?

Key Areas During Delivery

• Create a compelling opening.
• Transition smoothly and adjust pace between distinct themes.
• Conclude effectively.
• Address questions, interruptions, and dialogue constructively.

Beginnings and Endings

• The opening establishes the presentation's tone and credibility.
• The closing remarks create a lasting impression, reinforcing the main argument.

Introductions

• Employ storytelling skills for engaging openings.
• Use an appropriate quotation.
• Pose a thought-provoking question, statement, or claim.
• Present a striking example, photo, or illustration.

Organising Presentation Materials

• Employ a less-is-more approach.
• Use a legible font.
• Utilize colors effectively to enhance the presentation.
• Integrate compelling images for impactful messages.
• Ensure clarity in tables and complex graphics.

Overviews and Signposts

• After the opening, provide a clear overview of the main points to be discussed.
• Employ signposts for each new point, explicitly stating what's being discussed.
• Clearly signal to the audience the flow and progression of the presentation.

Transitions

• Utilize phrases like "let's also consider," "in addition," "first," "secondly," "finally," "moreover," etc.
• Indicate the introduction of a new speaker.
• Employ phrases such as "however," "but," "nevertheless," or "on the other hand" for comparisons.

Strong Conclusions

• A strong conclusion offers a final opportunity to reinforce the key message.
• Deliver the message in a high-impact manner.
• Choose a suitable ending (summary, surprise, call to action).

Making Presentations Matter

• Connect the presentation to a larger purpose or higher goal.
• Learn from examples such as TED talks from figures like Ken Robinson and Monica Lewinsky.

Presentation Pitfalls to Avoid

• Fail to engage with the audience
• Lack adequate eye contact.
• Do not respond to audience interactions or feedback.
• Presentation is overly reliant on printed materials.
• Presenter reads directly from notes during speech.

Understanding Listener Expectations

• Understand what the audience needs to know before the presentation begins.
• Gain audience trust.
• Ensure audience feels comfortable.
• Determine what effect listeners hope to derive from the presentation.
• Establish audience experience history with the presenter.

Group Presentation Suggestions

• Carefully plan transitions between speakers.
• Strictly enforce time limits among speakers.
• Coordinate the visuals.
• Practice the presentation as a team.
• Introduce the presentation's team members.
• Use the names of the upcoming speakers.

Preparing Presentation Materials

• Determine the audience, objective, and context.
• Clarify terms of reference/project brief.
• Decide what content to include and what to omit.

Unlocking Three Presentation Channels

• Employ vocal techniques correctly (content, structure, voice, pace, tone, emphasis).
• Master non-verbal communication (body language, eye contact, posture, and space usage).

Virtual vs In-Person Presentations

• Nonverbal communication remains crucial. This element varies slightly in virtual environments compared to in person.

Virtual Presentations: Nonverbal Communication (NVC)

• Utilize external resources for guidance (such as a Prezi presentation).

Audio-Visual Aids

• Use props, images, and clips thoughtfully.
• Optimize presentation with appropriate lighting.
• Employ three primary categories of visuals (explanatory, corroborative, impact).

The Audio-Visual Channel

• Visual aids should be uncluttered and easily readable.
• Maintain a consistent visual style and template.
• Titles should be appropriate and clear.
• Limit colors and special effects.

Audiovisual Materials Guidelines

• Check equipment and room layout well in advance.
• Block the audience's view.
• Have a back-up plan for technical issues.
• Interact with visual aids effectively.
• Direct visual focus towards the audience, not the screen.

Audio-Visual Criteria

• Ensure alignment of the presentation objective with the venue's setup.
• Account for the room size.
• Consider size of the audience.
• Assess amount of audience involvement.
• Consider time constraints
• Evaluate available equipment.
• Account for presenter abilities.

Overall Presentation Summary

• Check venue, equipment, and refreshments beforehand.
• Prioritize good background, lighting, and clear sound for recordings.

This quiz covers key elements of effective presentations taught in the CM4203 course for the class of 2024. It emphasizes determining presentation goals, structuring content, and engaging with the audience. By focusing on both the beginnings and endings of a presentation, participants will learn how to create lasting impressions while addressing audience reactions.