10 Questions
What is the primary purpose of using hand gestures during a presentation?
To emphasize major points and engage the audience
What should speakers consider when designing their presentation graphics?
The match between the graphics and the content
Why should speakers avoid using handouts during a presentation?
Because they can be a substitute for the speaker's message
How long should speakers keep their graphics on the screen?
Long enough for the audience to understand the message
What is the purpose of including all graphics in practice sessions?
To make sure the graphics are consistent with the message
Why should speakers maintain eye contact while using graphics?
To connect with the audience and engage them
What should speakers do when planning for a presentation?
Plan for technology to fail and have a backup
What is the primary purpose of discovering listener preferences?
To tailor the presentation to the audience's needs
Why should speakers use colors carefully in their presentation graphics?
To consider the audience's cultural background and color preferences
What is the purpose of stepping from behind the lectern on occasion?
To engage the audience and create a sense of connection
Study Notes
Presentations and Your Career
- The ability to speak well can lead to success for you and your organization in various aspects, such as getting hired, getting and keeping customers, contributing to your profession, contributing to your community, and getting promoted.
Guidelines for Preparation and Delivery
- Know your listeners:
- They can be easily distracted and impatient
- Learn about the group and identify decision makers
- Speak to the lowest level of technical expertise
- Use the Preacher's Maxim:
- Abstract: state the purpose and outline the speech
- Body: discuss the points mentioned in the introduction
- Conclusion: review the main points
- Stick to a few main points:
- Organize in groups of three
- Use notes for occasional reference
- Don't memorize your speech
- Be extemporaneous
- Practice, practice, practice:
- Practice before a mirror
- Use an audio recording
- Use a live audience
- Use a video recording
- Speak vigorously and deliberately:
- Show enthusiasm, care, and attention
- Use appropriate emphasis on words and phrases
- Avoid filler words:
- Use pauses to your advantage
- Practice with a recorder
- Ask for help from others
- Use rhetorical questions:
- Ask questions to get listeners thinking about a topic
- Use as attention getters
- Use as transitions
- Maintain eye contact:
- With the audience
- Use appropriate gestures and posture:
- Hands and fingers emphasize major points
- Stand straight, without leaning on the lectern
- Step from behind the lectern on occasion
- Point toward visuals on screen or charts
Guidelines for Presentation Graphics
- Discover listener preferences
- Match the graphics to the content
- Keep the message simple
- Consider an alternative to bulleted lists
- Use colors carefully
- Leave graphics up long enough
- Avoid handouts
- Maintain eye contact while using graphics
- Include all graphics in your practice sessions
- Plan for technology to fail
This chapter covers the fundamentals of technical communication, focusing on oral communication and presentations, highlighting their importance in one's career.
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