BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONSECOND CANADIAN EDITION

Part IV: Developing speaking skills

Chapter Twelve:Making effective presentations

Original Slides by Gates Stoner

Pima Community

College Adapted by Alan T. Orr

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Objectives of this Chapter

• Learn how to present content in a clear, organized manner

• Understand the importance of nonverbal communication tools

• Learn ways of using visual aids to your advantage

• Learn techniques for communicating with a live audience

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Presenting Effectively

• Who is your

audience?

• What is your

purpose?

• What is your topic?

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Pitfalls to Avoid

• Sounding nervous or monotone• Avoiding eye contact• Speaking too softly• Using overloaded slides or too

much jargon• Overloading with data

• Sounding vague or like a know-it-all

• Tinkering with equipment• Appearing disorganized• Rambling

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Tips for Success

Be well organized

Get to the point

Display confidence

Show sincerityGive a

message

Sound positiveRelate well to

the audienceHave

enthusiasmUse visual aids

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Elements of Preparation

Step 1 Consider your audience & the time you have with them

Step 2 Determine your purpose Step 3 Conduct your research Step 4 Develop your core message Step 5 Set your introduction

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Elements of Preparation

Step 6 Organize the body of your presentation

Step 7 Set your conclusion Step 8 Develop your visual aids Step 9 Rehearse

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The Introduction

• Grab the audience’s attention• Set the tone for the topic• Provide a brief overview• Give the audience a reason to

listen

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Types of Introductions

• Quotation• Story• Bold statement• Rhetorical

question• Noteworthy facts• Interesting

example

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Considerations for the Body

• Determine the key points you want to make

• Organize the sequence of the points

• Provide supporting data for each point

• Use transitions to help your audience keep up

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Organizational Patterns

• Problem→Solution• Chronological• General→Specific• Less important→

critical

• Logical topic flow

• Benefits & features

• Persuasive flow

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The Conclusion

• Summarize the main points

• Repeat the core message

• Appeal for action• Use a quotation• Ask a rhetorical

question

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Effective Delivery

• Eye contact• Gestures• Posture

• Voice projection

• Tone• Pace

Delivery is the how side of a presentation; delivering a presentation involves non-verbal communication

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Tips for Visual Aids

• Include one concept per slide

• List keywords or phrases • Follow the rule of 6• Ensure readability

When in doubt, leave it out

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Overcoming Stage Fright

• Be prepared• Recognize

nervousness can be positive

• Get to know the room• Have note cards• Relax your body• Don’t fret over

mistakes, keep on going

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Responding to Questions

• Acknowledge if you don’t know the answer

• Listen closely• Be direct & concise• Reinforce your

key points• Be positive

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Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of this work beyond that permitted by Access Copyright (The Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency) is unlawful. Requests for further information should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. The purchaser may make back-up copies for his or her own use only and not for distribution or resale. The author and the publisher assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or damages caused by the use of these programs or from the use of the information contained herein.

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