Academic Research and Communication Skills

‘Speech is power’

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Preparing Oral Presentations

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Learning Objectives

Plan and Structure effective presentationsPlan and Structure effective presentations

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Speaking & ListeningStages of Listening

Verbal Verbal

VisualVisual

VocalVocal

Message Codes

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Speaking & Listening

As well as ideas, listeners interpret & evaluate:• Verbal Code (What you say)• Visual Code (What they see)• Vocal Code (How you speak)

THINK:What percentage importance would you give to the Verbal Code?

Stages of Listening: Interpreting & Evaluating

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Speaking & Listening

The percentage of meaning carried by Visual and Vocal Code compared with the Verbal Code (Source: Philpott, JS 1983, The Relative Contribution to Meaning of Verbal and Nonverbal Channels of Communication, University of Nebraska.)

Stages of Listening: Interpreting & Evaluating

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69%

31%Visual andVocal CodesVerbal Code

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• The end result of listening• 10-25% remembered

Keys to Helping Audience Memory:• Organisation• Effective Delivery• Repetition• Relevance• Visual Aids

Stages of Listening: RememberingSpeaking & Listening

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Preparing an Oral PresentationBasic Steps

1. Analyse audience2. Decide topic, purpose & main

points

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

3 .Organise main points

4. Plan introduction and conclusion

5. Make speaking notes

6. Prepare visual aids

10 Basic Steps

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Preparing an Oral PresentationBasic Steps: Topic, Purpose & Main Points

Purpose1. Is presentation informative or persuasive?

2. Complete a purpose statement …

‘After my speech, the audience will…’

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

Topic: HealthExact Purpose: After my 7-minute speech, the

audience will …1. Be convinced alternative medicines are better than

Western drug-based treatments

2. Be more aware of and be able to avoid common health risks

3. Explain medical law

Basic Steps: Topic, Purpose & Main Points

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

Common research mistakes:

• Not evaluating sources (damages credibility)

• Not supporting your main points• Not referencing

Basic Steps: Research to Support Main Points

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

Select Supporting Material that …Clarifies – clarify concepts and terms.

Proves – Use quotes from experts, statistics, examples.

Adds Interest – Variety of supports keeps the audience engaged.

Basic Steps: Select Best Supporting Material

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

Types of Supporting Material:

• Explanations

• Statistics

• Examples & Demonstration

• Comparisons

• Expert Opinions

Basic Steps: Select Best Supporting Material

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

ComparisonsCompare or contrast unknown idea or thing with something known

Literal: Compare US and UK economy

Figurative: Compare US economy to sick old man

Basic Steps: Select Best Supporting Material

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Expert OpinionsParaphrase or quoted directly

Include source information

Source should be introduced

Put in context and explained

Basic Steps: Select Best Supporting MaterialPreparing an Oral Presentation

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

DemonstrationsMake sure audience can see – use visual aids

Practice beforehand

Keep it brief

Maintain eye contact

Continue speaking (As you can see … What you’ll notice is … An interesting feature is …)

Basic Steps: Select Best Supporting Material

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Basic Steps: Planning Introduction & Conclusion

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

1. Begin with Attention-Getter

2. Motivate Audience to Listen

3. Present Thesis Statement

An effective Introduction should take no more than 10 to 15 per cent of your total speaking time –approximately 30-45 seconds in a 5-minute speech.

Introduction

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Preparing an Oral PresentationBasic Steps: Planning Introduction & Conclusion

Introduction: Motivate Audience

• Explain benefits of listening• What will speech do for audience?

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

Introduction: Establish Credibility

• Mention personal experience• Why does topic interest you?• Mention expert sources consulted

Basic Steps: Planning Introduction & Conclusion

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

Conclusion: Summarize Main Points

• Re-state main points and/or purpose (if informative)

• Remind audience of your position, main arguments and/or recommendations (if persuasive)

Basic Steps: Planning Introduction & Conclusion

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Preparing an Oral Presentation

Conclusion: Refocus Attention

• Use attention-getter to make closing memorable

• Refer to the introduction• Visualise the future

Basic Steps: Planning Introduction & Conclusion

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