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Paul Sparks, Online Business English Lesson Plans, Lesson Material and Ideas for
Grade 1 English Conversation Lessons at Xiangtan Normal University...
Lesson 26 -
GIVING PRESENTATIONS
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this lesson is to discuss the most effective ways to plan
and deliver presentations.
PRESENTATION IDEAS
- Check for grammar and
spelling errors
When using slides
or any computerised presentation make sure that your presentation is free
of any spelling or grammatical errors. Let someone proof read your work.
You don't want to be embarrassed by spelling errors during your
presentation.
- Practice your
presentation
Practice your
presentation by yourself or with a friend. Make sure you keep within the
time frame allowed for the presentation. The more you practice it before
the time, the more confident you will feel when you give the
presentation.
- Have a plan B
Remember when you
make use of slide shows, you are using technology. We all know that
technology is not always to be trusted. Have a Plan B ready. For example,
have a paper copy of your presentation and transparencies available for
emergencies.
- Test your Presentation
Allow time before
you start your presentation to test the equipment you are going to use.
Familiarise yourself with the set-up so that you can focus on your
presentation and not on where the next button is. Check the clarity of the
content and the colours again, and make changes if necessary.
- Introduce yourself
Always introduce
yourself and your topic, and briefly explain the process that you are
going to follow with your presentation.
- Be professional
Your appearance
(dress and grooming), the quality of your handouts and your visual
presentation, etc., are very important.
- Timing
Start promptly and
keep within your time frame. Remember to leave enough time for questions
afterwards.
- Be enthusiastic
Be enthusiastic
about your presentation and remember to smile - this will help to relieve
some of the stress.
- Make eye contact
Remember to make
eye contact with your audience. Never read your presentation - this is
boring and you will lose the attention of your audience.
- Speaking
Speak as loudly and
clearly as you can to make sure that all the members in your audience can
hear your presentation. There is no point in giving a presentation if most
of the audience has trouble hearing you. If you struggle to speak louder,
make use of a microphone system. Don't speak too rapidly.
- Thank you
At the end of your
presentation, thank your audience for their time.
It is important to keep the
following in mind when you design transparencies or slides for your
presentation:
- Keep it short and simple
Your slide show or transparencies should include only important and
relevant key words to remind you of what you want to talk about. Limit the
amount of information per slide. You will lose your audience if there is
too much information on the slides. Rather have more detailed hand-outs
available for your audience.
- Use correct Font and
Size
Use a font and font size that will be easy to read. An example of an easy
to read font is "Arial". Make sure your font size is big enough
so your audience will be able to read the information that you are
presenting. The normal typing font size "12" is too small for
slides and transparencies. It should at least be "18" points or
larger. Do not make use of too many different font types - keep it simple
and clear.
- Colour combinations
When you make use of colour, be aware of the colours that you are using.
Certain colours, like certain yellows, etc., are difficult to see. The
text and the background colours you use should complement each other. Make
sure your foreground colour (text) is clear and soft on the eyes when
combined with the background colour.
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