Module 8: Preparing for a presentation

Simple guidelines for outlines

* Begin your outline with a title that entices your audience to listen. Is a motivator Heightens curiosity The promise of something valuable * Include a general purpose statement. Reveals whether your talk is informative or persuasive and states your presentation topic. * Thesis statement. Brief, one-sentence summary of the central idea of your presentation and includes the answer to the question, "why this topic for this audience?| * Preview the main points of the speech, immediately following your purpose and thesis statement. * Include major headings labeled with Roman numerals in your outline. E.G. I. Introduction, II. Body, III. Conclusion, IV. References. * For each major heading, you will need at least two subpoints, indented and labeled with capital letters (A, B, and C). * If you divide your subpoints further, indent these additional subdivisions again and label them with an Arabic numeral (1, 2, and 3). * End every outline with a complete list of references that cite the sources you used in your presentation as evidence or documentation.

Evaluate if using media will accomplish one or more of the following;

1. Sensory aids can clarify something in your presentation that might be ambiguous to listeners without the aid. 2. Sensory aids can heighten and sustain your audience's interest in your presentation. 3. Sensory aids can help audiences remember information from your presentation.

4 Common Linear structures

1. Topical: Organised for natural divisions or a topic. 2. Cause and effect: The speech is structured around cause and effect between events/things. *Can talk about causes or effects first. 3. Problem-solution: Open with a problem or need, follow with a description of several specific viable solutions for the audience to evaluate and remember. - Describe the problem first. 4. Chronological: When the content of your speech relies on time, or step-by-step, sequencing. - When the order of steps is important for the audience's ability to learn the topic. - Often used in teaching and demonstrating speeches.

Evaluate if using media will be detrimental to the audience's understanding and retaining your presentation information.

1. Your message is simple enough for listeners to understand it on their own without a sensory aid. 2. Your sensory aid might unnecessarily complicate or lengthen your presentation, distract your audience, or be too awkward or difficult for you to use effectively. 3. You plan to use your sensory aid to boost your confidence or to help you remember what to say and when to say it. Your sensory aids are just that—aids. They should not assume the spotlight.

Organize content appropriately for the context of a presentation: Creating and using outlines

A good outline helps you decide what to keep and what to discard which helps when you are speaking. The two types of outlines are a full-content (complete sentence) outline and an abbreviated (short phrase) outline.

Full-content outlines

An outline that uses complete sentences; consists of the entire introduction and conclusion, written out word for word; additionally, it includes all of your main points, transitions, examples, and evidence, written out in complete sentences. Practice your presentation and as you get more comfortable with the material move away from the rigid outline to develop a natural, conversational tone.

Abbreviated outline

An outline that uses short phrases and allows you to glance at keywords and phrases, rather than complete sentences, and deliver your presentation in a dynamic, conversational manner. It is better to move your abbreviated outline to flashcards for your presentation to glance at.

Organize content appropriately for the context of a presentation: The essentials of organization

As you organize a speech, you need to keep in mind that its effectiveness depends on your audience's ability to receive and process its content. * Create a central idea and THESIS STATEMENT. - "A brief, one-sentence summary of the central idea of your presentation and includes the answer to the questions, "Why this topic for this audience?"" * The basic structure of your speech. - Introduction - Body - Conclusion

Analyze the context and environment for your presentation.

Consider; features of the environment, time of day and length of the presentation, physical setting, seating capacity/how crowded, physical layout, acoustic quality, and available lighting. Ask the following questions 1. How many people am I expecting? Size can affect audience interaction. Larger groups can be harder to engage and interact with. 2. When will I be speaking? Which day and the time of day could affect the audience's attitude and how receptive they will be. 3. How much time do I have? Adhere to the time limits you have been given. Taking too long or going over, can irritate the audience. Short speeches or ending early can make them wonder why they came or even bothered. 4. What is the seating capacity, physical layout, and technical capacity of the room? The characteristics, available media, and furniture should be considered. 5. What will the acoustics, lighting, and even room temperature be like? All of these factors need to be considered when planning for an effective presentation.

Sensory aids

Supporting devices appeal to one or more of the five senses A variety of media can make the information more comprehensible, interesting, and aid in the retention of topics, ideas, and materials presented to the audience. Aids are normally expected in most types of speeches.

Linear framework

This framework follows a clear, straightforward, direct, fact-based approach to organizing a presentation. * Introduces points in a step-by-step, sequential fashion. * Address each point one by one, does not revisit a point once done until summary. * Clear precise language