User talk:Mechitaa

Dos and Dont'ts of Oral Presentations
The DOs and DON'Ts of Oral Presentations

The following are some "DOs" and "DON'Ts" for good oral presentations:

"DOs"

Prepare an audience analysis.

Organize the presentation to flow from one section to another.

Prepare and rehearse the presentation.

Visit the room where the presentation will be given ahead of time.

Tell the audience in the introduction your subject, who you are, and your qualifications to speak about the subject.

State your main ideas at the beginning.

Provide adequate support for your ideas.

Integrate relevant, supportive, and attractive audio-visual aids into your presentation.

Use words that express your ideas clearly.

Use acceptable language, pronunciation, and enunciation.

Dress appropriately.

Avoid distracting body movements.

Maintain eye contact with the audience. Display enthusiasm and genuine concern for your subject.

Use appropriate tone.

Use transitional devices, words, and phrases coherently.

Allow time for a question/answer period.

Answer questions credibly. If you don't know, say so.

Start and stop your presentation on time.

"DON'Ts"

Don't be late for the presentation.

Don't be afraid to pause and take a deep breath or two before you begin (or during your presentation, if required).

Don't hyperventilate; just relax and breathe normally.

Don't speak in a monotone or mumble.

Don't slouch. (Your mother was right.)

Don't read your notes.

Don't sit or lean on the desk or lectern. Don't hide behind the lectern.

Don't sway or rock in place.

Don't pace back and forth.

Don't forget your audience.

Don't avoid eye contact.

Don't use technical terms unfamiliar to your audience provide clear explanations and definitions.

Don't hold the pointer when you're not using it (but don't forget where you placed it, either).

Don't stand in front of your visual aids.

Don't leave the overhead projector, slide projector, etc. on if the screen will be blank.

Don't leave a visual aid in place that is no longer relevant to the current topic.

Don't forget that giving presentations is hard, but necessary if you are to be an effective communicator.

Mechitaa (talk) 01:38, 16 July 2009 (UTC)