Oral Presentation Tips

1
Oral Presentation Tips

• S. Lambert and R. Fraser
• ME100
• September 2006

2
Objective

• The objective of this presentation is to provide
  guidance on oral presentation structure and
  content for students in ME100.

3
Introduction

• All students in ME100 are required to make two
  oral presentations of 4-5 minutes in length
• Topics will be assigned the previous week, and
  will provide background for course assignments
• Students are responsible for material presented
  by other students for the purposes of the quizzes
• Presentations will be
• Prepared using MS PowerPoint (5-7 slides)
• Printed to overheads for actual presentation
• Submitted electronically in UW-ACE

4
Presentation Structure

• Title Slide
• Must contain title, presenters name, and date
• Objective Slide
• The second slide must state the presentation
  objective
• Outline Slide
• Not necessary for short presentations
• Content Slides
• Conclusions

5
Presentation Principles

• Have a clear objective
• The objective is not the same as the topic
• Know the audience, and tailor the presentation to
  the right level
• Provide an adequate introduction so the audience
  can understand the context
• Minimize text
• Use point form (with sub-points) and figures

6
Communication Models

• CMAPP Context Message Audience Purpose (why)
  Product (shape of communication)
• AMMA Attention getting Meaningful Memorable
  Activating
• KISS Keep it Simple, Stupid (or Short and
  Simple)
• ABC Accuracy Brevity Clarity
• CAP Concise Accessible Precise
• CFF Content Form Format
• 5WH Who What When Where Why How

7
PowerPoint Tips

• Start by using the standard PowerPoint layouts
• Use simple slide design
• Not too flashy, busy or colourful
• Use figures, photos and sketches effectively, and
  physical demonstrations wherever possible
• A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a
  prototype is worth a thousand pictures, Jim
  Baleshta, ME100
• Properly reference any figures used (and
  quotations)
• More help Google PowerPoint 2003 Tips
• Two views of PowerPoint
• http//www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/ppt1.html
  
• http//www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/ppt2.html

8
Conclusions

• Have a clear objective, suited to topic and
  audience
• Use a brief introduction to provide context
• Use clear, well structured slide design
• Consider communication models, for example
• AMMA Attention getting Meaningful Memorable
  Activating