Week 8 Blog

Lecture Summary:

Presentation Strategies:

Types of presentations:

• Self contained – web page, CD-Rom, video


• Written Presentation – essay, paper


• Stand and Deliver – Oral Presentation

Visual messages are not enough on their own they require further explanation.

Structure of a presentation: Introduction, Body, Conclusion (summary recommendations)

Six components to an introduction: Attention Getters, Thesis Statement, Audience Adaptation, Credibility Statement, Preview, Transition to the body

Four components to the body: Main ideas, Organisational Patterns, Connective Devices, References to Outside Research

Three components to the conclusion: Re-assert/Reinforce the Thesis, Review the Main Points, Close Effectively

Preparing for a presentation: Professional appearance, always have a backup, rehearse your talk, if possible test your PowerPoint slides before hand at the venue to ensure they work.

Don’t make the PowerPoint Presentation the main point, use it as a means of reinforcement your talk should contain more information than your PowerPoint.

Ensure you only add relevant items to the PowerPoint – choose subtle contrasting backgrounds, suitable texts, use animation effects consistently, don’t use sounds, don’t use irrelevant graphics.

Strategies for audience involvement: Knowing your audience, use relevant examples and anecdotes, make eye contact, speak clearly, and follow structure.

Workshop Write Up:


Visit Laura Guertin’s online resource for how to prepare and deliver a presentation http://www.personal.psu.edu/uxg3/blogs/undergraduateresearch/2008/02/online-resources-for-how-to-pr.html



Create a top five list of strategies to aid in delivering a good presentation

1. Enthusiasm is essential, use humour but use it wisely


2. Planning and preparation is vital


3. Pay attention to the type of audience you will present in front of, ensure your presentation is tailored towards them.


4. Keep your presentation slides simple, don’t overload with information


5. Take your time!

Create a PowerPoint presentation on how to deliver a low impact presentation.

Slide 1

Slide 2



Slide 3



Slide 4



Slide 5



Slide 6



Summary of Readings:

Meeting PowerPoint in the classroom

Contains useful information and tips for a beginner’s introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint.
How to use the functions PowerPoint offers:

• Animations,


• Effects,


• Transitions,


• Sounds,


• Timing,


• How to rehearse


• Most importantly how to transport your presentation and ensure all information is retained, and external links are not lost