A Blueprint

Professional Presentations

Research

• Research topic– Do your homework– Know your subject– Do not copy/paste from source

• Make an outline– Organize main topics

• Cite your sources

Determine Purpose of Presentation

• Informative• Persuasive

– Requires action– Change a belief

• Entertaining– Build relationship to audience

Consider Audience

• Prior knowledge of subject– What does your audience already know– Build on their prior knowledge

• Demographics– Age, gender, education

• Needs and expectations– Why are they there?– What do they want to take away?

Mechanics

• Keep it simple• People generally remember

– 20% of what they hear– 30% of what they see– 50-80% of what they see and hear

• Appeal to as many senses as appropriate

• Use a variety of delivery techniques

Appealing to Audience

• A picture is worth a thousand words• Use graphics and images• Create mystery to create interest• Don’t overuse animation and

transitions• Provide a handout• Use other media

– Visuals, flipcharts, or overheads

Elements of Good Presentations

• Good public speakers– prepare carefully– rehearse

• Audience remembers key points– main topics presented first– concise summary at end

Good Speakers

• Make a good impression• Have knowledge in subject• Use humor• Personality• Dress appropriately• Speak clearly

Good Speakers

• Make eye contact• Move around• Do not READ slides or notes• Vary presentation• Involve the audience

Color

• Appropriate for audience– Conservative (blue or black) = formal– Bright colors (orange) = informal and

trendy

• Use sparingly and with purpose• Consistent color theme

Check out the Environment

• Rehearse in the space if possible• Manually run the show• Check placement of podium• Check microphone and other sound

connections• Will everyone be able to see and

hear?• Adequate seating

Actual Presentation

• First slide – Introduction (sets tone)• Last slide – Summary of main points• Always have more than one bullet on a

slide• Proofread for accuracy• Use easy to read fonts• High color contrast between

background and text

Structure

• Three main points• Use 6x7 rule

– No more than six bullets– No more than seven words per bullet

• No punctuation at end of bullet• Use white space appropriately• Use both upper and lower case letters• Type in notes as you create presentation

Summary

• Planning– Determine purpose– Research

• Presentation Delivery– Know your subject matter– Consider your audience– Follow general guidelines– Rehearse in the space– Make it interesting