Effective Presentation
DCE3113-Training Design and Methodology
UNIT 13 EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION
Introduction Presentation is the practice of showing and explaining the content of a topic to an audience or learner. The term „presentation‟ is capable of giving butterflies-in-thestomach. This is because while making a presentation we are exposed to our audience‟s judgment and this is a frightening thought for most. While experience and command over the subject can make a great deal of improvement to a presentation, a quick reference to the right presentation skills resources can make a great difference (Hochberger, 2008). It is also important to understand that effective presentation skills are not solely for the fortunate few who are naturally good communicators but that effective presentation skill can be developed in anyone and that we all have the ability to learn how to become highly effective presenters. How to be a Good Presenter There are a range of practical skills that we can develop to become an effective presenter. According to Skillstudio (2009) the three key objectives that underline a good presentation often include the following: (1) to establish credibility with the audience; (2) to communicate information clearly to the audience; and (3) to persuade and/or influence the audience. Sillstudio (2009) categories these skills into three main areas: (1) the ability to create a clear message; (2) the ability to deliver the message effectively; and (3) the ability to fully engage with the audience. (1) The ability to create a clear message A clear message is normally a simple one. You may feel that you have to go into a lot of detail to get your message across but more often than not – “less is more”. Your audience are only able to take in so much during a presentation, so the clearer the message the more powerful it will be. Keep your message clear and simple by using the following guidelines: Have one key message only, this should be the most important point that you want to
UNIT 13 EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION
Introduction Presentation is the practice of showing and explaining the content of a topic to an audience or learner. The term „presentation‟ is capable of giving butterflies-in-thestomach. This is because while making a presentation we are exposed to our audience‟s judgment and this is a frightening thought for most. While experience and command over the subject can make a great deal of improvement to a presentation, a quick reference to the right presentation skills resources can make a great difference (Hochberger, 2008). It is also important to understand that effective presentation skills are not solely for the fortunate few who are naturally good communicators but that effective presentation skill can be developed in anyone and that we all have the ability to learn how to become highly effective presenters. How to be a Good Presenter There are a range of practical skills that we can develop to become an effective presenter. According to Skillstudio (2009) the three key objectives that underline a good presentation often include the following: (1) to establish credibility with the audience; (2) to communicate information clearly to the audience; and (3) to persuade and/or influence the audience. Sillstudio (2009) categories these skills into three main areas: (1) the ability to create a clear message; (2) the ability to deliver the message effectively; and (3) the ability to fully engage with the audience. (1) The ability to create a clear message A clear message is normally a simple one. You may feel that you have to go into a lot of detail to get your message across but more often than not – “less is more”. Your audience are only able to take in so much during a presentation, so the clearer the message the more powerful it will be. Keep your message clear and simple by using the following guidelines: Have one key message only, this should be the most important point that you want to
References: FSU Handbook. (2010). Lecturing Effectively. Section Lesson Delivery. Prof. Madya Dr. Norhasni Zainal Abiddin Page 7 DCE3113-Training Design and Methodology Hochberger, J. (2008). Effective Presentations Skill. Available at: http://www.effectivepresentationskills.com/aboutus.html (Assessed July 20, 2010). Laskowski, L. (2000). 7 Aspects of a Dynamic Presentation. Available at: http://www.presentation-pointers.com/showarticle/articleid/84/ (Assessed July 20, 2010). Renfrow, D. & Impara, J. C. (1989). Making academic presentations effectively, Educational Researchers, 18 (2): 20-21. Richard, S. and Noel, M. (1996). Delivering Effective Lectures. JHPIEGO Strategy Paper No.5. Skillstudio Limited (2009). Presentation Skills. Available at: http://www.skillstudio.co.uk/help/presentation-skills/effective-presentationskills.htm (Assessed July 20, 2010). Prof. Madya Dr. Norhasni Zainal Abiddin Page 8