TECHNICAL PRESENTATION SKILLS

Objectives:

Understanding the nature and importance of presentation skills

• Knowing the planning steps for presentation
• Identifying the four important steps in preparing an effective oral presentation
• Understanding the major elements in the introduction, body, and conclusion of an oral presentation
• Knowing how to identify specific techniques for rehearsing a presentation
• Reviewing techniques for effective delivery

Introduction:

An oral presentation is a form of oral communication. It is a participative two-way communication process characterized by the formal and structured presentation of a message using visual aids. It is purposeful and goal oriented, and communicates a message to an audience in a way that brings about desired change in their understanding or opinion. The four main aspects of making a technical presentation are...

Purpose

– The presentation is made with a definite purpose.

Interactive

 – It involves both the speaker as well as the listeners.

Formal

– It is set in a formal situation

Audience oriented

– The topic will have to be dealt with from the listener’s perspective.

Planning the Presentation:

Define the Purpose

Analyze the Audience

Analyze the Occasion

Choosing a Suitable Title

Preparing the Presentation

Develop the Central Idea

Develop the Main Ideas

Gather Supporting Material

Plan Visual Aids

Organizing the Presentation

The Introduction

a.      Get the audience’s attention 

b.      Introduce the Subject

c.      Give the audience a reason to listen

d.      Establish the credibility

e.      Preview the main ideas

The Body

a.       Sequential 

b.      General to specific

c.      Specific to general

d.      More to less important

e.      Less to more important

f.      Categorical

g.     Problem and solution

h.     Contrast and comparison

The Conclusion

a.      Summarize the presentation 

b.      Re-emphasize the central idea

c.      Focus on a goal

d.      Motivate the audience to respond

e.      Provide closure

It is imperative to have the audience with the presenter throughout the presentation in order to make it a successful one. Use of anecdotes and a tint of humor can enhance the effect of the presentation.