Tips for Oral Presentations

When you are invited to present material to a group, whether it be within the classroom setting, a work-related environment, or any situation in which you will be evaluated on your performance, here are a few commonsense tips:

1. Do not ever chew gum, candy, or anything else during a presentation.
2. Avoid jewelry or clothing which could distract your audience’s attention from your material and your delivery. A conservative appearance is best, unless the subject of the presentation itself calls for a special uniform or costume.
3. Never wear a cap or hat unless it is part of a costume needed for your presentation.
4. Keep your hands away from your face and hair. Hold your hands at your side, in a relaxed posture, or lightly place your hands at the edge of the podium.
5. Stand up straight. Do not lean against the podium or appear to be supporting your weight against it.
6. Maintain as much eye contact with your audience as possible, although it is all right to glance at notes frequently and as needed.
7. As you plan your presentation, keep the requirements and time limitations in mind. Practice several times and commit as much of your presentation to memory as possible.

As a member of the audience, keep in mind that your classmate or co-worker deserves your full attention. You would like to have everyone’s full attention and respect when it is your turn to present.

Giving full attention to a speaker includes:
LOOKING AT HIM/HER AND MAINTAINING A COMFORTABLE LEVEL OF EYE CONTACT
SITTING AS STILL AS POSSIBLE
APPEARING TO LISTEN AND OFFERING SOME KIND OF NON-VERBAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Giving full attention to a speaker does not include:
TURNING THE PAGES OF A MAGAZINE OR BOOK
SHUFFLING THROUGH A STACK OF PAPERS OR A NOTEBOOK WHISPERING TO THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU
DIGGING AROUND IN YOUR PURSE OR BOOKSAG
SLEEPING OR GIVING THE IMPRESSION OF TOTAL BOREDOM
GAZING OUT OF THE WINDOW OR ANYWHERE BESIDES AT THE SPEAKER

If you must leave the room during oral presentations, try to wait until one speaker has finished and leave before the next speaker begins. It is extremely distracting to a speaker to have a member of the audience stand and walk around in the room when he or she is trying to concentrate on the delivery of the material. Obviously, emergency situations do arise, so if you must leave, be as discreet and quiet as possible.