This document provides guidance on creating effective presentations. It discusses defining the purpose and type of presentation, following fundamental principles like staying focused and practicing. Tips are provided on using visual aids appropriately, dressing professionally, techniques for engaging the audience, and common pitfalls to avoid. The overall message is to know your content and audience, practice effectively, and focus on clear communication.
Butterflies, PowerPoint, and the ‘Perfect’ Presentation
1. Butterflies, PowerPoint, and
the ‘Perfect’ Presentation
Jeff Pelletier
The Ohio State University
Presentation available online at http://www.slideshare.net/jeffbc94
2. Your Parting Gifts
Who are we – Why are we here
What is a presentation
Five rules for a better presentation
Dress and appearance
Some tricks to use; some to avoid
But first…your initial questions
3. A Little About Me
Boston College, BA Computer Science, 1994
The Ohio State University, MA Higher Education and
Student Affairs, 2004
8 years experience with US Navy
10 years, Ohio Union Staff
7 years, Delta Tau Delta
8 years, Toastmasters International
35+ conferences attended
4. A little More…
37 years, Red Sox fan
10 marathons completed
Proud Pug Parent!
5. What is a Presentation?
Four types of Presentations
– Informative
– Inspirational
– Entertaining
– Persuasive
The Military Model
6. Five Fundamental Principles
Stay focused
Keep it short, finish early
– “Finish speaking before your audience finishes
listening.”
Know the purpose and make it useful
Judicious use of media
Practice, practice, practice
7. Make it Useful
Collect information ahead of time
– What does the audience want to hear?
– What does the space look like?*
Use language the audience will understand
Avoid acronyms
9. PowerPoint
Do you need A/V?
4 bullets, 6 words
Reading from slides or notes – pause*
Dark background and light fonts
Adjust lighting if possible
Have a backup plan
10. Some Tricks to Practice
Greet audience members
Eye contact*
Speak slowly, clearly, accurately
Look for a friendly face, look for head nods
Move around the podium or stand up
Use of nonverbals
12. Some Pitfalls to Watch For
IN your control:
“Crutch” words - um, ah, like, you know…
Swallowing your words
Humor – use and misuse
Don’t confuse your listeners*
Don’t sell yourself short
Relax and harness nervous energy
13. Some Pitfalls to Watch For
NOT in your control:
Sleepers!
Co-presenters
Room abuse
THAT audience member
14. Dress and Appearance
Always ask about appropriate dress for the
occasion
Always dress one notch better
The rule of 12…
Watch out for accessories
15. Connect with the Audience
Ask open ended questions
Six degrees of separation…connect
Give them reasons to like you
But first…any initial questions?
I don't know – Can I get back to you?
Be honest and be yourself
16. Connect with the Audience
Use “people words”
Personalize statistics
Body references
Conversational phrases
Name games
17. Written Presentations
Jeff’s Top Ten List of Written Crazymakers
1. CAPS LOCK
2. Excessive punctuation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Emoticons ;-) 8-)
4. Grammar and capitalization in e-mail
5. Don’t forget subject line, attachments
18. Written Presentations
Jeff’s Top Ten List of Written Crazymakers
6. Make signature line appropriate
7. Double check pertinent information (date,
time, location)
8. Practical font and background
9. Avoid vernacular, jargon, abbreviation
10. “Webster’s defines…”
19. Tell 'em what you told 'em
We established the speakers credentials
We discussed what is a presentation
5 Rules
Military Briefing
Dress and appearance
Some tips you can use
How to choose and present your topic
20. Good Luck With Future
Presentations!
Special thanks to:
- Keith Steiner (Delta Tau Delta)
- Michael Hevel (Association of Fraternity Advisors)
- Corbin Smyth (Association of College Unions
International)
- Kevin Johnston, Tennille-Lynn Milo (Toastmasters
International)
- George Brymer (author, Vital Integrities)
Jeff Pelletier
Pelletier.12@osu.edu
614-688-INFO (4636)
Presentation available at: http://osudelts.org.ohio-state.edu/about.php
21. Panels and Roundtables
Introduce the topic at hand, and have some guiding
thoughts/questions to get things started
Allow time for processing questions (to ask or to
answer)
Okay to wander from a set agenda, provided:
– The group is being productive
– Not too much time on one particular issue
Watch for dominant/quiet participants
Consider a recorder/minute-keeper
22. Leading/Serving on A Panel
Select panelists with varied experience, knowledge,
generation, or location
Repeat questions from audience for all to hear
Not every question needs to be answered by all
Time limit on presentation, and answers
Summarize to close the session
23. Roundtables
Quick introduction of participants
Five types of questions:
– Overhead
– Direct
– Relay
– Open-ended
– Closed-ended/Show of Hands
Watch for side-conversations after group has moved
on
End early to encourage direct follow-up
24. Connect IN the Audience
It’s okay to smile
Nodding off vs. nodding in assent
It’s okay to laugh!
Resist the temptation to be “that audience
member”
Follow-up after the session
25. Written Presentations
Michael’s Top Ten List of Written Crazymakers
11. Take time to write
12. Proofread
13. Citation style
14. Inclusive language
15. Adverbs, contractions, passive voice
26. Being a Good Listener
Four types of listening
– Engaged
– Thoughtful
– Combative
– Absent
Hear – Understand – Interpret – Respond
Don’t think about your response while listening
27. Turning Experience into a
Presentation
Practice into Theory
What does your audience want to hear?
Why are they listening?
What are your own abilities?
28. National Conferences – “The
Big Show”
No prerequisites – just desire and material
Start early to finish
Regional as Rehearsal
Offer to present on campus (HR Departments)
Find your local Toastmasters club
Stand up if… This is your first ACUI Presented before/not yet You’ve ever spoken in public You’ve ever been nervous or stressed about speaking in public
There is merit in the “low-tech” presentation True Colors Dr Bob’s handouts and overheads Try not to step in front of the projector
Confidence will never eliminate nervousness – it will help you learn to control it Never sit on the table or behind the table – a little TOO casual
Often the accurate answer to a usage question begins, "It depends." And what it depends on most often is where you are, who you are, who your listeners or readers are, and what your purpose in speaking or writing is. -Kenneth G. Wilson, usage writer (b. 1923)
Hillary – actually Me – “and stuff like that” “ British Humor” – joke that falls flat (Susan Litton) “ This is going to be awful, but…”
Don’t apologize for missing information, or if you are under the weather Do apologize for A/V issues, ambient noise or temperature
Remove name tags that hang or might get in the way
Customize material for your audience People don’t want to see you fail Don’t feel pressure to be a professional – do try to be a prepared presenter
“ Our students have done over 400 hours of service” “ Many people meet their new best friend…vs. look to your left and right. You may be sitting next to your new roommate” See eye-to-eye with your group; working hand-in-hand; Don’t hold your tongue – ask questions!
Potential Table-Topics questions: Why did you decide to attend OSU/your institution? Describe your favorite family get-together (real or potential) What will you miss most after graduation/over the summer while you are away from campus If people were to create a TV show about your life or world, what would it be about? Tell a favorite story from or about your hometown
The trick to effective panels/roundtables is to NOT be the dominant voice in the room, but be the thread that ties thoughts together. Okay to sit in this situation – may be preferred
The trick to effective panels/roundtables is to NOT be the dominant voice in the room, but be the thread that ties thoughts together. Okay to sit in this situation – may be preferred
The trick to effective panels/roundtables is to NOT be the dominant voice in the room, but be the thread that ties thoughts together. Okay to sit in this situation – may be preferred