A Strategy and Checklist for an Oral Presentation

[with extra notes for a conference paper presentation]

c 1. Determine basic parameters for your presentation

c A. Choose a subject. [This may be all or part of the paper to be presented.]

c B. Analyze the purpose of the talk.

c C. Analyze your listeners.

c D. Write a clear statement of your central idea. ONE SENTENCE! [Be specific for this talk: What is the research result you will focus on? What should listeners learn from the talk?]

c E. Decide on general format of talk: computer projection, lecture, etc. [This course requires you to use computer projection, e.g. PowerPoint slides, PDF, KeyNote, WPS Presentation.]

c F. Predict main points and select a pattern of organization. [The pattern will often be similar to the outline of the written paper but it does not have to be! Another pattern may be better.]

c 2. Collecting data

c A. Write out the main points (in sentences or point form) based on your current knowledge. [Refer to (1F) and the paper.]

c B. Develop a working outline by putting these points in the logical order (1F) you chose.

c C. Use the working outline as a guide to collect information and explanations you need, making research notes as you go. [You may need extra background material. You will need to decide how to summarize the points and orally express the written material concisely.]

c 3. Organizing your information

c A. As you collect information, make necessary changes in your working outline. This may involve adding and/or deleting main points.

c B. Decide approximately how much time you want to spend on each point, as well as on the introduction and conclusion. [Keep in mind the speed at which you can speak clearly.]

c C. Match your gathered information (in the paper and from other sources) to the main points of your talk. For each point, decide what info to include or leave out. [Be sure to summarize well and interpret the data, pointing out what is interesting and/or important.]

c D. Plan the introduction and conclusion in detail.

c E. Prepare visual aids: computer projection slides, demonstration material, etc. This should be done in conjunction with step 4A.

c 4. Doing final preparation

c A. Using your working outline and research notes, write a detailed planning outline of your talk. This outline should include everything you want in the presentation. Adjust slides and content as necessary as your outline develops, making sure that the total length of your talk is in the right range. Make sure you do not have too much on any one slide. Check transitions on and between slides.

c B. Write out the sentences you will use to explain key points. Pay attention to grammar, vocabulary, and clarity. If required or desired, write out a transcript for your entire talk. You will not be reading your transcript during your presentation but it will help you to organize your thoughts and give you more confidence. [Writing a transcript is required in this course.]

c C. Review the planning outline (and transcript if you have one [as all AC students must]) until you know the material very well. [Review the paper too.]

c D. Check over your talk for technical terms that may need to be explained to your audience. Be sure to include the definitions in your talk. [Remember the background of the audience.]

c E. Make a slide timing sheet: slide title + start time for each slide (plus extra notes if desired).

c F. Check the pronunciation of important or new words. Be sure you can pronounce key terms perfectly. [Use an on-line dictionary to hear the ten most important words/terms.]

c G. Practice giving your presentation, looking only at your presentation notes. Make sure the time used for each point is appropriate for its importance and difficulty.

c 5. Preparing for questions

c A. Look over your detailed outline and text for points of possible confusion. Where is it hard?

c B. Predict questions and prepare answers [to 10 most likely questions]. Prepare alternate explanations of the most difficult points.

c C. Review how to respond to unanswerable questions. (Never just say “I don’t know.”)