Being Able To Give Presentations Is Crucial In Many Careers

Speech is a given, but there are many other classes like psychology, English, and history, where it is highly likely that students will have to prepare and give oral presentations.  That is preciously why speech is a required class; it helps to prepare students on how to present in front of an audience.  Many careers require oral skills, so it is profitable for students to learn the craft of oral presentation while in college.

Oral presentations are delivered in order to present credible information in an appealing, interesting, and motivating way to a live audience.  Oral presentations are typically inclusive of media tools to support the presentation's information.  Therefore, it is imperative that presenters are knowledgeable about the different media aids available to them and how they can be used to boost their presentation.

Audio and visual aids can emphasize main points and help your audience remember them.  Simple resources like a list of details on a chalkboard, a sampling of information on a flip chart, or a paper handout can be effective aids.  Including a few resources in a presentation can help to hold the audience’s attention; however, do not over do it.  Too many aids will be distracting, and you will lose your audience’s attention.  So, be careful when choosing presentation aids.

Different media aids work better for specific subject matters.  For example, models can be invaluable aids for delivering an oral presentation on a science or mathematics topic.  In this scenario, using three dimensional objects can be easier than describing the object or using a photo.  A physical representation like paper or clay models, papier-mâché, or dioramas reflect a true sense of the object.

Photographs and illustrations can add imagery to a presentation.  Choose simple images that are clear in their representation and that can be seen from afar.   If possible, scan the photo or illustration so that it can be viewed on a projection screen.  Be sure to credit all artwork used in your presentation.  If using charts and graphs, use bold colors and font type that is easy to read, which can help make clear complex information.

It is important that you practice giving your report.  Adapt your language to fit the topic and your audience, so as to project credibility as a speaker.  If you have the capability, record your presentation and then self-critique for areas of improvement.  Re-practice the parts that need more work and repeat words that are difficult to pronounce until you are comfortable pronouncing them.

Practice should also include using the audio visual aids.  On your note cards, mark where you will present your aids and then rehearse the presentation from start to finish.  Your goal is to assess how well you introduce your media aids.  All transitions should be seamless, so make sure your movements do not distract the audience or obstruct anyone's view.  It may be best to have friends or relatives act as an audience to help evaluate your presentation.

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