Year
Learning Area
Approaches to Learning - Tools
Presentation Skills

Introduction

Giving a presentation can be a rewarding experience. By following simple guidelines, you can prepare yourself well, gain in confidence and communicate your message effectively. 

 

When preparing for a presentation start with a script, create slides and rehearse before giving your talk.

Guide for scriptwriting:

1. Introduce the topic - state your position, start with a hook. Engage with your audience and make them care.

2. Explain your idea - clearly and with conviction       

3. Describe your evidence        

4. Call to Action - how and why you are implementing your idea

5. Conclusion - reveal the new reality, how the audience lives will be affected if they act on your idea.

(Wilkes, 2018) 

Guide for creating a slide presentation:

1. Should I use slides? If slides clarify information use them but keep it simple.

2. What goes on the slide:
- images and photos to help the audience remember the person place or thing
- infographics
- one point per slide
- as little text as possible
- no bullets points

3. Formatting the slide
- use consistent graphics and fonts
- use a common font like Helvetica or Verdana 
- font readable 42 points or larger

4. Reference material 
- images and text must be referenced

Modified from TedTalks Speakers Guide (2017).

 

Guide for delivery:
 
1. Engage 
- ask the audience questions and get them to ask you questions
 
2. Voice
- speak with a clear voice, good pace and volume
- use appropriate vocabulary
3. Posture and eye contact
- stand up straight
- try to make eye contact with most of the audience
4. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
- practise in front of the mirror, to your friends and family (once in your head is not enough).
 
5. Give the presentation 
- just like to practised
- imagine you are speaking to one person in a normal conversation
 
Modified from TedTalks Speakers Guide (2017).

Script Template

IB.ATL.COM.1.05 Use appropriate forms of writing for different purposes and audiences

Speaking Guide

IB.ATL.COM.1.04 Use a variety of speaking techniques to communicate with a variety of audiences.

Ted Talk - Speakers' Guide