- •Chapter 5
- •5. Presentations in English
- •5.1. Introduction
- •5.1.1. Preparation
- •5.1.8. Structure
- •5.1.9. Notes
- •5.1.10. Rehearsal
- •5.2. Equipment
- •5.3. Delivery
- •5.3.1.Nerves
- •5.3.2. Audience Rapport
- •5.3.3. Body Language
- •5.3.4. Cultural Considerations
- •5.3.5. Voice quality
- •5.3.6. Visual aids
- •5.3.7. Audience Reaction
- •5.4. Language
- •5.4.1. Simplicity and Clarity
- •5.4.2. Signposting
- •5.5. The Presentation
- •5.5.1. Introduction
- •5.5.2. Body
- •5.5.3. Conclusion
- •(Give recommendations if appropriate)
- •Thank your audience
- •Invite questions
- •5.5.4. Questions
- •5.6. Review
- •In this seminar, you have learned:
5.5. The Presentation
|
...say it, |
Most presentations are divided into 3 main parts (+ questions):
1 |
INTRODUCTION |
Questions |
2 |
BODY |
|
3 |
CONCLUSION |
|
|
Questions |
|
As a general rule in communication, repetition is valuable. In presentations, there is a golden rule about repetition:
Say what you are going to say,
say it,
then say what you have just said.
In other words, use the three parts of your presentation to reinforce your message. In the introduction, you tell your audience what your message is going to be. In the body, you tell your audience your real message. In the conclusion, you summarize what your message was.
We will now consider each of these parts in more detail.
5.5.1. Introduction
The introduction is a very important - perhaps the most important - part of your presentation. This is the first impression that your audience have of you. You should concentrate on getting your introduction right. You should use the introduction to:
welcome your audience
introduce your subject
outline the structure of your presentation
give instructions about questions
The following table shows examples of language for each of these functions. You may need to modify the language as appropriate.
Function |
Possible language |
1 Welcoming your audience |
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2 Introducing your subject |
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3 Outlining your structure |
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4 Giving instructions about questions |
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5.5.2. Body
The body is the 'real' presentation. If the introduction was well prepared and delivered, you will now be 'in control'. You will be relaxed and confident.
The body should be well structured, divided up logically, with plenty of carefully spaced visuals.
Remember these key points while delivering the body of your presentation:
do not hurry
be enthusiastic
give time on visuals
maintain eye contact
modulate your voice
look friendly
keep to your structure
use your notes
signpost throughout
remain polite when dealing with difficult questions