Presenting individually or in a group is a common assessment task in most courses. This tip sheet will guide you through the steps of planning, structuring, writing and delivering a professional oral presentation.
What are the steps to executing a successful oral presentation?
1. Plan your presentation.
- Determine the objectives, length and audience for your presentation.
- Allocate roles of the group members if it is a group presentation.
2. Research your topic.
- Read widely and critically to gather information to demonstrate that you understand the key concepts and viewpoints relevant to your topic.
3. Structure and write your presentation.
- An introduction - to attract the audiences’ attention and set the agenda.
- A body - of logically organised key points that present the main content.
- A conclusion - to sum key points and leave audience with a call to action.
- Time to address questions (if required).
4. Consider presentation aids.
- Consider using different strategies/presentation aids to enhance your presentation e.g. PowerPoint slides, Prezi, visuals aids, props or handouts.
5. Practise your presentation.
- Practice as many times as necessary to ensure that you are familiar with your content.
- Ensure a logical order and flow of information.
- Refine and change where necessary.
- Time your presentation to ensure you do not exceed time limits.
6. Deliver your presentation.
To convey professionalism:
- be enthusiastic, confident and yourself,
- face the audience,
- make eye contact and avoid reading from a script,
- be articulate and speak clearly and at a moderate pace, and
- keep your body language open and friendly.