WHS Capstone Course

Oral Presentations

Purpose

The purpose of an oral presentation is to COMMUNICATE something to an AUDIENCE. Know your purpose. Are you trying to:

• Inform or educate
• Entertain
• Persuade

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Know Your Topic

• You should NEVER do a presentation WITHOUT any prior PREPARATION
• Start with a “HOOK” - an interesting statement, image, or phrase to capture the audience’s attention
• Create an outline of MAIN POINTS or notecards to stay organized so your presentation flows
• Be very comfortable with your topic by researching and practicing (confidence is key)

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Mechanics

1. VOICE
1. Speak clearly (avoid mumbling or “swallowing” your words)
2. Appropriate volume (project)
3. Pace yourself by using pauses (try to avoid ‘um,’ “uh,’ and ‘like’)

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Mechanics

2) GESTURES

• Using your hands in a presentation can keep fidgeting under control (point to visual aid, open palms to “invite” the audience in)
• You can also keep your hands clasped in front of you or behind you (no hands in pockets)

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Mechanics

3) POSTURE

• Straight up, but relaxed
• Avoid rocking or swaying by keeping feet shoulder-width apart (you may walk around slowly but always facing the audience)

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Mechanics

4) EYE CONTACT

• Switch among audience members
• Don’t read your slideshow or notes directly (put in marks or images that remind you to look up)

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Visual Aids

• They should add to, but not distract from the presentation
• Make sure to practice with them to know where they fit and how you will use them
• Avoid bright/neon backgrounds like red or yellow as they are hard to read - use white or a muted pastel background color with black font

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Visual Aids

• Font should be large, which will also prevent you from writing too much
• Carefully choose graphics and animations which are purposeful and emphasize your points
• Check for spelling and grammatical errors
• KISS - Keep it simple, Silly!

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Practice

• You don’t have to memorize everything (it’s actually better if you don’t to avoid sounding robotic)
• Practice out loud to make sure it sounds natural and to ensure your pronunciation is correct
• In front of the mirror
• To friends and family
• Record yourself and playback
• Watch one or two TED talks to see how expert speakers do it

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BEING ANXIOUS IS NORMAL!

• Thorough preparation and practice will decrease but not eliminate the “butterflies”
• Take deep breaths before your presentation
• Remember, your audience WANTS you to succeed

YOU CAN DO THIS.

WHS Oral Communication Rubric