ORAL
PRESENTATION
SKILLS
, Preface
This text, the result of years of experience and research, is intended to be an aid for anyone
wishing to speak in public to fellow students, colleagues or other interested groups.
This text provides the essential elements and some tips on preparing and organizing a
successful oral presentation in English or any other language. The same structure can also be
used to some extent in the context of a written text, i.e. dividing the text into three parts
introduction, development and conclusion. Other useful elements for the written text include
expressions to indicate lists, narrative, links and examples.
This short paper is divided into several sections, each one being based on a particular point
which is important to think about in preparing for and giving an oral presentation. The first one
deals with preparation and planning, the most important stage. The second one deals with the
structure of the speech and necessary language. The third speaks about visuals and how to make
the best use of them. The fourth discusses how to create interest and establish and maintain a
relationship with the audience. The fifth deals with body language and finally, the sixth contains a
few comments on using the voice and correct pronunciation.
It is also important to remember that there are perhaps several formulae for an oral
presentation, this being just one. Are you explaining a procedure, trying to convince or persuade,
give information or outline possible courses of action? What you are trying to do in your
presentation should have a bearing on how you present. There are also cultural aspects to take
into consideration in that different communities will react differently to the same presentation:
English-speaking as against a French-speaking audience, a scientific forum, a literary group or an
assembly of business managers. Each one will expect and react in various ways according to the
linguistic, scientific, academic or business culture it is familiar with. Different people speak in
different ways in different languages and different conventions depending on to whom, where,
when and why they are speaking. All of these questions are, of course, vital to take into
consideration during the preparation.
Remember anyone can give a good presentation. Don’t worry if you are not naturally extrovert.
Preparation and practice can be the keys to success!
Oral Presentation Skills
2
, I. PREPARATION AND PLANNING
I.1 ESSENTIAL PREPARATION AND PLANNING
CHECKLIST
This is a checklist of the essential elements to
consider in preparing and planning an oral
presentation. Use it yourself by filling in the boxes on
the right under “My Ideas”.
QUESTIONS TO ASK EXAMPLES MY IDEAS
YOURSELF
1. What is the aim? to buy my product to
adopt my
recommendations
to join the club to
give me a job
2. What is my title? The new Mokia 2001
How to reduce production
costs
The INT Chess Club
3. Who am I speaking to? What are the benefits to the
audience of my
product/report/speech?
Are these people the
decision makers?
What do they know of the
subject?
How does this change my
approach?
What sort of questions will
they ask me? What are
the answers?
What aspects will they be
interested in?
4. What are the main points I 1, 2, 3; first, second, third;
want to make? point a, point b, point c
5. What do I want the We must invite them: to
audience to do after listening buy my product to
to my presentation? accept my findings to
join the club to give
me a job
I.2 Other questions concerning physical aspects.
Who is the audience?
How many people will there be in the audience?
Check beforehand, if you can, the place where you are going to make your
presentation.
Where will it take place?
Oral Presentation Skills
3
PRESENTATION
SKILLS
, Preface
This text, the result of years of experience and research, is intended to be an aid for anyone
wishing to speak in public to fellow students, colleagues or other interested groups.
This text provides the essential elements and some tips on preparing and organizing a
successful oral presentation in English or any other language. The same structure can also be
used to some extent in the context of a written text, i.e. dividing the text into three parts
introduction, development and conclusion. Other useful elements for the written text include
expressions to indicate lists, narrative, links and examples.
This short paper is divided into several sections, each one being based on a particular point
which is important to think about in preparing for and giving an oral presentation. The first one
deals with preparation and planning, the most important stage. The second one deals with the
structure of the speech and necessary language. The third speaks about visuals and how to make
the best use of them. The fourth discusses how to create interest and establish and maintain a
relationship with the audience. The fifth deals with body language and finally, the sixth contains a
few comments on using the voice and correct pronunciation.
It is also important to remember that there are perhaps several formulae for an oral
presentation, this being just one. Are you explaining a procedure, trying to convince or persuade,
give information or outline possible courses of action? What you are trying to do in your
presentation should have a bearing on how you present. There are also cultural aspects to take
into consideration in that different communities will react differently to the same presentation:
English-speaking as against a French-speaking audience, a scientific forum, a literary group or an
assembly of business managers. Each one will expect and react in various ways according to the
linguistic, scientific, academic or business culture it is familiar with. Different people speak in
different ways in different languages and different conventions depending on to whom, where,
when and why they are speaking. All of these questions are, of course, vital to take into
consideration during the preparation.
Remember anyone can give a good presentation. Don’t worry if you are not naturally extrovert.
Preparation and practice can be the keys to success!
Oral Presentation Skills
2
, I. PREPARATION AND PLANNING
I.1 ESSENTIAL PREPARATION AND PLANNING
CHECKLIST
This is a checklist of the essential elements to
consider in preparing and planning an oral
presentation. Use it yourself by filling in the boxes on
the right under “My Ideas”.
QUESTIONS TO ASK EXAMPLES MY IDEAS
YOURSELF
1. What is the aim? to buy my product to
adopt my
recommendations
to join the club to
give me a job
2. What is my title? The new Mokia 2001
How to reduce production
costs
The INT Chess Club
3. Who am I speaking to? What are the benefits to the
audience of my
product/report/speech?
Are these people the
decision makers?
What do they know of the
subject?
How does this change my
approach?
What sort of questions will
they ask me? What are
the answers?
What aspects will they be
interested in?
4. What are the main points I 1, 2, 3; first, second, third;
want to make? point a, point b, point c
5. What do I want the We must invite them: to
audience to do after listening buy my product to
to my presentation? accept my findings to
join the club to give
me a job
I.2 Other questions concerning physical aspects.
Who is the audience?
How many people will there be in the audience?
Check beforehand, if you can, the place where you are going to make your
presentation.
Where will it take place?
Oral Presentation Skills
3
