Oral presentation
YOU WILL recall that last week we discussed the content of the exposition. This week, we will take a look at the delivery.
BEFORE THE PRESENTATION
You are allowed to use a cue card (4 inches by 6 inches in size) with the major points from your presentation. You may opt to include a quote to be used as your opening or closing statement, or an important detail from your presentation that you wish to remember specifically. Please avoid the temptation of trying to squeeze in too much information on to the cue card. This will make it difficult to read and may confuse you during the presentation. You should aim to glance at the card and not read directly from it, so before the presentation, ensure that you know your speech and that you have organised the ideas very simply and clearly on the cue card. As you practise delivering the speech, ensure that you practise using the cue card so that you will become accustomed to it and know exactly how to use the cues you have included on the card.
You also want to ensure that on the day of the presentation you can perform optimally. Ensure, therefore, that you receive an adequate amount of rest the night before. This way, you should wake up feeling (re)freshed and ready to present.
Nervousness is also very common when making oral presentations. There are several strategies for overcoming nervousness. These include slow-breathing exercises, visualising yourself doing an awesome presentation, and being well prepared. As your name is called, your heart starts racing, you remind yourself that you got this, and you enter the room. Now, what’s next?
DURING THE PRESENTATION
Last week we covered all that needs to be included in the presentation, so let’s take a look at the important aspects of the delivery that will earn you full marks in this area.
■ Audibility – Ensure that you speak with a clear, confident voice throughout the presentation. You should not shout at the markers, but they should not have to lean forward to try to hear you either.
■ Fluency – Ensure that the presentation flows smoothly and that you do not have many stops and starts while delivering the speech. Although you will be evaluating two sources of information, it should be organised so that the points lead naturally, one to another, from start to finish.
If you have a natural speech impediment, please let your marker know ahead of time so that it is not confused for a nervous stutter.
■ Eye contact – Ensure that you maintain eye contact with your audience. Staring past them, at the ceiling, or allowing your eyes to dart about, do not signal confidence. A confident speaker can convince an audience of almost anything.
■ Body movement – Ensure that you are fully aware of what your body is doing for the entire presentation. If you are sitting, sit properly and sit erect. Slouching speakers are difficult to endure and do not communicate that they are comfortable with the material they are presenting. If you are standing, ensure that your legs are together and that you stand tall and proud with your shoulders back and head held high, the picture of confidence.
Ensure that you do not fidget during the presentation or play with your uniform or your hair.
■ Artifacts – Ensure that you wear your best uniform on the day of presentation. It should be properly laundered and ironed to give you a professional look, although you will be wearing your uniform. Clean your shoes. Comb/groom your hair neatly. Ensure that you look your best, from head to toe.
■ Paralingustics – Ensure that you present enthusiastically and interestingly. Your voice should not be monotonous and boring, but should be varied in order to add dimension to your presentation. Avoid vocalized pauses such as ‘ahmmm’, ‘ummmm’, and ‘like’, which will detract from your presentation.
■ Use of language – Your presentation should be delivered using standard English. Ensure that your speech is grammatically correct. There is nothing that undermines the quality of a speech like bad grammar. Avoid making this mistake.
Please note that you marker may ask a few question after your presentation. This is not meant to unnerve you, but to eke out even more information about your interesting topic. The question may be about the topic itself, the research process, or even about your personal response to the issue being discussed. #KeepCalmAndAnswer.
AFTER THE PRESENTATION
As you breathe a sigh of relief at completing another portion of the internal assessment, do a quick mental reflection. You realise that you have done an awesome job! The pleased look on the face of your marker is etched in your memory. Congratulations! You did it, like you knew you could!
Next week, we will take a look at the listening comprehension.
Until then, keep working on those speeches. #YouGotThis!!!!
Trudi Morrison Reid teaches at The Queen’s School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com