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The Seven Step Program for Effective Oral Presentations
 I would as soon appear before an audience half clothed as half prepared. 
Daniel Webster
...........

7 Steps for

Successful Preparation
Effective Introductions
Organized Body
Memorable Conclusions
Polished and Professional Presentation_

  The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. Mark Twain 1835-1910

 

Preparation: 7 Tips

  1. Research your topic & jot down any ideas

  2. Decide on a central idea (theme) & develop main points around your theme

  3. Investigate the particulars of your subject (collect examples, definitions, comparisons, statistics, anecdotes)

  4. Answer the questions: who what when where why how (when appropriate)

  5. Choose only information with relevance

  6. Make an outline to help you organize & pace your talk

  7. Write your speech in simple Anglo-Saxon language

Introduction: 7 Tips (use one of these 7 strategies for openers)

  1. Announce the subject directly in the first sentence or paragraph & explain why you selected that topic
  2. Tell a story of human interest, paint a picture, or give an illustration.
  3. Use a statement that excites attention, arouses curiosity, surprises the audience, or is particularly informative.
  4. Tell a humorous story that is definitely related to the subject or to the situation under which you are addressing the audience.
  5. Ask a challenging question.
  6. State facts which show the importance of the subject to the welfare of the audience.
  7. Begin with a significant quotation or idea from some other person.

Body: 7 Tips 
  1. Work your presentation around a few select points.
  2. Provide fresh, new information  around your basic talk to make your audience feel you are feeding them new knowledge.
  3. Know the subject thoroughly.
  4. Use facts, figures & illustrations (not generalities)
  5. If the audience is to be convinced, begin with subject matter with which there is agreement.
  6. Do not argue, but explain. Let the facts, illustrations & figures change the viewpoint of the audience in the let us reason this together approach.
  7. State briefly & clearly each point to be discussed,  giving the audience a  continual point of reference.

Conclusion - 7 Tips
  1. Outline concisely the major points you have made in the body.
  2. Use a quotation (from literature for an academic group; from a politician for a political group; from the Bible for a religious group...).
  3. Bring the speech to a grand climax.
  4. Compliment the audience or leave a note of optimism.
  5. Describe a dramatic scene, a great moment in history, science or business, or give a brief biographical story.
  6. Ask the audience to take some action or adopt a viewpoint.
  7. Tell a humorous story or give a suitable witty comment that they will recall & repeat to others.

The Presentation Itself 7 Tips

  1. Begin in silence.
    • Look up at the audience, take a deep breath, repeat an affirmation to yourself (I'm a great public speaker; I've prepared well), smile, grab onto the podium if you are nervous, make sure you have everyone's attention, and only then are you ready to begin.
  2. Make your script obvious but not awkward. .Know your script. Say it; don't read it. Make sure your script (and any photos) are in order. You must look organized and professional.
  3. Speak slower and louder whenever you must read a direct passage. Don't rush.
  4. Maintain eye contact.
    • Always be conscious of the importance of your EYES when communicating. While verbal communication is occurring through words, your eyes still command importance. When eyes are steady, the mind is steady.
    • My eyes let the other know I am speaking to him.
      My eyes provide a point of focus for the other.
      My eyes will let the other know when it is appropriate to respond.
      My eyes command respect and show our relationship.
  5. When you're done speaking, hold eye contact for a few seconds. Ask, "Are there are any questions?"
  6. Wait for the applause before leaving
  7. Have fun - Be appreciative of and enjoy the opportunity to express yourself in a safe environment!

     

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quotes on eyes:

The Eyes are the window of the soul.  anon

The eyes are the outward extension of the brain.
Where they move activates different parts of the brain. http://innerhappiness.com/photosbeginner1.html

When the eyes are steady, the mind becomes steady. http://innerhappiness.com/photosbeginner1.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the ancient Greeks, there are three parts to the communication process:

  1. Ethos
  2.  Pathos
  3.  Logos.

There are three parts to the selling process:

  1. Establishing rapport
  2. Identifying the problem and need
  3. Presenting the solution

 

Establishing rapport  (Ethos) concerns what is commonly called the "friendship factor." 
If people relate well to you, develop a rapport, and trust you, they will be more likely to deal with you.
People don't care how much you KNOW until they know how much you care.

Therefore, spend a lot of time with Ethos. Establish a rapport. Ask about their family, their interests,
Listen attentively.  Rephrase what they've said to let them know you've paid attention and are interested.

 

Aristotle claimed there are three main ways to persuade an audience: the utilization of ethos, pathos and logos.

  Ethos Pathos Logos
Defined The character of the speaker

If we feel the speaker is credible and trustworthy, we  believe and follow up on what the speaker says.

The persuasive potential of the individual based on his character.

This, according to Aristotle was most important.

Displays "eunoia" or goodwill

Persuade by emotions

 

Placing the audience is the right emotional frame of mind.

 

Let the audience feel praised, appreciated, thanked, loved...

 factual content and the argument

logical reasoning used

 

Reasoning transformed into words.

 

 

 

Visit http://hyper.vcsun.org/HyperNews/battias/get/cs327/s02/thought/1.html?nogifs for a critique of Bush's ground Zero speech.