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Effective Business Presentations: Guidelines

Introduction

The introduction serves 3 main purposes:establish group credibility

provide personal and professional information (introducer?). Make it unique!

get the interest and attention of the audiencestate topic, relate it to the audience, and preview the main points/ideas to be presented

preview the body of the presentation

introduction is well thought out, well rehearsed & effectively delivered

Body

The objective of the body is to deliver the central idea using logical points, and bolster it

with strong evidence and in convincing fashion

In order to do so:Establish what the central idea is

Present these points in a logical sequence such as chronological fashion (I have given

you a framework!)

Support ideas and opinions with relevant examples, graphs, tables, charts, statistics,or expert testimony

Draw conclusions based on facts and solid evidence

Maintain credibility by presenting correct, concise, and complete informationUse connectives such as transitions and signposts to facilitate audience understanding

DeliveryAppropriate dress code and extremities

Clear, strong voice, varying tone, pitch

Choice of language vivid, memorable, professional (repetition, metaphors, examples,no slang!)

Pauses, audience contact

No visible nervousness (Keep tight control!)

Stimulating comments and unique informationUse of appropriate and natural gestures to reinforce ideas

Absolutely no paper reading; use help from the slide and cue-cards if necessary

Timing

Start and end on time theres nothing worse, or more painful than an hour-long 25-

minute presentation! No extra time will be given

Clarity of thought results in clarity of expression. Rehearse!

Develop your point logically, wait for non-verbal or verbal cues indicating

comprehension, then move on to the next pointEmphasize, recap, and repeat frequently

Visual Support

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Effective visual aids can clarify ideas, increase the interest level of the audience, and

increase the credibility of the speaker.

Support the message with graphs, drawings, charts, or computer-generated graphicsExplain the visual aids clearly with captions and texts

Ensure balance between graphs, pictures etc. and text

Use a consistent typeface, color scheme, & graphical style to enhance the professionalimage of the presentation. Avoidextremely contrasting colors and too much

animation.

Audience Interaction

Perhaps the most difficult challenge in a presentation. A presentation engages itsrecipients.

Be creative: examples of products/services, ads etc.

Engaging the audience comes from a genuine empathyWays you might engage them include:

Eye contact with individualsExamples or events that connect you to the audience

Friendly body languageTalking to or with, not drawn at, or up to the audience

Q & A

There are generally 2 types of questions in public presentations:

Questions designed to let you show how much you know, or dont know

Questions that let the questioner show how much s/he knows

Either way, when soliciting or responding to questions:

Actively and empathetically listen to the questionRephrase, paraphrase or restate question(s) to the audience

Clarify the issue(s) asked in the question

Keep it short, to the point, and answer each question (even if its I dont know) in

turn. Avoidmaking up a story as it will be detrimental to your grade!Provide succinct but complete answers

Make eye contact with the entire audience

Treat the audience with patience and respectListen carefully and take notes of comments and suggestions made by the audience

for your final marketing plan