Oral presentations
Oral presentations bring together research, structure and public speaking skills. Talking to an audience about a topic can feel daunting; however, with good planning and practice, you will soon overcome any concerns.
At the heart of all oral presentations is the speech. Keeping these key things in mind can make the whole experience a lot easier.
| Try this | What it looks like |
| Know your subject matter | The better you know your topic, the easier it is to talk about. When you understand what you’re saying you’re less likely to stumble and you will feel more positive about the whole experience. |
| Read from something | Prepare dot points on cue cards to guide you but try not to read them word for word. Your audience will stay more engaged if you make eye contact and speak naturally. Practise using your notes before the presentation. |
| Stick to a format | Just like any other assessment, oral presentations need structure. Without it, your audience can quickly lose track. Try dividing your content into clear sections, with an introduction, main point and a conclusion that flows logically. |
| Use clear and simple language | A successful presentation shares information. Using clear, accessible language helps more people understand your message, no matter their background or experience. |
| Involve the audience |
It's not a must, but getting your audience involved can help keep their attention. Even something simple like asking a question can help make your presentation feel more engaging. Before you do this, check your unit description to make sure audience participation and/or supporting materials are allowed for your assessment. |
| Supporting materials |
Supporting materials can help to emphasise your key points or present information in a different way. There are plenty of tools you can use, but not every option will suit every task. Before you do this, check your unit description to make sure audience participation and/or supporting materials are allowed for your assessment. |