Some useful hints to improve your skills when giving oral presentations

1. ORAL
PRESENTATION
SKILLS
How to use your
body as a proper
means of
communication
http://www.it-
sudparis.eu/lsh/ressources
/ops8.php

2. COMMUNICATION IS…
 7% Words
 38% Voice Tonality
turururu
55% Body Language

3. It’s in your eyes…

4. EYE CONTACT AND FACIAL
EXPRESSION
To keep audiences' attention facial
expressions should be natural and friendly:
raise eyebrows to show surprise
open eyes wide
squint your eyes
curl your eyebrows

5. Poor old Richard!!!
Winner on the Radio / Loser on TV

6. Come to hand…

7. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MY HANDS
 Lots of possibilities to emphasize, to enumerate, to
express sincerity or reflection
 Be conscious of what you do with your hands
 If you are nervous or uncomfortable, hold notes or
cards to occupy them
 Arm - movements back and forth to suggest flow
 Open arms to include or welcome ideas

8. POSTURE
Stand straight but relaxed (do not slouch or lean
sideways)
Lean forward to emphasize owever
No hands in pockets

9. Do not look at your notes all the time
Looking at the screen/board means your back is turned to the
audience cutting contact
Don't stare, or look blankly into people's eyes
Try to make eye contact with as many people as possible
Make your eye contacts not too short, not too long (between 3 or
5 seconds)
A well-balanced distribution of eye-contact with the audience

10. MOVE YOUR BODY…
To indicate a change of focus
To keep audience's attention
Move forward to emphasize
Move to side to indicate a transition gesture
Up and down head motions indicate importance or
acknowledgement
Pen or pointer to indicate part, place (on a transparency or
PowerPoint)
Open, soft and natural movements of your arms

11. …BUT NOT TOO MUCH
 Avoid swaying back and
forth like a pendulum
 Avoid leaning against walls
 Be aware of your nervous
tics
 Do not fold your arms like a
barrier
 One hand in a pocket gives
a very relaxed pose, both
hands looks too casual

12. A BAD ORAL PRESENTATION

14. Make a good use of
PowerPoint
STOP!!!! YOU’RE KILLING ME WITH POWER POINT

15. GOLDEN RULE
Be natural and relaxed!!!!
(Or you can just imagine that you’re audience is
naked… some people say it works!!! Really?????)