This document provides guidance on giving effective presentations. It discusses developing goals and objectives using the SMART framework to define clear, measurable targets. Part one covers setting goals, while part two focuses on creating engaging content through visuals, fonts, and limiting word counts. Effective communication skills are addressed in part three, such as expressing passion, focusing on the audience's needs, keeping messages simple, and using stories. The document recommends practicing presentations and considering preparation factors like equipment, audiences, and time constraints.

1. GIVING EFFECTIVE
PRESENTATIONS
WestTexasA&M University
Department of Agricultural Sciences

2. Learning Objectives
■ Developing goals and objectives
■ Creating engaging content
■ Practicing effective communication skills

3. PART ONE
Developing Goals & Objectives

4. Goals and Objectives
■ Allows for you to measure success
■ Use your time wisely
■ Clearly define what you want your audience to learn/do

5. SMART Goals
■ S - Specific
■ M – Measurable
■ A – Attainable
■ R – Relevant
■ T –Time-bound

6. Setting Goals
■ Begin with big picture, top level ideas/goals
■ Break into smaller and smaller details/targets you need to hit
■ Goals should be:
– Measurable
– Clearly defined
– Specific

7. Examples of Goals for Presentations
■ Express the benefits of the County Commissioners Court’s financial support of the local
4-H program.
■ Educate an audience about theTexas 4-H Photography program.
■ Can I speak to the crowd without the saying “um” or looking at my slides the entire
speech?
■ Can I connect and hook people from the beginning?
■ MORE?

8. PARTTWO
Creating Engaging Content

9. Creating Engaging Content
■ Include engaging content on your slide, such as photos that tell the story you’re
portraying.
– Let the audience read the slide while you elaborate and sell your message

10. Creating content that is engaging but
not distracting
■ Use neutral colors for backgrounds
■ Use fonts and colors that are easy to read, usually dark colors are best
■ Less is more when it comes to the number of words used on each slide.
– If there are too many words, the audience won’t be listening, they will be reading

11. PART TWO
C R E AT I N G E N G A G I N G C O N T E N T

12. Engaging your audience
■ Twitter/Tweet Deck
■ Kahoot
■ What will engage your audience?
– Think about demographics when you’re trying to decide how to engage with your
audience.
– Is your audience older?Younger? Etc.

13. PARTTHREE
Practicing Effective Communication Skills

14. Practicing Effective Communication
Skills
■ Express your passion for the topic and connect with your audience
■ Keep the needs of your audience in mind
■ Keep it simple and concentrate on your core message/goals
■ Practice good interpersonal communication skills

15. Practicing Effective Communication
Skills
■ Have a strong start
■ 10-20-30 rule of thumb for most presentations:
– Contain approximately 10 slides
– Last no more that 20 minutes
– Use a font bigger than 30 point
■ Include stories or anecdotes
– If people can connect to your presentation personally they are more likely to stay
hooked.

16. MoreThings to Consider
■ Preparation for presentation/speaking engagement:
– Equipment
– Demographics
– Room layout
– Time constraints
– Number of people
– Special populations/ accommodations

17. Wrap-Up
■ Do you feel like you can:
– Develop goals and objectives for your presentations?
– Create engaging content for your audience?
– Utilize effective communication skills?
■ If not, what areas can we help expand on?