This document provides guidance on preparing and delivering an oral presentation. It discusses choosing a topic, structuring the presentation with an introduction, body and conclusion, using visual aids, vocal delivery techniques, body language, and overcoming the fear of public speaking. The introduction should grab attention, the body should have 3 main points with examples and transitions, and the conclusion should summarize the main points. Visual aids must be relevant and simple, and the presenter should speak confidently with varied vocal tones and maintain eye contact. Rehearsing is emphasized to improve delivery and reduce presentation anxiety.

1. LECTURE 5

2. SUB TOPICS
◦ Preparing an Oral Presentation
◦ Planning an Oral Presentation
◦ Practicing for an Oral Presentation

3. INTRODUCTION
◦ Presentations are part and parcel of life as a student.
◦ You are required to present your ideas to a group of students,
colleagues, etc.
◦ There are many aspects to consider when preparing for your oral
presentation:

4. ◦ How to prepare and organise the content of your presentation
◦ How to prepare and use your visual aids
◦ How to project your voice effectively
◦ How to use body language
◦ How to overcome your fear of speaking in public

5. ◦ Choosing a Topic: It must be of interest to your audience, and you must
have knowledge on the topic.
◦ Brainstorm ideas: Ask yourself what would be interesting to your
audience.
◦ Narrow down your topic: Make sure your topic has plenty of reference
material, is visually interesting and if you are able to engage your
audience.

6. STRUCTURE OF A PRESENTATION
◦ There are always three important parts:
◦ Introduction: Make sure that you have something that grabs the attention of your
audience. Keep it short and simple. It is basically a preview into your whole topic.
◦ Attention grabbing ideas:
Provide statistics
Ask a rhetorical question
Tell an anecdote
Tell a joke
State a quotation / proverb / saying

7. ◦ Body: Prepare atleast three main points, which should be supported
with examples, illustrations, explanations, elaborations, etc.
◦ Include transitions in your body. It helps to link ideas smoothly and
allows your audience to follow your thoughts smoothly.
◦ Think of interesting ways to engage your audience’s attention, because
their attention can wane after several minutes.

8. ◦ Conclusion: the part everyone looks forward to!
◦ Use this opportunity to summarise your main points, or give a powerful
ending to leave a lasting impression on them.

9. USING VISUAL AIDS
◦ Photographs, charts, graphs, maps, etc, can be presented using
PowerPoint, laptops, projectors, radios, TV, among other forms of
media.
◦ It must be relevant to your presentation content.
◦ Keep visuals simple and minimal. Don’t overuse them.

10. TIPS FOR POWERPOINT SLIDES
◦ Use a suitable background.
◦ Minimise the texts on the slides but ensure that the font is big and clear enough for everyone to
read it.
◦ Use colours sparingly.
◦ Include appropriate visuals.
◦ Have visual balance.
◦ Include any audio files, if necessary.
◦ Must be grammatically correct and free of spelling errors.
◦ Rehearse your presentation
◦ Have Plan B!

11. VOCAL DELIVERY
◦ Use a microphone if your voice is too soft.
◦ Use different levels of volume.
◦ Vary your pitch accordingly.
◦ Don’t speak in monotone.
◦ Speak at an appropriate rate.
◦ Try not to use any fillers: “um” “er” “like”
◦ Pronounce your words clearly. Don’t have fake accents!
◦ Don’t memorise your speech as it will sound unnatural.
◦ Rehearse your presentation.
◦ Speak confidently!

12. BODY LANGUAGE
◦ This usually involves the upper part of the body, including facial expressions, eye
contact and gestures.
◦ Don’t read from the notes.
◦ Use hand gestures appropriately.
◦ Don’t focus too much on the visual aids or media.
◦ Ensure that your expressions are spontaneous, natural, and they match your message.

13. ◦ Avoid distracting facial expressions.
◦ Maintain your posture carefully.

14. OVERCOME YOUR FEAR
OF PRESENTING

15. ◦ Choose your own topic that you have adequate knowledge in.
◦ Start earlier and prepare properly.
◦ Practice and rehearse frequently.
◦ Don’t memorise as your delivery will be affected.
◦ Use cue cards but keep your notes brief.

16. ◦ Ask your friends to help provide you with feedback.
◦ Reduce the amount of text on your slides.
◦ Do some breathing exercises to calm down.
◦ Have a back up plan in case anything happens.
◦ Look at familiar or friendly faces, smile and maintain eye contact.

17. THANK YOU!