A very useful piece of information for any beginner who is about to give his/her first seminar.

1. Confidence doesn’t mean you are always right. It means you are
not afraid to be wrong.
Good morning
1

2. HOW TO
PRESENT A
SEMINAR
CHAIRPERSON & GUIDE:
Dr. Rajeshwari. G. Annigeri, Professor & Head
PRESENTED BY:
Dr. Aditi Chandrashekar
2

3. CONTENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• HISTORY
• NEED FOR SEMINAR
• TYPES OF SEMINARS
• TIME SLOTS FOR SEMINAR
• ANATOMY OF A SEMINAR
3

4. CONTENTS
• KEY POINTS FOR EFFECTIVE SEMINAR
• GUIDELINES OF SLIDE PREPARATION
• ORAL PRESENTATIONS
• PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS
• ROLE OF LISTENERS
• ROLE OF MODERATORS
• CONCLUSION
4

5. INTRODUCTION
Cambridge English dictionary defines a seminar as,
“An occasion when a teacher or expert and
a group of people meet to study and discuss something.”
The word seminar is derived from the Latin
word seminarium, meaning "seed plot"
5

6. INTRODUCTION
• A seminar is a form of academic instruction, either at
an academic institution or offered by a commercial or
professional organization.
• Brings together small groups of professionals for a focussed
meeting to acquire indepth knowledge of a particular subject
• Everyone present is requested to participate.
6

7. HISTORY
HERBERT ADAMS BAXTER
(1850-1901)
Reknowned historian and educator,
one of the first to use seminar
method in US higher education. He
was one of the founders of
American Historical Association.
7

8. WHY DO WE NEED
TO DO A SEMINAR?
8

9. WHY DO WE NEED TO DO A
SEMINAR
• Involves in depth study and acquisition of knowledge
• Provides an opportunity to reach out at a personal level
bringing about an interaction between presenter and
participants
• Shows critical thought about a topic
• Stimulates emerging enquiries
9

10. WHY DO WE NEED TO DO A
SEMINAR
• Kindles discussion among participants
• Inculcates verbal skills and nurtures development of
intellectual commitment
• Most effective way of learning, educating & managing a close
group of people.
10

11. TYPES OF SEMINARS
1. INFORMATIVE:
Brief and to the point. The audience learns about a new
subject or learns new information about a familiar subject.
2. PERSUASIVE:
Intended to change the audience's attitudes or behaviors.
11

12. 3. ENTERTAINING:
Simply tries to gain and keep the audience's attention.
4. INSTRUCTIONAL:
To give specific directions or orders
12

13. TIME SLOTS FOR SEMINARS
30 MINUTES
20 minutes
for speaker
10 minutes
for
discussion
60 MINUTES
45 minutes
for speaker
15 minutes
for
discussion
13

14. PARTS OF A SEMINAR
INTRODUCTION
BODY
SUMMARY AND
CONCLUSION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
AND REFERENCES
14

15. INTRODUCTION
• 10-12 minutes/60 OR 5 minutes/30
• Gives first impression of intent and content
• Purpose:
 Catch participant’s interest
 Let them know about the topic
 Keep participants engaged and attentive
15

16. INTRODUCTION
• History of topic
• Reason for choice
• Importance
• Question or the hypothesis being addressed
16

17. INTRODUCTION ICE BREAKER
“MELTS THE ICE & LETS THE WATER FLOW DOWN &
BUILDS THE BRIDGE OF KNOWLEDGE”
17

18. BODY OF SEMINAR
• Main focus of the whole presentation
• 30/60 and 12-13/30 minutes
18

19. BODY OF SEMINAR
• Clearly elucidate all information:
 Flow of logical thoughts
 Evidence
 Opinions with necessary references
 Controversial and contradictory views can be expressed only
with sound scientific evidences
19

20. BODY OF SEMINAR
• Narrow the scope of the topic
• Should not overwhelm audience with data
• Enough data to prove; not all data
available
• Be honest about the data
• Interpret data for audience
”Too much is too bad“
20

21. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
• 5 minutes /60 AND 2-3minutes /30
• Important because it is the part the
audience best remembers
• Emphasize salient points only, not the
whole seminar
• Should be “Concise and Crisp”
• Leave “Take home message”
21

22. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
• Conclusion should have original content
in the form of:
 Opinions
 Raising questions
 Suggestions on further work
• Demonstrates critical thinking
22

23. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
• 1- 2 minutes of whole seminar
• Before ending provide references and
acknowledgements
• Always end by saying “Thank you”
23

24. HOW TO DO AN
EFFECTIVE
SEMINAR
PRESENTATION?
24

25. GOOD SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS
REQUIRE
• Relevant content
• Appropriate Audio-visuals aids.
• An attractive & effective speaking ability to arouse the
interest of the participants.
• Kindle their desire to learn.
• Stimulate further enquiry.
• Propel discussions.
25

26. KEY POINTS FOR EFFECTIVE
SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS
Selection of a topic.
Gathering Information, Evidences, Thoughts & Forming
Opinions.
Organizing collected information, thoughts & opinions.
Effective use of audio-visual aids.
Rehearsals & practice.
Delivery-actual presentation.
Evaluation or feedback.
26

27. SELECTION OF TOPIC
• Primordial principle of any seminar
• Relevance of the topic
• Importance of topic
• Impact on the audience
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28. Gathering information, evidence,
thoughts and forming opinions
• Information gathered in disciplined, organized and scientific
way
• Begin with identifying important reference books on the topic
written by reputed authors and read thoroughly
• After initial foundational grasp, further reading of indexed
journals to be done
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29. Gathering information, evidence,
thoughts and forming opinions
• Learn to use search tools
- Electronic and hard copy
• Explore all previous presentations on the topic
• One can also talk to professionals & obtain first hand
experience and key findings on a particular technique or
problem.
29

30. Organizing collected information,
thoughts and opinions
• Systematically organize the logical flow of
thought to make presentation:
 Interesting
 Clearly understandable
 Allow enquiry and discussion
30

31. RULE OF 3 ‘T’s
Tell them what you are going to
speak about
Tell them
Tell them what you have already
told them
31

32. OBJECTIVES IN THE SEMINAR
• For any effective presentation, one has to state objectives
clearly
• Gives information on what is to be achieved in the seminar
• What you will identify
• Describe
• Illustrate
• Demonstrate
32

33. DEVELOP DETAILED OUTLINE OF
SEMINAR
• Developing detailed outline will help deliver information in
logical order
 Demonstrates organizational skills
 Helps audience to follow talk easily
 Lets them know where you are headed
 Keeps you on track and focused
33

34. EFFECTIVE USE OF AUDIO
VISUAL AIDS
• Very effective tool for presentation
• Create an impact on the audience
• Helps both the presenter and
participants
34

35. EFFECTIVE USE OF AUDIO
VISUAL AIDS
 To make important points
 Communicate special concepts and
procedures
 Easy to understand
 Keep audience attention
 Provides structure and order
 Timing of talk can be controlled
35

36. TYPES OF VISUAL AIDS
• Verbal visuals (powerpoint slides)
• Models
• Graphs, maps or flow charts
• Drawings
• Photographs
36

37. GUIDELINES FOR
MAKING
POWERPOINT
SLIDES
37

38. KISS AND KILL PRINCIPLE
• Keep it short and simpleKISS
• Keep it large and legibleKILL
38

39. DO’s AND DON’Ts FOR MAKING
GOOD POWERPOINT SLIDES
• Minimize number of word texts on slides
• Always write in points-do not reproduce pages as such from
text or journals.
• Maximum of 8 points per slide.
• Never burden the audience with too much.
39

40. DO’s AND DON’Ts FOR MAKING
GOOD POWERPOINT SLIDES
• Do not make graphs and tables too complex.
• Good to use video clips-but be short and relevant.
• Use animation only when required- it is a distraction
• Choose contrasting colours
• Stay consistent throughout the presentation
40

41. BACKGROUND
• Same background color for all slides.
• Backgrounds are fun, but they can be distracting.
• Never use backgrounds with ghost text
• Colorful backgrounds- More interesting than the data itself!
• If at all to be used-Simple lighter colors
• Black text on white background- BEST !
41

42. BACKGROUND
• Same background color for all slides.
• Backgrounds are fun, but they can be distracting.
• Never use backgrounds with ghost text
• Colorful backgrounds- More interesting than the data itself!
• If at all to be used-Simple lighter colors
• Black text on white background- BEST !
• Using dark background with bright color text- NOT
ADVISED 42

43. BACKGROUND
• Same background color for all slides.
• Backgrounds are fun, but they can be distracting.
• Never use backgrounds with ghost text
• Colorful backgrounds- More interesting than the data itself!
• If at all to be used-Simple lighter colors
• Black text on white background- BEST !
• Using dark background with bright color text- NOT
ADVISED
BETTER BACKGROUND 43

44. BACKGROUND
• Same background color for all slides.
• Backgrounds are fun, but they can be distracting.
• Never use backgrounds with ghost text
• Colorful backgrounds- More interesting than the data itself!
• If at all to be used-Simple lighter colors
• Black text on white background- BEST !
BEST BACKGROUND
44

45. COLOURS
• Use of colours is desirable for graphs
• Use text colour judiciously for emphasis
• Avoid overusing colour for most text
• Colors that virtually should never be used in a professional
presentation are Purple, Pink and Bright Green.
• These look good on computer screen but never look good on
screen.
45

46. • Certain colour combinations should be avoided such as
RED TEXT ON BLUE BACKGROUND
BLUE TEXT ON RED BACKGROUND
BLUE TEXT ON BLACK BACKGROUND
BLACK TEXT ON BLUE BACKGROUND
46

47. FONT
• Use of even font is an important aspect in a presentation.
• Too funny fonts are not easily readable to audience.
• It might be distracting and irritating.
• Too funny fonts are not easily readable to audience.
• Usually Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana, Tahoma or
Franklin gothic are preferred.
• Capitalize only when needed, difficult to follow
47

48. FONT SIZE
48 pt for title
32 pt for list of points
28 pt for highlights
24 pt for text
Font size less than 18 will not be visible
48

49. ANIMATIONS
• They can be used to explain in a better way, only when used
cautiously and sparingly.
• Animations used to explain how a reaction takes place or to
show a flow chart is good.
• Too much is ‘ditzy’ and often annoys the audience.
• But unnecessary animations are to be avoided.
49

50. VISIBILITY
• Certain fluorescent images are not visible on the screen and
hence should be careful about it.
CONSISTENT LOOK AND FEEL
• Consistent with the use of capitals and lower cases.
• Consistent with the use of bullets and hierarchal styles.
• Consistent with the fonts and the font size.
• Consistent with color. It should not be overtly colorful.
50

51. WIDTH AND HEIGHT
• Width and height of the slide should be maintained.
• It should be large and legible.
• Space should be utilized efficiently.
• Appropriate justifications should be used.
• Only 6-8 lines per slide.
• Preferably around 6-10 words per sentence
51

52. TITLES
• Appropriate titles to each page.
• Each page should have title
• Font size and colour should be maintained
52

53. ABBREVIATIONS AND JARGONS
• Use rational abbreviations, sparingly.
• Lots of abbreviations- a separate slide for them.
• Avoid jargon – or lose your audience.
SPELLING:
• Spelling should be double checked.
• Silly spelling mistakes in a professional presentation should be
avoided
53

54. A PICTURE IS WORTH A
THOUSAND WORDS
54

55. PICTURES- Self Explanatory
55

56. TIPS FOR
PRESENTING A
SEMINAR
56

57. REHEARSALS AND PRACTICE
• Dictum for successful presentation-
“PRACTICE, PRACTICE AND PRACTICE”
• Only with practice, one gets over stage fright
• An enthusiastic speech can win out over an
eloquent one
If you fail to prepare, you are prepared to fail”
57

58. REHEARSALS AND PRACTICE
Practice can be done-
 By oneself
 Before mirror
 Before peers and friends
 Before family
 By video recording
 Always better to write down speech before presenting
58

59. REHEARSALS AND PRACTICE
• While practicing, we should try to learn, unlearn and relearn
• Few points should be taken care of like –
 Timing
 Effectiveness of slides
 Overall structure of the talk
 Convince the audience
 Language and pronunciation
59

60. DELIVERY OF PRESENTATION
• Effective public speaking can be learnt
• Actual delivery is not about reading slides
• Speaking with CONVICTION and PASSION
60

61. DELIVERY OF PRESENTATION
• Knowing the audience and their expectation is very
important to decide what and how to present
• Do not assume that the information will speak for itself
• The audience might interpret the information in different
ways based on your organization and presentation
61

62. ORAL
PRESENTATIONS
62

63. ORAL PRESENTATIONS
• Include presentations made without the
use of powerpoint slides
 Extempore
 Speeches
 Debates
63

64. EFFECTIVE ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Involves same basic principles as seminar presentations:
• Selection of topic
• Gathering information, evidences
• Organizing collected information
• Delivery of presentation
• Evaluation and feedback
64

65. KEY POINTS FOR EFFECTIVE
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
65
Knowing you audience
Planning your presentation
Rehearsals and practice
Delivering presentation
Effective use of notes
Effective use of visual aids

66. KNOWING YOUR AUDIENCE
Helps presenter decide on:
• What topic to select
• Organize collected information
• Present collected information
• Keeps us in tune with audience
66

67. PLANNING THE PRESENTATION
• An effective presentation includes planning of content and structure
• Content should involves:
 Estimation of time limit
 Mentioning the key points
 Technical information such as tables and graphs may be difficult to
explain
 Summary of such information is advisable
67

68. PLANNING THE PRESENTATION
• Structure of the presentation should include:
 Introduction containing purpose and overview of the talk
 Body which includes content presented in a logical order
 Conclusion to remind audience of key points and reinforce
the message
68

69. REHEARSALS AND PRACTICE
• “PRACTICE, PRACTICE AND PRACTICE”
• One can learn to be an enthusiastic and confident speaker only
through practice
• Helps take care of:
 Timing
 Relevance
 Language and pronunciation
69

70. DELIVERING PRESENTATION
• Effective delivery can be achieved
through confident public speaking
• To convince audience with conviction
and passion
• Maintain quality of voice and rapport
with audience
70

71. EFFECTIVE USE OF NOTES
• Use of notes depends on the speaker as well as audience being
addressed
• Notes when used should be large and legible to speaker
• Notes with just salient points and headings is advised
• Too many notes will shift attention away from audience
• Avoid reading prepared text as it makes talk boring
71

72. EFFECTIVE USE OF VISUAL AIDS
• Makes presentation more lively
• Helps audience follow the presentation
• Models, Overhead transparencies (OHTs)
• Models can be passed around the audience
• Handouts may be give after the presentation
72

73. TIPS FOR
EFFECTIVE PUBLIC
SPEAKING
73

74. EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING
1) Voice projection:
• speak clearly & loudly .
2) Modulate your voice, pace and
pronunciation
3) Do not be monotonous in intonation. That
will put the audience to a good sleep. Don’t say
umm.., aaah..,.
74

75. EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING
4) Stay animated & speak with enthusiasm
5) Engage audience, always make an eye contact. Don’t stare at
screen or toes.
6) Humor- it can be a good ice breaker, but it is better not to try if
one is inherently not humorous.
7) Pausing can be used to emphasize certain points and to help
your talk feel more conversational
75

76. EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING
8) Enthusiasm and Confidence are the key aspects. Be
enthusiastic- it is contagious.
9) Don’t try to impress, but to inform and convince.
10) Do not read verbatim, slides are just visual aids, not
substitutes
11)Do not make awkward gestures- cracking knuckles, hands in
pockets, lean on or grip podium
76

77. BEFORE SEMINAR
• Arrive early- Atleast 10 minutes
 Always best to allow plenty of time for yourself before talk
• Adjust to surroundings- room, computer, pointer
• Practicing confident body language- when your body is
physically demonstrating confidence, your mind will follow
suit
• Be well dressed
77

78. BEFORE SEMINAR
• Should have checked the projector and computer well
before.
• Should be ready to begin when invited.
• First slide should be on the screen before beginning
the talk.
• It should have presentation title on it and information
about the speaker.
78

79. DURING THE SEMINAR
79

80. DELIVERY
• Posture
• Body language - Do not play with keys or pointer.
• Do not put hands into pockets.
• Humor- it can be a good ice breaker, but it is better not to try if
one is inherently not humorous.
• Enthusiasm and Confidence are the key aspects. Be
enthusiastic- it is contagious.
80

81. WHERE TO STAND
81

82. WHERE TO LOOK
• Do not keep staring at the screen.
• Make an eye contact with the audience.
• When specifically pointing something on the screen, guide the
audience with a pointer.
82

83. CONCLUDING PRESENTATION
• TIME FLIES - keep an eye on time.
• When you end, don’t be abrupt; thank
the audience for their attention.
83

84. ANSWERING QUESTIONS
• Always finish on time to allow for discussions
and questions
• Listen to whole question- do not begin before the
question is complete
• Pause before responding
• Address the questioner, then move eyes to others
84

85. ANSWERING QUESTIONS
• Be honest: if you do not know the answer, admit it, but say
“ I’ll TRY TO FIND IT”
NEVER TRY TO BLUFF
85

86. THE LISTENERS RESPONSIBILITY
86

87. DO’s
• Be curious and ask creative questions.
• Actively participate in the seminar but don't
take over the presentation from the speaker.
• Learn from the speaker’s weak and strong
points.
• Brush up on topic a day in advance
• Stay attentive
• Provide sincere feedback to the speaker.
87

88. DON’T’s
• Listen closely, don’t sleep.
• Don’t make a side conversation.
• Don’t eat or drink during the presentation.
• Think in advance of the speaker.
88

89. ROLE OF EXPERTS AND GUIDES
• Play the role of mediator, moderator, facilitator
• Strong background knowledge of topic under discussion.
• Clarify doubts to promote understanding.
• Critically analyze scientific content/presentation.
• Frank opinion, appreciation and constructive criticism.
89

90. EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK
Obtained on a variety of parameters that evaluate total impact of
the presentation in terms of,
1. Scientific content.
2. Presentation skills.
3. Use of effective visual aids.
4. Overall relevance of the topic
90

91. EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK
• Feed back can be obtained from - Peers , seniors, faculty,
friends.
• Comments, Compliments and suggestions –
when viewed positively will help identify the area of
improvement
91

92. SUMMARY
• A good presentation requires much preparation.
• Proper introduction and use of a slide that shows the
structure of the talk is a must.
• Slides should be clean, clear, and readable.
• Use approximately one slide per minute.
92

93. SUMMARY
• Show a summary slide at the end.
• Final slide should be an acknowledgement slide for references.
• Conclude by proper greeting.
93

94. CONCLUSIONS
• A good seminar requires significant planning.
• With a well thought-out visual presentation, the words will
follow.
• Self motivated and well-structured presentation support a
successful transfer of knowledge to the listener.
94

95. “A great speaker convinces us not by force of reasoning but because he is
visibly enjoying the beliefs he wants us to accept”
95

96. 96

97. REFERENCES
1. Prologue 2017-18: Orientation program for MDS course,
RGUHS-Bangalore
2. Seminar on Seminars. Professor Kenneth S. Suslick, School of
Chemical Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
3. Michael K Gilson. Preparing and delivering a seminar. Copyright
2002.
4. http://universityseminars.columbia.edu/about-us/history/
5. http://foodsci.rutgers.edu/gsa/SeminarGaudelines
97

98. REFERENCES
6. http://home.sandiego.edu
7. https://www.accuconference.com/blog/types-of-presentations/
8. http://www.cypressmedia.net/articles/article/25/types_of_prese
ntations
9. https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/3-steps-introduction/
10. https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2014/11/19/how-to-
improve-presentation-skills- LARRY KIM
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