Signposting and structuring
- 2. Most presentations are divided into 3 main parts (+ questions):1. INTRODUCTION2. BODY3. CONCLUSIONQuestions
- 3. As a general rule in communication, repetition is valuable. In presentations, there is a golden rule about repetition:Say what you are going to say, say it, then say what you have just said.In other words, use the three parts of your presentation to reinforce your message. In the introduction, you tell your audience what your message is going to be. In the body, you tell your audience your real message. In the conclusion, you summarize what your message was.We will now consider each of these parts in more detail.
- 4. IntroductionThe introduction is a very important - perhaps the most important - part of your presentation. This is the first impression that your audience has of you. You should concentrate on getting your introduction right. You should use the introduction to:welcome your audienceintroduce your subjectoutline the structure of your presentationgive instructions about questions
- 6. BodyThe body is the 'real' presentation. If the introduction was well prepared and delivered, you will now be 'in control'. You will be relaxed and confident. The body should be well structured, divided up logically, with plenty of carefully spaced visuals.Remember these key points while delivering the body of your presentation:do not hurry be enthusiastic give time on visuals maintain eye contact modulate your voice look friendly keep to your structure use your notes signpost throughout remain polite when dealing with difficult questions
- 10. ConclusionUse the conclusion to:Sum up(Give recommendations if appropriate)Thank your audienceInvite questions
- 12. QuestionsQuestions are a good opportunity for you to interact with your audience. It may be helpful for you to try to predict what questions will be asked so that you can prepare your response in advance. You may wish to accept questions at any time during your presentation, or to keep a time for questions after your presentation. Normally, it's your decision, and you should make it clear during the introduction. Be polite with all questioners, even if they ask difficult questions. They are showing interest in what you have to say and they deserve attention.Sometimes you can reformulate a question, answer the question with another question, or even ask for comment from the rest of the audience.