Presentation Skills [communicating science effectively]

Presentations In your group. . . Watch the video of a presentation and make a list of the things the presenter did badly during the presentation. Video Sample

Bad points: Couldn’t understand his language He was far too loud Lost his place in the presentation The equipment didn’t work when he started He got angry with other people etc

Your Experience In your group. . . Think about the good presentations you have seen. Use this knowledge to say how the bad points could be corrected. Sample

Bad points: Correction Couldn’t understand speak slowly and clearly his language He was far too loud moderate voice Lost his place in presentation have notes in order The equipment didn’t work check equipment before when he started He got angry with people don’t show anger etc

Science in Society A survey of the public showed that: “ 50 percent of the public thinks that people and dinosaurs lived on Earth at the same time.” “ Less than 50 percent of the public knows that it takes the Earth a year to go around the Sun.” “ Only 30 percent can define DNA, the recipe book for all life.” “ Only about 13 percent can define a molecule.” In your group. . . Think about these survey results. Make a list of what this means to a science presenter. Sample

The survey tells me: Many people have little understanding of basic science Technical terms are misunderstood generally There may be little interest in science There is some understanding of science in the community Biological science is generally a mystery to the public etc

A Presentation & Delivery Visual aids Handout Audience Outcome Content Location Rehearsal Preparation

Your Presentation A 10-minute presentation on the topic of either ‘ The importance of my latest science research’ or ‘ The role of my organization and its science’ Individually. . . To practice the process on the previous slide, you will prepare and deliver a presentation to the workshop:

Your Audience? Knowing your audience helps you decide: What to say How to say it In what order to say it In your group. . . Discuss the audience for your presentation and decide an approach that is appropriate to this audience. Sample

What Is the Outcome? To start preparing a presentation decide what your audience should ‘know’, ‘understand’ or ‘be able to do’ after your presentation. Complete the following sentence: At the end of the presentation, my audience will . . . . Individually. . . Sample

At the end of my presentation, the audience will understand that pesticides should only be used twice in the growth cycle. or At the end of my presentation, the audience will be able to identify the four common pests found in this region.

The Content Individually. . . Develop an outline of the content for your own paper and discuss it with members of your group. Sample Title : Short and ‘attention grabbing’ Introduction : [20% of time] Set the scene & state the main message Answer questions like "What does it do?" "What is it for?“ Try using a picture, quote or key question. Body of presentation : [60% of time] Select small, relevant parts Describe each part of your topic. Focus on what is most important to the audience.. Conclusion : [20% of time] A memorable summary!!! Re-state the main message.

Title : Quality rice for 50% less input in 20% less time Introduction : Would you like to achieve the same yields of the same quality rice 20% quicker Using only half the inputs? Yes! We all would! This is possible by better management of pesticide input. The research shows that the correct amount of the right pesticide at the right time requires half the inputs and improves efficiency. Body of presentation : Where I did the research The results of the research show. . . . The research suggests that . . . . Conclusion : Quality rice for 50% less input in 20% less time – do it now!

Location In your group. . . Discuss the location that you will use. Consider: Temperature Lighting Space Sounds Technology Sample

Location : Main lecture room. Room for 50 people – sit participants at the front. Make sure room is air-conditioned before presentation Organize grass cutting not to occur during presentation OHP available but check it works first – spare bulb in machine? Room lights on but front lights off over projector

A Presentation & Delivery Visual aids Handout Preparation Audience Outcome Content Location Rehearsal

Visual Aids Good visual aids are a wonderful addition to your presentation and help the audience understand and remember the main points! Poor visual aids make your presentation appear poor and not worthy of remembering!

Guidelines for Aids Relevant & simple Don’t have too many Use appropriate colors for text and background Use reasonable font size Maximum: 4-5 points each of 6 or less words Make images appropriate to the audience

Visual Aids Share your visual aids with your group for critique Use the group comments to modify your visual aids Individually. . . Develop up to three (3) visual aids to accompany your presentation

A Presentation & Delivery Visual aids Handout Preparation Audience Outcome Content Location Rehearsal

Handouts Individually. . . Plan a handout to accompany your presentation. Sample An eye-catching design Helpful layout One idea per part Simple language Remember, to be successful handouts must use:

Title An eye-catching picture! Describe the picture? Introduction List key points! What technical words need explanation? The body of the text. Up to 3 paragraphs List the major content ideas! Contact name phone, email

A Presentation & Delivery Visual aids Handout Preparation Audience Outcome Content Location Rehearsal

The Presentation and the rehearsal Use eye contact; look at the audience Be clear but vary your voice Be natural and relaxed Be enthusiastic, friendly and confident Use a conversational tone – don’t try to be formal Allow comments and questions Dress appropriately, in keeping with the audience Use simple words and avoid long sentences.

Engaging the Audience The aim of a presentation is not just to talk about a topic, show pictures or play an audio tape but……. to provide the audience with an experience to remember.

Nervousness [butterflies in the stomach] When you are nervous, you body adjusts by changing your blood pressure and increasing your adrenaline level. You turn red, shake or perspire…….. To compensate, try some physical actions to relax – take a deep breath. Make sure you know the room, audience and materials. Avoid using unfamiliar equipment especially if it needs precision motions. Visualize yourself giving the presentation, memorize your introduction and practice, practice, practice!

The Rehearsal Individually. . . Rehearse the presentation with your group. Have the group make suggestions for improvement. Sample

A form for evaluating presentations can be seen by clicking the link below: This document also contains instructions on how to use this form. This form will be used in the evaluation of your presentation.

The Presentation Individually. . . Deliver your presentation to the workshop Remember: Talks should be relaxed and move along well The audience should be involved Aids were well presented. You are an actor – dominate the space you are working in.

Presentation Skills Thank you!