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Presentation Skills

Understand your presentation

Treat your preparation for the presentation as any other assignment, you need to fully understand what you are being asked to do;

  • Read the assignment brief in full, as soon as you receive it.
  • Make sure you understand it thoroughly – ask your lecturer if you’re unsure.
  • If you have a list of presentation titles, pick the one that interests you the most.
  • Use a dictionary to check word meanings - use specialist dictionaries for particular subjects.
  • There are no right or wrong answers.  Don’t worry about not answering the question correctly.  After careful and extensive research you will form your own opinion on the topic.
  • Break it down - what do you need to answer or do in order to complete the assignment?

Most assignment briefs can be broken into three general parts;

Action Word The verb or instruction in the assignment brief; this word describes what you are being asked to do.
Main Topic The idea or concept that is the central component of the assignment (Keep in mind, there can be more than one!)
Limiting Word A concept that places parameters or limits on the main topic in order to narrow the focus of the assignment.

 

What are you being asked to do?

In your assignment, your lecturer will use action verb(s) to describe what you are being asked to do.

Research

Once you understand the instructions to the presentation, it's time to research your presentation topic. 

 

Good research funnel

Develop a search strategy

  • Begin by accurately defining what you are searching for.
  • Start general - Get Specific : After reading your lecture notes and reading list materials you will have identified specific concept(s), words and phrases within the topic.
  • These words and phrases are now your "search terms" , which you will use to search for materials on the Library catalogue and databases.
  • Use a thesaurus to find additional terms (synonyms).
  • Create a mind map to help you organise and expand upon your search terms.

Example Mind Map

Ask yourself the following questions:
  • What words MUST be included in the search?
  • What words MIGHT be included in the search?
  • What words SHOULD NOT be included in the search?

Example: 'Wiki' and 'Web 2.0' and 'blogs' not 'Social'
  • Begin with sources available physically in the library (search the library catalogue)
  • Then, using the 'Subject Guides' option on the Library website, search the Library databases for content relevant to your topic.
  • It's important to use information that is accurate and reliable - it's not just about Google!

Find reliable resources

Q.      Where do you find RELIABLE information for your assignment?

A.        A variety of sources and resources are available to you…

… such as books, eBooks, journal articles, reports, magazine and newspaper articles, websites, podcasts and conference proceedings can all be used as evidence in your assignment.  It is highly recommended that you use a variety of these sources in your assignment.

Regional Spelling Variations

  • Beware of the difference between English and American spelling – e.g. behaviour or behavior | organisation or organization | colour or color | counselling or counseling.
  • You may need to search for both or use a wildcard if compatible with the database.

Time management

Time management is a vital aspect of a presentation, both at the preparation stage and during the presentation itself.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • You could be asked to work on more than one assignment at a time, be realistic and give yourself enough time for each.
  • A question to ask yourself is, how much time do I have to speak during the presentation? The answer to that question will dictate the shape, content and length of your presentation.
  • Managing your time helps to reduce stress, avoid pressure, and take control of your workflow and productivity.
  • Everyone manages time differently; strategies that work for one person may not work for another. Play around with different strategies to find the best option for you!