University of Calgary Assignment Tracker

Oral Presentation

1. Step 1: Read and understand your assignment sheet
   Percent time spent on this step: 5%

   Instructions:

   The assignment sheet or marking schema is the most valuable resource. Don’t quickly skim through it and write the assignment that you think it should be. Set aside at least at a half hour to methodically go through this resource. For tips on getting the most from your assignment sheet, you may want to use Reading Your Assignment Sheet.                   
2. Step 2: Select topic and complete background research
   Percent time spent on this step: 15%

   Instructions:

   Some instructors give students a focused topic for their presentation. Others allow student to pick something that is relevant to the course. When given free range on a presentation, the first topic that comes to mind isn’t always the best. Try working through various brainstorming activities. Some suggestions are available in Developing Ideas.
   
   Background research gives you a foundation for your research topic. You should discover definitions of key terms, understand the key issues, and be aware of important dates and events. Encyclopedias and dictionaries are good sources of background information. By developing a better understanding of your topic, you will be able to refine your topic.
3. Step 3: Outline your speech
   Percent time spent on this step: 5%

   Instructions:

   Before you can start writing or even constructing slides, you need to understand what you are presenting. Consider storyboarding your presentation. Think about how your introduction, body points and conclusion tie together. What message do you leave the audience with in the end?         
4. Step 4: Determine if visuals are needed. Construct and refine materials.
   Percent time spent on this step: 10%

   Instructions:

   Don’t assume that every talk requires visual aids. A well organized and engaging talk can usually stand on its own. (Think of Obama’s post-election speech.) Do use visuals if you think they would help to orient the audience (e.g., through previews), to convey complex information (e.g., through graphs), or to give the audience a concrete sense of a place or problem (e.g., through photos).

   When using visuals:

   • Keep them neat, simple, uncluttered, and visual (e.g., graphs rather than tables).
   • Use as few slides as you need with as little text as necessary on each slide.
   • Avoid non-standard abbreviations.
   • Try to limit your text to six lines per slide, to use a font size of at least 24 points, and to use a sans-serif font (like Arial, Verdana, or Microsoft Sans Serif) for the body text of the slides.
   • Proofread your visuals very carefully (and have someone else proof read them too).

          
5. Step 5: Construct talking points
   Percent time spent on this step: 20%

   Instructions:

   Develop robust talking points. You might plan just to speak to your audience, but going through the process of writing refined points will help you remember the material.  Remember that you need to be able to quickly refer to these notes. Small handwritten notes on cue cards might not cut it.        
6. Step 6: Practice, practice, practice
   Percent time spent on this step: 20%

   Instructions:

   Practice your talk several times; preparation brings confidence and helps you find the best way to express ideas. Practice the first 15 seconds or so of your talk until you know it cold. Know where you will cut if you run short of time. Practice with a friend who will give you feedback on content, pacing, body language, and expression. Practice replacing vocalizations like “umm” or “you know” with short pauses. Try to practise your talk in the room you will be speaking in, if possible, with your AV equipment. If you have a time allotment, try to adjust for faster or slower pacing.                
7. Step 7: Consider possible questions
   Percent time spent on this step: 10%

   Instructions:

   Questions are compliments. If people ask questions after your presentation, it means that they were paying attention and interested in what you were talking about.  When preparing for the presentation, think about some of the most common questions that might arise. You’ll feel more confident answering when you have already thought of the answer.        
8. Step 8: Deal with presentation anxiety
   Percent time spent on this step: 10%

   Instructions:

   As you prepare for your talk, visualize yourself giving a good talk, engaging your audience, enjoying the experience, and basking in a positive response. Focus on your message and audience rather than on yourself; make the audience comfortable by letting them sense that you are comfortable. Remember, they want you to do well. Label your nervousness as natural excitement and enthusiasm. Make it work for you. Relax; let your tension flow into your hands, squeeze for five seconds, then release. Breathe deeply three or four times, relaxing your facial muscles as you exhale. Remember you’re the expert and you have something important to say to the audience.        
9. Step 9: Show up early and check technology
   Percent time spent on this step: 5%

   Instructions:

   The unexpected happens. You may get stuck in traffic. The projector may need a new bulb. Be prepared, but plan to arrive earlier and check out the technology before your presentation starts. This way you’ll start on the right foot.