Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
How To Make an
Effective Presentation
Dr. Jim Nelson
Associate Dean for
Undergraduate Studies
ENGR 120 - Fall Quarter - 2007
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Allow yourself enough time
to prepare. It always takes
more time than you think.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Mind Mapping
Title Slide
Presentation
Graphs
3D or 2D ?
Titles
Units
Conversational Tone
Voice Projection
Gestures
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
KISS Principle
Keep It Simple, Stupid !!
(Keep it at an appropriate level for the audience)
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
BE FLEXIBLE !!
Be prepared to adjust your presentation to:
• Audience
• Room
• Time Constraints
• Equipment Problems
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Speak from your slides or transparencies.
Let them serve as your notes.
Allow about one minute per slide.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
GRAPHS
•
•
•
•
•
Simple, Not Cluttered
Readable
Title and Axis Labels
Units
3D only if it adds clarity
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Enrollment Statistics
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
19
86
19
87
19
88
19
89
19
90
19
91
19
92
19
93
19
94
19
95
19
96
Undergrad
MS
PhD/DE
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Enrollment Statistics
PhD/DE
MS
Undergrad
2000
1500
1000
Undergrad
500
PhD/DE
0
86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96
Looks impressive,
but difficult to read accurately
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Avoid red on a dark
blue background.
However, white on a dark
blue background works well.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Always check your slides on the projector screen.
They will look different than on your computer screen.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Most audiences can not read text
with font smaller than 18 points.
• This is 12-point font.
• This is 18-point font.
• This is 24-point font.
This is 32-point font (bold).
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
One of the worst things you can do is put so much stuff on a slide
that no one can possibly read it past the first row; and the
apologize to the audience by saying “I know you can’t read this
slide, but here’s what it says.” This is made even worse when the
slide contains numerical data and tables, much of which is
superfluous anyway.
Include only that material which is really relevant and easily
absorbed by the audience. You should use short key words and
phrases that prompt you for what you want to say and serve as
an anchor for your audience.
This slide is intended to serve as an example
of how not to do it.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Practice delivering your presentation in
front of the mirror or friends.
Better yet, video tape yourself and critically
evaluate your performance.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
In evaluating your performance, consider
•
•
•
•
•
•
facial expressions
eye contact
posture
gestures
movement
tone of voice
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
A natural, conversational tone is the
most interesting and effective way to
make your presentation.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Wear clothing that will draw
the audience’s attention to
what you are saying, not to the
clothing itself.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Convey a positive attitude.
Smile and act friendly.
Use eye contact; focus on
different people in the audience.
Do not read off a script or
memorize your speech.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Avoid distracting body language
(like jingling coins in your pocket).
Learn to modulate your voice.
Slow down!
Use strategic pauses.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Tips for Presenting with a Team
¾ Introduce everyone on the team
¾ Divide tasks according to individual strengths
¾ Rehearse often, and seek constructive criticism
¾ Work on smooth transitions
¾ “Pass the baton” by mentioning other people’s names
¾ Practice answering questions the team has brainstormed
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Start on time and end on time.
Respond directly, but courteously,
to questions from the audience.
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.
Louisiana Tech University
College of Engineering and Science
Introduction
Preparation
Graphics
General Tips
Closure
Questions?
Dr. Jim Nelson
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
Office: Bogard Hall 217
Phone: 257-2842
email: [email protected]
College of Engineering & Science: ENGR 120.