Technical professionals must frequently present their ideas orally as well as in print. You'll succeed at the podium if you:
- Consider how the audience, method of delivery, and venue all affect your presentation.
- Plan the presentation by considering the role of visual media, preparing for the time allotted you, and practicing your delivery.
- Organize the presentation by connecting with the audience and setting the agenda in the introduction; promoting understanding in the body by summarizing frequently, using visual aids, and relating material to the audience's needs; restating your main points and ending strongly and positively in the closing; and anticipating questions in the time remaining.
- Select and design text- and graphics-based visual aids and other presentation media by considering the size of the audience, the room dimensions and acoustics, the seating arrangements, the material you plan to present, and the available equipment.
- Edit your presentation by practicing and adjusting your delivery techniques, including use of outlines or note cards, style, pace, length, movement, tone, and handling of visual aids.
When giving a presentation before audiences from other cultures, be aware of how cultural differences affect level of formality, delivery of beginnings and closings, pacing, audience behavior, and use of humor.
