Preparing your oral presentation

First of all, think…….

• Think about what you want to achieve:

  do you want to inform your audience, inspire them to think about your topic, or convince them of a particular point of view?

• Think about your audience:

  what background knowledge do they have about your topic? Do they have any particular interests? How are you going to involve them in your presentation?

Then……..

• Brainstorm your topic and write a rough outline.
• Research your topic. Don’t get carried away—remember you have a limited time for your presentation.
• Organise your material and write a draft—think about the length of time you have to talk.
• Summarise your draft into points to write on overheads and/or cards.
• Plan and prepare your visual aids.
• Rehearse your presentation and get its length right. Ask a friend to listen and time you.