Oral Presentation

Preparation:

• Know your topic become an expert. (Resources Development and Civic Engagement)
• Learn as much about the topic as you can to boost your self-confidence.
• Have an idea of the background is of your audience is so you will know how much detail to go into and what kinds of things you may have to define.
• Prepare an outline of the topic. Bullet or number the main points.
• An 8-minute talk is roughly equivalent to 4 double-spaced pages in 12-pt. font and 1 margins - however, never read a presentation. Write out your presentation if you need to organize your thoughts, but then outline this text for the actual presentation.
• Choose any topic from the course that you would like to present on. ((Resources Development and Civic Engagement)) Create an 8-minute video and present this topic. Please add new information to the presentation.

Visual Aids

Visual aids (maps, photos, film clips, graphs, diagrams, and charts) can enhance a presentation.

• Keep visual aids simple and uncluttered.
• Use color and contrast for emphasis but use them in moderation.
• Use a font large enough to be seen from the back of the room.
• A rule of thumb: slides are readable from the back of a room if they are readable at a distance of 9 feet from a 15 monitor.
• For an 8-10 minute talk use no more than 10 slides or overheads.
• If using PowerPoint, strongly resist the temptation to use sound effects and dramatic slide transitions.