SECTION A $[100$ MARKS$]$

Read the case study below and answer the questions that follow.

Presentations are easy $$ peasy. PowerPoint here, Power Point there and Bob$$s your uncle. Right? Wrong. Yes, computer

programmes like PowerPoint have made life a lot easier. Gone away are the days that you have to slog with a projector,

or slide carousel, not to mention preparing and ordering the slides beforehand. Spoiled we are. Yet, even the best

programme cannot save a badly delivered presentation and there is little that can be salvaged from a deal going sour

after a bad presentation. In today$$s business environment, where time and patience are spread equally thin, presenters

need to get things right he first time by delivering professional oral presentations that are interesting, well thought $-$out

and effective and will convince your audience and, ultimately, lead to business success. There are a few qualities that

can help a presentation stand out from a crowd, and one of the most important ones is enthusiasm. Hargie$($ et al$,$

$2004$:$145)$ refers to the importance of enthusiasm in the workplace by quoting Henry Ford: $$You can do anything if you

have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your

eyes, the swing in our gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.

Enthusiasts are fighters. They have fortitude. They have staying qualities. Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress.

With it$,$ there is accomplishment. Without it$,$ there are only alibis.$$

Source: Business Communication: Second Edition $2020$

Content Editor $$ Middleton

Answer ALL the questions in this section.

QUESTION $1(25$ Marks$)$

"Presentations are easy $$ peasy."

Critically analyse this statement in view of the potential implications of underestimating the complexity of

presentations and the importance of thorough preparation and effective communication skills.