Week Eleven

Introduction

In business presentations are an important and effective means of communication. Very often our presentation skills are the most important key to selling products, ideas or persuading people. In this unit you will go through several important elements for making an effective presentation.

Outcomes:
After this unit you should be able to:

• structure your presentation,
• prepare an effective introduction and outline,
• use appropriate phrases.

Tasks and Dates

This unit consists of five activities. In the first activity you will share your experience and watch two videos. Then you will read a text, answer the comprehension questions and identify the correct presentation structure. After that you will listen to an introduction and outline of a presentation. You will learn some phrases used in introductions and outlines. Finally you will try to make your own introduction and outline.

Activity One

1. Have you ever given a presentation? When? What do you think you should avoid when presenting? Give some examples.

Activity Two

1. Read the text about a presentation. Decide if the statements are (T) true or (F) false.

A presentation is an effective way of communicating to a large number of people. Very often our presentation skills are the most important key to selling products, ideas or persuading people. Therefore in our professional lives it is very important to be able to deliver an effective presentation.

What makes a good presentation? Or, what makes a successful presentation successful?
There are several important elements for making your presentation successful and effective.

1. Overall
It is important to be aware of your audience. You should know who the people listening to you are, what their needs and interests are and what they expect from you. It is important to have clear objectives for your presentation. You should know whether your presentation is aimed at informing the audience, persuading or welcoming, etc.

2. System
Your presentation should be well planned. You need to have a clear structure and timing. Also the organization of your presentation should be clear. There should be clear connections between the different parts or ideas. You should make sure that what you say is interesting and relevant to your audience. You want your presentation to have a strong impact. You should make sure your introduction and conclusion are strong.

3. Delivery
When delivering your presentation speak clearly, simply and fluently. You should use a natural spoken language and make pauses for emphasis.

4. Body language
Do not underestimate the importance of body language. Try to use strong, clear gestures for emphasis and keep good eye contact with the audience. Do not use any distracting gestures. Your manner should be positive, confident and relaxed.

5. Visuals aids
Remember that visuals used in a wrong or inappropriate way can be distracting. Use visuals to express clear and simple messages. Never forget to check the equipment before your presentation. Your use of it should be efficient and professional.

To summarize …

Before the presentation you should:
• Define the audience
• Clarify the objectives/purpose
• Plan the content
• Design suitable visual aids
• Control the length
• Follow a clear structure: introduction, main parts, summary and conclusion.

During the presentation you should:
• Keep eye contact with the audience
• Not speak too fast (remember to pause)
• Articulate clearly and project your voice

Now look at the statements below. To check your answers go to QUIZ 11.2
1) The speaker does not need to know the audience. T x F
2) It is important to know the aim and objective of a presentation. T x F
3) It is not necessary to focus on the presentation structure. T x F
4) During a presentation it is not allowed to use gestures. T x F
5) Visuals can spoil your presentation when they are used in a wrong way. T x F


2. Now, we will look at the presentation structure. Put its parts into the correct order. Then check your answers in QUIZ 11.2
Presenting the structure of the presentation (outline) _______
Conclusion ______
Introduction _____
Summary _______
Purpose of the presentation _______
Body (Main part) ______
Great the audience __1___

Activity Three

Listen to a part of a presentation. Complete the missing words. Check your answers in QUIZ 11.3

  

Hello everybody
1)_____________________, let me thank you all for coming here today.
2)______________________ you may know, my name is Andy Allthorp and I’m the project manager in charge of public relations.
My presentation will 3)______________________ about 10 minutes and you’ll have a chance to ask questions 4)______________________.
I’m here 5)________________________ to explain to you how and why we selected our advertising strategy.
Our goal was to find the best way of promoting our new line of bath tubs.

I’ve 6)____________________ my presentation into three main sections. 7)_______________________ I’ll give you an idea of the competition and their strategies, 8)_________________________ I’ll talk about the different strategies we considered and 9)_______________________ I’ll present the strategy that we feel best represents our products.

Read the completed text again and answer the questions below.

1) What does Andy do?
2) How long is his presentation?
3) What is the aim of his presentation?
4) How many parts does his presentation have?

Activity Four

Openings and introductions. For delivering a good presentation, it is useful to know the right phrases. The phrases below are mixed up. Match the items on the right to the items on the left. Check your answers in QUIZ 11.4

1) First of all, let me thank you
2) It’s a pleasure to
3) I’m delighted that
4) It’s good
5) As some of you may know,
6) My presentation will take about 20 minutes and

a) there will be time for questions at the end.
b) so many of you could make it today.
c) welcome you here today.
d) all for coming here today.
e) I’m the head of the department…
f) to see you all here.

Activity Five

Now prepare 1) an introduction to your presentation and 2) an outline of your presentation. Use some phrases from activities one, two, three and four. Record yourself and upload the recording to INTRODUCTIONS 11.5.