Presentation skills

Researching for your presentation

Think of your presentation as an iceberg:

• The invisible foundation to your presentation is reading and research (below the waterline).
• It supports your academic writing but it isn’t always visible – the presentation is the end report.

Structure of presentation

The general structure of any presentation is:

Introduction

Explain the background to your research question and outline your method(s)

Main body

State and analyse your key results

Conclusion

Provide a brief comment on the results

Invite questions

Presentation slides

Introduction

Make the first or second slide an outline of your presentation and follow the order of your outline for the rest of the presentation. Only place main points on the outline slides.

• Stick to the eight-by-eight rule; no more than eight lines of text per slide and no more than eight words per line.
• Write in point form, not complete sentences
• Include four-five points per slide
• Don’t use too many words; instead use keywords and phrases
• Don’t have too many slides; use slides to emphasise a point.

Fonts

• Use at least 18-point standard font eg Times New Roman or Arial
• Use different size fonts for main and secondary points.

Colour

• Use colours that provide a sharp contrast and are readable
• Use colour to reinforce the logic of structure and/or to emphasise a point.

Presentation data

Use graphs rather than just charts and words. This is good to highlight trends and makes data easier to understand and retain. Always title and source graphics

Concluding slides

Use an effective and strong closing to summarise main points and suggest future avenues for research

Lastly

Proofread your slides for spelling and grammar

Preparation and delivery

The more knowledgeable you are and the better prepared you are, the less nervous you will be.

• Read and re-read your script
• Reduce the script to a series of headings and sub-headings covering key points. Transfer them onto cue cards.
• Rehearse and time yourself
• At start of delivery, introduce yourself (or your group)
• Start with an outline of your presentation
• Speak to your intended audience at their level
• Look at the audience, make eye contact and speak slowly and clearly
• Do not read word-for-word from a script
• Try to sound interested in your subject. Smile!

Further details on presentations can be found at:

Skills for Presenting in Seminars, UK Council for International Student Affairs

Presentations, University of Sussex