Main body
The middle part of your presentation is where the bulk of your research is relayed.
The quality of the research is critical - The topic should be thoroughly researched,
with a number of different sources. Make sure visual images are appropriate to the
point(s) you wish to make, and be sure that you know the specifics on each image.
Organisation and transitions make or break a presentation - There should be a
logical flow from beginning to end, like in written work. Avoid jumping from one
point to another, and be careful about adding information that is not directly related
to the main theme. Creating an outline before you begin creating actual slides can
be helpful.
Visual aids - Visual aids will help to illustrate your presentation, but effective use of
visual aids requires planning and preparation; you need to be selective so as not to
overwhelm your audience. Visual aids should enhance your spoken message and if
used appropriately can be very effective. Pictures, drawings, and photographs have
the potential to make an audience feel the way you do. Verbal material, including
models, diagrams, and copies of statistics help your audience think the way you do.
Therefore
• Do not use overcomplicated visual aids – they can confuse the audience, and
might add to your nervousness if you have to do and say a number of things
at the same time.
• Visual aids should help the audience recall a concept.
• Visual aids must complement what you say.
• Do not have a visual aid that you don’t need.
• Avoid too much material in too little time.
• If you are using visual aids such as OHPs, models, video, DVD, props and so
on, familiarise yourself with how they work, and where they will be
positioned in connection to you as the speaker.
• Edit and proofread all visual or written material – Make sure there are no
spelling mistakes and spell authors’ names correctly.
For PowerPoint slides:
• Check your timing. On average, use three slides per minute as a maximum.
• Use text sparingly. If your audience is concentrating on written text, they are
less likely to give you their complete attention. THINK BULLETS!
• The “joy of six” is a helpful rule of thumb. Use a maximum of six points per
slide and six words per point.
• Depending on the colour and font size you select, text may be difficult to
read. Font size is important - use the "floor test" for readability. Print out
a slide containing text, and place the page on the floor. Can you read the slide
from a standing position? If yes, then your audience can likely read it from
their seats. If no, then the font size needs to be increased. If possible,
preview your presentation in the room you will be using or one that is similar.
Be sure to check the view from the rear of the room.