Chapter 17 Summary
Engaging in Oral Communication
Objectives and Outcomes:
Communicate ideas and plans effectively in front of an audience
Decide and select what information needs to go into your presentation
Involve your audience either by asking questions or using notes to keep track of whats going on
Use visual aids that are appropriate for your topic
Create a professional image based on appearance and demeanor; speak loudly enough so the whole audience can hear and understand
Be a good, active listener
Types of Presentations
There are three basic types of presentations, Informal, Formal, and Class presentations.
Informal presentations are usually at work and the audience is either your professional peers or your immediate subordinates or supervisors. Topics of informal presentations usually involve work related issues. For example the book gives the example of the progress you've made designing a curcuit board for a customer. Not much background info is needed because audience is farmiliar with topic and speaker.
Formal presentations take more preparation because the audience is not farmiliar with the speaker and topic so background on yourself and topic is probably needed. A formal presentation could be a couple of experts explaining to possibe customers of a company the benefits of their new product.
Class presentations give students an opportunity to expand their public speaking skills. The other class members can be asked to act as a particular audience so the speaker can get the feel of the real thing.
Audiences
Four Types
Professional peers: Understand field jargon and background information. Presentation should be organized and well detailed. Typically ask more difficult questions at the end.
Nonexpert Professionals: Do not usually understand jargon. Want technical info but not so many technical little details. Listen to recommendations and conclusion.
International Audiences: Appreciate your awareness and respect for their culture. May not understand visual aids and hand signals the way that you intend. Simple and well defined sequence will help tremendously.
General Audiences: Multiple agendas but come together for a common purpose. Like to see clear statement of purpose, defined terms, useful analogies, interesting examples, effective visuals, and clear transitions. Like to be involved.
Involve Listeners
The audience at a presentation might lose interest if not being involved in some way. Ways to involve audience include creating an audience centered atmosphere, encourage active audience involvment, make what you say easy to listen to and remember, and change the pace and structure of your presentation.
Types of Visuals
Chalkboards or white board
Flip Charts
Posters, charts, tables, diagrams, maps, or photos
Slides
Powerpoint
Transparencies
Movies
Physical Models
Demonstrations
Professional Appearance
Things to remember for professional appearance include:
Wear appropriate clothing
Handle notes comfortably
Make eye contact with audience
Handle mistakes smoothly
Relax your hands
Relax your feet
Move naturally
Use the podium comfortably (if available)
