by The Open University
Available in 42 free installments
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Clipped together ? a loose bundle of paper is a recipe for disaster. It is easy to get the sheets out of order, or even drop them in a heap on the floor. You need to use a method that you are comfortable with, so if working from a full script, fix the sheets together by punching a hole in the top left-hand corner and pushing a document tag or key ring through. Numbering the sheets is a wise precaution.
Ring binder ? If you are not using a lectern, putting the script into a hardback ring binder keeps the pages in order. It is easy to handle and looks professional. In this way you can type, or write out each sheet carefully to correspond to each slide or each major point. Whether you opt for cards or sheets make sure to number each sheet carefully. Then if things do get out of order you will at least have a chance to shuffle the sheets back into order fairly quickly. For ease of reading, highlight your major headings and subheadings by either writing them in a larger font than the body of notes, or with another colour ink. On each sheet write the number of any relevant slides or ?props? in the margin that you might need to refer to. Finally, you should note down your timetable against each slide if you can. You may need to do this as a last step, after you have practised the talk a few times, to get the timing right.
Computer screen ? reading text from a computer screen does take a certain amount of practice and skill but may be one way you choose to deliver your script.
We all have our own delivery style with various idiosyncrasies. It is not within the scope of this unit to try and say which of these personal habits is, or is not, appropriate, but most successful presenters will follow the basic points outlined here.
Make sure the words you use are your own.
If you need a full script, type it double spaced, with one page per slide.
Using notes, put them on cards and link them together, and either way, make sure you underline or use bold for key phrases and words.
Separate your ideas or main points.
Give detailed information in a handout after your talk ? it detracts if given too soon.
Label and number all slides or OHTs ? label or number your notes to correspond. Ensure any carousels are in order and tape them shut.
Note on your cards the appropriate and corresponding slide or OHT number.
If a third person is operating your visual aids you need to agree your signals such as ?Next slide, please? or ?Stop?.
You may prefer to use cues such as objects, rather than notes.
Try to avoid over-use of the same phrase, word or gesture.
If you have a nervous habit, it may become distracting to the audience to the point that they no longer listen to your talk but are waiting for you to say ?err? or stroke your chin.
You might think that by concealing your anxieties you'll feel better, but unless you hide behind a huge sheaf of notes in your trembling hand, or completely freeze, the audience will seldom be aware of your difficulties. Some nerves will be expected and most audiences are sympathetic, provided that you try to get your message across in a professional and competent manner.
If you feel you are especially prone to nervousness, you can try various coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques and breath-control methods. These help the body to reduce stress, and can help you calm yourself, allow you to function in a professional and effective manner, and continue on through the presentation with increased confidence. This unit doesn't cover relaxation or controlled breathing, but there are many good books that do.
