Presenting Your Work Results
6 August 2012
Read by 1961 persons
It is common to have to present the results of a project, for example, a study. Here is a guide with many tips and two checklists.
Department head, project manager, doctoral candidate, intern or apprentice - whatever your professional situation, you will frequently have to present the results of your work to an audience. In most cases, this is linked to a decision, for example on resource allocation, approval of changes or the proposal of an employment contract. It is therefore important to succeed in this.
Good preparation
Well prepared, you will have a better base and you will feel more comfortable - a fundamental aspect for carrying out your presentation with more assurance.
Checklist for good preparation:
To prepare well, answer the following questions:
What is the objective of my presentation?
What is the goal I am aiming for? What depends on my presentation? Do I have to "fight" for something (e.g. budget allocation) or is the presentation only informative?
Who is the target group I will be addressing?
Who will I be speaking to? How familiar are the listeners with the subject I will be presenting? Can I use the corresponding technical terminology? Will the audience also include listeners unfamiliar with the subject/field in question?
What is the optimal core structure of my presentation?
What is the ideal "dramaturgy" according to my objective/cause?
Examples:
- suspense to the end: statement of the problem, possible solutions with pros and cons, proposed solution, conclusion
- no surprise: statement of the problem, proposed solution, conclusion
Visualization and use of technical means
What means will I use to "translate" certain reflections and information into images: PowerPoint slides, photos/illustrations, diagrams, tables, videos, cartoons...?
What technical means will I have at my disposal?
What are the most appropriate techniques in my specific case: microcomputer, overhead projector, video...? (Don't forget to check BEFORE the presentation if the chosen devices are working!)
Interaction
When will the audience be able to ask questions: at any time during the presentation or only at the end?
How will I react in case the audience does not follow my "instructions"?
Paper support
Do I intend to give the audience a paper support at the end of my presentation: documentation, summary, file...?
Conclusion
What are my expectations for the final phase: decision, approval, support...? Do I need to encourage the audience to take action and how to motivate them?
Success criteria for the structure
In terms of the rough structure of a presentation, welcoming the audience and introducing the subject represent about 15% of the total duration; depending on the case, the speaker will quickly introduce themselves, give a brief outline of the subject, the objective of the presentation and the procedure. Remember to specify if participants can ask questions while you are speaking or if they must wait until the end of your presentation.
The main part, therefore the centerpiece of your presentation, represents the lion's share (about 75%). This is the time to present your research, results, reflections on solution approaches, your arguments, etc., not only clearly, concretely and understandably. It is also a question of enthusiastically and convincingly presenting your ideas to your audience. Absolutely avoid reading what you have written on the slides you are presenting (you are not a primary school teacher!) - moreover, the slides should only offer a few keywords.
At the time of the conclusion (approx. 10%), repeat the key elements precisely and invite the audience to take action: decision, support, approval...
Body language and voice
An aspect just as important as the content of the presentation: the way the speaker presents themselves. If you want to interest, even enthuse your audience for your cause, you must convince them by adopting an authentic behaviour, in line with the messages formulated. A pleasant smile, demonstrating your commitment, establishing direct eye contact, arm movements limited to the area above the waist, controlled hand movements, highlighting what you are saying, an upright posture - this will arouse a positive feeling in the listener.
Make sure to speak loud enough (without shouting) so that everyone can hear you. If necessary, use a microphone. Articulate clearly, avoid mumbling, adopt an appropriate speaking rhythm (neither too fast nor too slow). This will allow the audience to follow your reasoning and follow the thread of your presentation. Highlight key concepts using your voice and a gesture that emphasizes what you are saying.
Word choice
The way of expressing oneself, the words, the syntax are also to be chosen according to the target group concerned. Strive to formulate your reflections precisely without abusing overly complicated sentence structures, technical terms or superfluous abbreviations. Express your ideas by focusing on your audience and using understandable arguments. Remain factual and avoid any expression of subjective appreciation or emotions.
Strive to express yourself clearly and avoid meaningless turns of phrase such as "well", "you see/you know", "let's say", "possibly", etc. or - worse - systematically adding a recurring formula at the end of a sentence such as "okay?" or "isn't it?" or even "do you understand me?" Another superfluous element: heavy turns of phrase using, for example, an imperfect subjunctive (example: "It would have been necessary for us to do what we were expected to do"). And be careful not to persist in the current fashion that makes people answer "quite right" or "absolutely" when a simple "yes" is sufficient. Ideally, practice with a colleague or friend whom you will ask to give constructive criticism at the end of your presentation.
Our tips - Summary
Body language
Stand up, facing the audience, "open" posture
Don't put your hands in your pockets!
Limit arm movements to the area above the waist, avoid the "moralizing index finger" gesture
Pleasant smile, gaze sweeps the entire audience. From time to time, look directly at one person (not always the same one!)
Welcome
Pleasant welcome, showing personal involvement
Brief introduction of the speaker and, if necessary, also of the audience
Introduction
Brief overview of the subject and the plan/outline of the presentation
Prepare the plan/outline on a flip chart and highlight the brief explanations by pointing to the different points; the common thread must be "visible" to all.
Explain the interaction strategy (when can the audience ask questions?)
Visualization
"Translate" certain reflections and information into images to allow better assimilation capacity by the audience. The presentation is more convincing, credible and gives the impression of being better prepared.
Our advice: "less is more" (everything is in [good] measure) and "keep it simple" (keep it simple)
Pleasant and easily understandable
On the slides: little text, only key points (and don't read the text!)
Pay attention to correct spelling, colours, layout, etc.
Technical means
Mastery of the technical means used
Use a maximum of two to three techniques for one presentation - no exaggeration of the senses!
Don't read the text written on the presentation slides!
Speaking style/elocution
Pleasant voice pitch
Good articulation
Discursive pauses ("sound silences" effect)
Discursive rhythm (don't speak too fast or too slowly)
Language/words
Express yourself clearly, remain factual
Avoid overly complicated sentence structures, technical terms or superfluous abbreviations
Understandable arguments
Avoid meaningless phrases
Giselle Chaumien-Wetterauer.
Monster.ch
Posted on August 6, 2012.
Department head, project manager, doctoral candidate, intern or apprentice - whatever your professional situation, you will frequently have to present the results of your work to an audience. In most cases, this is linked to a decision, for example on resource allocation, approval of changes or the proposal of an employment contract. It is therefore important to succeed in this.
Good preparation
Well prepared, you will have a better base and you will feel more comfortable - a fundamental aspect for carrying out your presentation with more assurance.
Checklist for good preparation:
To prepare well, answer the following questions:
What is the objective of my presentation?
What is the goal I am aiming for? What depends on my presentation? Do I have to "fight" for something (e.g. budget allocation) or is the presentation only informative?
Who is the target group I will be addressing?
Who will I be speaking to? How familiar are the listeners with the subject I will be presenting? Can I use the corresponding technical terminology? Will the audience also include listeners unfamiliar with the subject/field in question?
What is the optimal core structure of my presentation?
What is the ideal "dramaturgy" according to my objective/cause?
Examples:
- suspense to the end: statement of the problem, possible solutions with pros and cons, proposed solution, conclusion
- no surprise: statement of the problem, proposed solution, conclusion
Visualization and use of technical means
What means will I use to "translate" certain reflections and information into images: PowerPoint slides, photos/illustrations, diagrams, tables, videos, cartoons...?
What technical means will I have at my disposal?
What are the most appropriate techniques in my specific case: microcomputer, overhead projector, video...? (Don't forget to check BEFORE the presentation if the chosen devices are working!)
Interaction
When will the audience be able to ask questions: at any time during the presentation or only at the end?
How will I react in case the audience does not follow my "instructions"?
Paper support
Do I intend to give the audience a paper support at the end of my presentation: documentation, summary, file...?
Conclusion
What are my expectations for the final phase: decision, approval, support...? Do I need to encourage the audience to take action and how to motivate them?
Success criteria for the structure
In terms of the rough structure of a presentation, welcoming the audience and introducing the subject represent about 15% of the total duration; depending on the case, the speaker will quickly introduce themselves, give a brief outline of the subject, the objective of the presentation and the procedure. Remember to specify if participants can ask questions while you are speaking or if they must wait until the end of your presentation.
The main part, therefore the centerpiece of your presentation, represents the lion's share (about 75%). This is the time to present your research, results, reflections on solution approaches, your arguments, etc., not only clearly, concretely and understandably. It is also a question of enthusiastically and convincingly presenting your ideas to your audience. Absolutely avoid reading what you have written on the slides you are presenting (you are not a primary school teacher!) - moreover, the slides should only offer a few keywords.
At the time of the conclusion (approx. 10%), repeat the key elements precisely and invite the audience to take action: decision, support, approval...
Body language and voice
An aspect just as important as the content of the presentation: the way the speaker presents themselves. If you want to interest, even enthuse your audience for your cause, you must convince them by adopting an authentic behaviour, in line with the messages formulated. A pleasant smile, demonstrating your commitment, establishing direct eye contact, arm movements limited to the area above the waist, controlled hand movements, highlighting what you are saying, an upright posture - this will arouse a positive feeling in the listener.
Make sure to speak loud enough (without shouting) so that everyone can hear you. If necessary, use a microphone. Articulate clearly, avoid mumbling, adopt an appropriate speaking rhythm (neither too fast nor too slow). This will allow the audience to follow your reasoning and follow the thread of your presentation. Highlight key concepts using your voice and a gesture that emphasizes what you are saying.
Word choice
The way of expressing oneself, the words, the syntax are also to be chosen according to the target group concerned. Strive to formulate your reflections precisely without abusing overly complicated sentence structures, technical terms or superfluous abbreviations. Express your ideas by focusing on your audience and using understandable arguments. Remain factual and avoid any expression of subjective appreciation or emotions.
Strive to express yourself clearly and avoid meaningless turns of phrase such as "well", "you see/you know", "let's say", "possibly", etc. or - worse - systematically adding a recurring formula at the end of a sentence such as "okay?" or "isn't it?" or even "do you understand me?" Another superfluous element: heavy turns of phrase using, for example, an imperfect subjunctive (example: "It would have been necessary for us to do what we were expected to do"). And be careful not to persist in the current fashion that makes people answer "quite right" or "absolutely" when a simple "yes" is sufficient. Ideally, practice with a colleague or friend whom you will ask to give constructive criticism at the end of your presentation.
Our tips - Summary
Body language
Stand up, facing the audience, "open" posture
Don't put your hands in your pockets!
Limit arm movements to the area above the waist, avoid the "moralizing index finger" gesture
Pleasant smile, gaze sweeps the entire audience. From time to time, look directly at one person (not always the same one!)
Welcome
Pleasant welcome, showing personal involvement
Brief introduction of the speaker and, if necessary, also of the audience
Introduction
Brief overview of the subject and the plan/outline of the presentation
Prepare the plan/outline on a flip chart and highlight the brief explanations by pointing to the different points; the common thread must be "visible" to all.
Explain the interaction strategy (when can the audience ask questions?)
Visualization
"Translate" certain reflections and information into images to allow better assimilation capacity by the audience. The presentation is more convincing, credible and gives the impression of being better prepared.
Our advice: "less is more" (everything is in [good] measure) and "keep it simple" (keep it simple)
Pleasant and easily understandable
On the slides: little text, only key points (and don't read the text!)
Pay attention to correct spelling, colours, layout, etc.
Technical means
Mastery of the technical means used
Use a maximum of two to three techniques for one presentation - no exaggeration of the senses!
Don't read the text written on the presentation slides!
Speaking style/elocution
Pleasant voice pitch
Good articulation
Discursive pauses ("sound silences" effect)
Discursive rhythm (don't speak too fast or too slowly)
Language/words
Express yourself clearly, remain factual
Avoid overly complicated sentence structures, technical terms or superfluous abbreviations
Understandable arguments
Avoid meaningless phrases
Giselle Chaumien-Wetterauer.
Monster.ch
Posted on August 6, 2012.
