Making Presentations
This section provides resources for making presentations to individuals or groups who are considered constituents or stakeholders, such as parents, school board, policy makers, colleagues, media representatives, civic leaders, and businesses or industries.
Click on the following issues related to making presentations to see links and references to resources that address those issues.
Issue: How do I identify and use group dynamics to my benefit?
Ten Tips for Effective Speaking
Character Counts!
http://www.charactercounts.org/spkrtips.htm
This list of public speaking tips includes solid advice about relaxing, making eye contact, and keeping your message relevant when speaking in public.
How to Give a Talk: Changing the Culture of Public Speaking in the Humanities
Paul N. Edwards (© 1998-2004). University of Michigan.
http://www.si.umich.edu/~pne/PDF/howtotalk.pdf
This article is useful for anyone wanting to make a thoughtful presentation that is not the academic stereotype speech, whether in the humanities or sciences. It includes three fundamental principles and twelve rules of thumb.
Presentation Tips for Public Speaking
http://www.aresearchguide.com/3tips.html
This Web site is part of a research guide for students and includes many helpful tips on presenting in front of an audience. The site also includes links to several other Web sites that can help you with public speaking.
Issue: What strategies can I use to make my presentation engaging?
Humor/Quotations
McGraw-Hill
http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/comm/pubspeak_cmk_071307/humor.htm
This Public Speaking section of the McGraw-Hill website includes links to six different humor sites and six quotation sites that might be helpful when preparing presentations.
Humor for Speakers
http://halife.com/speakers/speakers.html
This Web site contains links to several different sources of jokes for speeches (most have a fee).
100 Best Quotes for 2005
American Speakers
http://www.americanspeaker.com/bestquotes/100for2005.pdf
This publication is a compilation of memorable quotes that covers a variety of topics. Entries include quotes about New York City from David Letterman, about politics from Bill Clinton, and on class reunions from Julia Child.
Issue: What can I do to become a more confident presenter?
Mississippi State—News You Can Use
http://msuinfo.ur.msstate.edu/~dur/nycu/speak.htm
This article reviews six tips for feeling confident during public speaking.
How To Conquer Public Speaking Fear
Morton Orman
http://www.stresscure.com/jobstress/speak.html
This article outlines 10 major sources of stress for public speakers, and suggests ways to overcome them.
Building Your Oral Communication Skills
The Writing and Communication Center
http://www.etsu.edu/wcc/Oral_Comm.PDF
This pamphlet outlines common symptoms of speech anxiety and how to relieve them. It also includes some interesting strategies and specific exercises you can do to help alleviate your fears.
10 Tips for Successful Public Speaking
Toastmasters International
http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/FreeResources/...
Toastmasters International provides support and a positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills. This pamphlet outlines what the group considers the most important tips for public speaking that will help control nervousness. Complete link: http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/FreeResources/NeedHelpGivingaSpeech/TipsTechniques/ 10TipsforPublicSpeaking.aspx
Issue: What are the kinds of “presenter tips” I should keep in mind as I prepare for my presentation?
SpeechTips.com
http://www.speechtips.com/
This Web site includes sections on the three steps for successful speech writing and public speaking: planning, writing, and delivery.
Free Monthly Public Speaking Tips.
Lenny Laskowski. LJL Seminars
http://www.ljlseminars.com/monthtip.htm
This site provides a sizeable list of topics related to better public speaking, with links to advice on each topic. Topics include "Elements of an Effective Speech," "Using LCD Projectors," and "How to Create a Great First Impression."
Tips on Delivering Your Presentation
Canterbury Christ College
http://keyskills.cant.ac.uk/communication/presenting/tips.htm
This Web site offers a brief list of speech delivery tips for students.
EffectiveMeetings.com
http://www.effectivemeetings.com/presenting/index.asp
This comprehensive Web site includes links to over a dozen articles on the delivery of effective presentations. Articles like “The Right Vocabulary Can Make all the Difference,” “10 Presentation Do’s and Taboos,” and “Keeping Your Audience Interested” are full of constructive advice.
ISSUE: How do I present to parents?
Playing Their Parts: What Parents and Teachers Really Mean by Parental
Involvement
Public Agenda Online, 1999
http://www.publicagenda.org/reports/playing-their-parts
Public Agenda surveyed parents and public school teachers to find out what they think parents should be doing in the public schools. This report explores the disconnect between teacher and parent expectations for parent/child relations.
Attitudes About Teaching: Including the Views of Parents, Administrators,
Teachers and the General Public
Public Agenda, 2004
http://www.publicagenda.org/reports/attitudes-about-teaching
For this report, Public Agenda has reviewed and analyzed opinion research on teachers and teaching over the last decade. Requires user registration to view the entire report.
Making Your Case to Teachers, Principals/School Leadership Teams, Central
Office, School Board, Parents, and Business/Community
EDC K–12 Science Curriculum Dissemination Center, Center for Science
Education (CSE) at Education Development Center, Inc.
http://cse.edc.org/products/teacherleadership/10case.pdf
Six discussion pieces to use when considering ways of approaching various constituent groups to make the case for science reform.
Teachers' Guidelines for Standards-Based Back to School
Night
Engaging Parents, Collaborative Communications Group, 2001
http://www.publicengagement.com/resources/standards/oldstandards/engaging/btsnight/tguidelines.htm
This site provides tips for teachers presenting to parents at a back to school night. Offers advice for giving an energetic and interactive presentation.
Parent-Teacher Night Tips for New Teachers
Massachusetts Teachers Association, 2003
http://www.massteacher.org/career/new_members/communications/ptnite.cfm
See
the list of 10 quick tips for parent-teacher nights. This list includes
advice for effective presentations to parents that is applicable for
teachers of all levels of experience.
ISSUE: How do I present to the school board?
Trying to Stay Ahead of the Game: Superintendents and Principals Talk
About School Leadership
Public Agenda, 2001
http://www.publicagenda.com/reports/trying-stay-ahead-game
Public Agenda surveyed superintendents and principals to find out their thoughts on school leadership. Requires user registration to view the entire report.
Making Your Case to Teachers, Principals/School Leadership Teams, Central
Office, School Board, Parents, and Business/Community
EDC K–12 Science Curriculum Dissemination Center. Center for Science
Education (CSE) at Education Development Center, Inc.
http://cse.edc.org/pdfs/community/10case.pdf
Six discussion pieces to use when considering ways of approaching various constituent groups to make the case for science reform.
Tips for Making Presentations to School Boards
Small Schools Project, 2002
http://www.smallschoolsproject.org/PDFS/tips_board.pdf
A checklist for preparing and giving a presentation to the school board.
Boardspeak: To Influence the School Board, Remember Their Rules
Pauline Laing, Journal of Staff Development, Summer 2000, National Staff
Development Council
http://www.smallschoolsproject.org/PDFS/tips_board.pdf
Although this
article focuses on advice for staff developers who are presenting to
the school board, the advice is also applicable to teachers.
In understanding the “rules” of school boards, teachers may
have more successful presentations to the board.
ISSUE: How do I interview with the news media?
Getting Vital Community News Into the Media Is Not Easy; Here's How
You Might Do It
Hank De Zutter, Community Media Workshop
http://www.newstips.org/interior.php?section=PR+Tips+Sub&main_id=17
Seven tips to make a community and its spokespersons newsworthy to major media.
Preparing for TV and Radio Interviews
Online Women’s Business Center, Small Business Administration,
1997
http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/operating/marketing/mediainterviews.html
Information to help prepare for a TV or radio guest appearance.
How to Have a Good Media Interview
Roger Darlington
http://www.rogerdarlington.co.uk/Mediainterview.html
List of tips for conducting a radio or TV interview.
How to Do a News Interview
Assessment Reform Network, FairTest
http://www.fairtest.org/how-do-news-interview
Suggestions for before and during a news interview.
ISSUE: How do I write a proposal and abstract to present at a conference?
Conference Paper Guide
Claremont Graduate University Writing Center, Student Resources
http://www.cgu.edu/pages/865.asp
Guidelines for formulating and presenting a conference proposal or abstract and sample conference proposals.
Presenting at NSTA Conventions
National Science Teachers Association, 2004
http://www.nsta.org/sessions
Go to the “What are the Criteria for Rating Proposals?” section for criteria the program committee uses when evaluating proposals.
Presenting at Conferences and Networking
HEASPA Professional Development, University of Texas at Austin, 2000
http://studentorgs.utexas.edu/heaspa/conference.html
Go to the “Finding Ideas for Presentations/Papers/Dissertations” and “Successfully Submitting Papers” sections for tips in these areas.
Helpful Tips for Writing an Abstract
Laura Boyle, Society for Public Health Education
http://www.sophe.org/Acrobat/Helpful_Tips_for_Writing.pdf
Suggestions for writing a conference proposal abstract.
How to Write a Winning Abstract
Abilene Christian University
http://www.acu.edu/academics/honors/WritinganAbstract.pdf
Advice on writing the abstract for a proposal.
ISSUE: How do I read my audience?
Reading the Audience: Are You Sending Them to Sleep?
Presentation Helper
http://www.presentationhelper.co.uk/reading_the_audience.htm
Twelve signs that the audience is not listening and tips for how to spot if the audience is listening.
The Other Half of the Presentation: Your Audience
Jim Endicott, Presentation Helper
http://www.presentationhelper.co.uk/audience.htm
The importance of tailoring your presentation to your audience and reading the audience during the presentation.
Reading Your Audience
Karl Walinskas, Intercom, December 2001, Society for Technical
Communication
http://www.stc.org/intercom/PDFs/2001/200112_23-24.pdf
A short article exploring audience cues, what they mean, and how to adjust your presentation accordingly.
How To Get Any Audience to Love and Admire You: Six Lessons Learned
From FDR's Fireside Chats
Susan Berkley, Presenters University
http://www.presentersuniversity.com/delivery_6lessons.php
Use techniques for presenting to any audience.
ISSUE: How do I give effective short talks?
Some Do's and Don'ts of Giving a Good 15 Minute Talk
Scott Keogh. Australian National University School of Botany and Zoology.
http://online.anu.edu.au/BoZo/Scott/Talks.html
List of do’s and don’ts for giving an effective short talk.
How to Give an Effective and Powerful Short Presentation
Chris King. Powerful Presentations
http://www.creativekeys.net/PowerfulPresentations/article1072.html
Tips for dealing with the challenge of giving a short talk. Although the author refers to his experience with Toastmasters Club, the information is helpful.
The 5 Minute Presentation
Presentation Helper
http://www.presentationhelper.co.uk/fiveminute.htm
Five tips for giving a five-minute presentation.
Seven-Minute Presentation
Presentation Helper
http://www.presentationhelper.co.uk/presentation_7_minutes.htm
Tips for giving a seven-minute presentation.
Ten Minute Presentation
Presentation Helper
http://www.presentationhelper.co.uk/tenminute.htm
Tips for giving a ten minute presentation.
ISSUE: How do I make my presentation more motivational and engaging?
Engage Yourself, Engage your Audience
Jean Hamilton, Presenters University
http://www.presentersuniversity.com/delivery_Delivery_Engage_Yourself.php
Four tips for becoming a more dynamic and compelling speaker.
How To Give A Talk: Better Academic Speaking in a Nutshell
Mark Clark and Paul N. Edwards, Society for the History of Technology
http://www.cs.ucsb.edu/~mturk/Misc/HowToTalk.htm
An extensive article on the principles of an effective talk. Provides a lot of information about ensuring that a presentation is engaging and motivational.
The “Art” of Giving a Good Conference Talk
Sharon Downes, University of Sydney
http://online.anu.edu.au/BoZo/Scott/SharonTalks.html
Tips for writing a presentation, making engaging slides, delivering a presentation, and handling questions from the audience.
Public Speaking and Conferences
Online Women’s Business Center, Small Business Administration,
1997
http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/operating/marketing/publicspeaking.html
This article describes the characteristics of good public speakers and provides tips for getting ready, giving the presentation, using visual aids, and Q&A sessions.
How to Present a Poster Session
Action Research at Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada
http://educ.queensu.ca/~ar/poster.htm
Tips for creating posters that attract the audience and information that should be included in a poster presentation.
When Your Presentation Style Holds You Back
Jean Dowdall, The Chronicle of Higher Education. Chronicle Careers, January
11, 2002
http://chronicle.com/jobs/2002/01/2002011101c.htm
This article describes some common interview hazards and offer some suggestions for dealing with them. The focus is on presentation style in the school interview process. However, the suggestions are helpful for presentations as well.
Presentation Skills
Big Dog's Leadership Page, 1998
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadpres.html
Tips for engaging presentations as well as advice about voice, body language, and habits.
How To Get Your Audience More Involved In Your Presentation
Patricia Sotolongo and Donald Baldwin, Presenters University
http://www.presentersuniversity.com/delivery_involved.php
Tips for using interaction with your audience to make an impression.
ISSUE: How do I make myself more comfortable and confident before a presentation?
Presentation Skills
Big Dog's Leadership Page, 1998
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadpres.html
Go to the “Nerves” section for tips on becoming more comfortable before and during a presentation.
Present for Success: Simple Strategies to Add Confidence and Credibility
to Your Next Presentation
Dana Bristol-Smith, Business Know-How
http://www.businessknowhow.com/growth/presentscs.htm
Simple strategies for building confidence and credibility with your audiences. Includes tips for overcoming nervousness and projecting confidence during a presentation.
Dealing With Speech Anxiety: Some Tips for Using Anxiety in Your Favor
Jonathan Hess, University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004
http://communication.missouri.edu/comm1200/anxiety.html
List of 21 suggestions for managing speech anxiety.
Fear of Public Speaking
Presenters University
http://www.presentersuniversity.com/delivery_fear.php
Tips on public speaking for social phobia sufferers.
Get Those Butterflies in Formation!
Jay Frasier. Presenters University
http://www.presentersuniversity.com/delivery_butterflies.php
Several approaches to managing speaking anxiety.
Disclaimer:
The Web resources collected on these pages are not maintained by Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), nor does EDC make the claim that they are accurate. As with all Web-based information, links change from time to time. To our knowledge, all links were functional as of August 2006. Please notify Kerry Ouellet at kouellet@edc.org if you experience any problems.
