Presentation Skills Unit Four I.How to get the audience's attention 1.Ask a question “Do you use drugs in the workplace?” "Do you know of anyone who uses drugs in the workplace?" "If you had your life to live over again,what would you do differently?" 2.State an unusual fact "Forty percent of today's teenagers are being brought up in single-parent homes." "When asked what their No.1 fear was,most Americans said fear to give a speech in front of a group of people.No.2 was death. 3.Give an illustration,example,or story Talking about ethics: "Last night I was walking home from the library when I noticed a woman's purse lying on the sidewalk.As I leaned over to pick it up..." "To no one else's knowledge,I accidentally dented someone's car in a parking lot on Tuesday." 4.Present a quotation Anthony Robbins once said,"Luck is the meeting of opportunity and preparation." Benjamin Franklin said,"Fish and visitors begin to smell after three days." 5.Refer to a historic event Important anniversaries of historic events happen every day. "On this day,more than 30 years again,China..." 6.Use humor The key criterion for using humor is to make sure you are comfortable with it.It is in good taste,it is relevant to your speech,and it is funny. "The human brain is a wonderful thing.It operates from the moment you're born until the first time you get up to make a speech. 7.Get the audience talking to you and each other. LET'S PRACTICE ONE 1.Have you decided on the topic for your informative presentation?If yes, what attention-getting devices would you use? 2.If you don't have a topic yet,look at the following and think about the attention getters.Choose two topics to work on. How to make friends at college
1 Presentation Skills Unit Four I. How to get the audience’s attention 1. Ask a question “Do you use drugs in the workplace?” “Do you know of anyone who uses drugs in the workplace?” “If you had your life to live over again, what would you do differently?” 2. State an unusual fact “Forty percent of today’s teenagers are being brought up in single-parent homes.” “When asked what their No. 1 fear was, most Americans said fear to give a speech in front of a group of people. No. 2 was death. “ 3. Give an illustration, example, or story Talking about ethics: “Last night I was walking home from the library when I noticed a woman’s purse lying on the sidewalk. As I leaned over to pick it up…” “To no one else’s knowledge, I accidentally dented someone’s car in a parking lot on Tuesday.” 4. Present a quotation Anthony Robbins once said, “Luck is the meeting of opportunity and preparation.” Benjamin Franklin said, “Fish and visitors begin to smell after three days.” 5. Refer to a historic event Important anniversaries of historic events happen every day. “On this day, more than 30 years again, China…” 6. Use humor The key criterion for using humor is to make sure you are comfortable with it. It is in good taste, it is relevant to your speech, and it is funny. “The human brain is a wonderful thing. It operates from the moment you’re born until the first time you get up to make a speech.” 7. Get the audience talking to you and each other. LET’S PRACTICE ONE 1. Have you decided on the topic for your informative presentation? If yes, what attention-getting devices would you use? 2. If you don’t have a topic yet, look at the following and think about the attention getters. Choose two topics to work on. How to make friends at college
Dealing with stress at college How to balance study time with recreational time ● Benefits of traveling ●On donating blood ● Stop eating "junk food" ●Planning a vacation Protecting the environment ll.How to keep the audience's attention 1.Verbals:appropriate jokes,stories,anecdotes,or questions directed to the audience to get or keep their attention 2.Audiovisual devices:charts,slides,three-dimensional objects,video or audiotapes,photographs Ill.How to write the introduction 1.The introduction is critical.It is your job,as you start to speak,to turn that daydreaming,diverse group of individuals in front of you into a concentrating, stimulated,involved,thinking and participating audience. 2.Some famous saying about beginning: Everything is difficult at first.Chinese proverb All glory comes from daring to begin. ● Good to begin well,better to end well. The first step is as good as half over. Well begun is half done.Great is the art of beginning,but greater is the art of ending. Henry W.Longfellow The beginning is the most important part y of the work.Plato Example 1: How many of you would like to triple your money in two weeks on a legal investment?How many of you would be willing to lose your total investment overnight?(Attention-getting sentence)The "penny stock"market which offers stocks in emerging companies for less than $1.00 offers the opportunity for huge gains or total losses.The secret is to know which stocks to buy and which stocks to avoid.(Thesis)Today we're going to learn how to evaluate emerging corporations and how to assess a stock's potential for growth. (Preview of main points) LET'S PRACTICE TWO Write an introduction for the following topics: 1.Donating Blood 2.Harmful Effects of Watching TV 3.Making friends on the Internet Example 2:The Ultimate Gift Are you at least 17 years old?Do you weigh more than 110 pounds?Do you 2
2 Dealing with stress at college How to balance study time with recreational time Benefits of traveling On donating blood Stop eating “junk food” Planning a vacation Protecting the environment II. How to keep the audience’s attention 1. Verbals: appropriate jokes, stories, anecdotes, or questions directed to the audience to get or keep their attention 2. Audiovisual devices: charts, slides, three-dimensional objects, video or audiotapes, photographs III. How to write the introduction 1. The introduction is critical. It is your job, as you start to speak, to turn that daydreaming, diverse group of individuals in front of you into a concentrating, stimulated, involved, thinking and participating audience. 2. Some famous saying about beginning: Everything is difficult at first. Chinese proverb All glory comes from daring to begin. Good to begin well, better to end well. The first step is as good as half over. Well begun is half done. Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending. Henry W. Longfellow The beginning is the most important part y of the work. Plato Example 1: How many of you would like to triple your money in two weeks on a legal investment? How many of you would be willing to lose your total investment overnight? (Attention-getting sentence) The “penny stock” market which offers stocks in emerging companies for less than $1.00 offers the opportunity for huge gains or total losses. The secret is to know which stocks to buy and which stocks to avoid. (Thesis) Today we’re going to learn how to evaluate emerging corporations and how to assess a stock’s potential for growth. (Preview of main points) LET’S PRACTICE TWO Write an introduction for the following topics: 1. Donating Blood 2. Harmful Effects of Watching TV 3. Making friends on the Internet Example 2: The Ultimate Gift Are you at least 17 years old? Do you weigh more than 110 pounds? Do you
consider yourself fairly healthy?(Attention-getting sentence) If you answered yes to all of these questions,you should be donating blood every two months.In my survey of the class,I found that only 50 percent of you have ever donated blood and that only 1 out of 13 of you donate on a regular basis.The lack of participation of eligible donors is a serious problem that requires immediate action.Through extensive research and two years of faithfully donating blood,I have come to realize the magnitude of this problem and just how easy the solution can be.(Thesis) Today I would like to show why blood donors are in such desperate need and encourage you to take action to combat this need.(Preview of main points) Let's first take a look at the overwhelming need for blood donors.(Transition) IV.How to write a strong conclusion: They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. by Carl W.Buehner The conclusion is like beautiful wrapping paper on a gift---it's the final detail that ties up your speech with a review and a memorable statement. 1.The goal of your conclusion is multifold: To emphasize the purpose or key points of your speech.For example,you are discussing about how to buy fine diamonds.Part of your conclusion should emphasize the importance of the 4Cs---clarity,color,cut,and carats---in making an intelligent purchasing decision. To leave the audience remembering your speech and to provide a climax to your talk.For example,in John F.Kennedy's Inaugural Address he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you,ask what you can do for your country." To call them to action,if your purpose is to persuade your audience. 2.How to write a good conclusion The conclusion comprises about 5 to 10 percent of your presentation and is easy to write because it is a reversal of the introduction.Again keep in mind; people learn through repetition and restatement.The conclusion has two parts: a review of main points (emphasize your three to five main points one more time),and a memorable statement. 1)Review or summarize your purpose Example one:wearing seat belts 3
3 consider yourself fairly healthy? (Attention-getting sentence) If you answered yes to all of these questions, you should be donating blood every two months. In my survey of the class, I found that only 50 percent of you have ever donated blood and that only 1 out of 13 of you donate on a regular basis. The lack of participation of eligible donors is a serious problem that requires immediate action. Through extensive research and two years of faithfully donating blood, I have come to realize the magnitude of this problem and just how easy the solution can be. (Thesis) Today I would like to show why blood donors are in such desperate need and encourage you to take action to combat this need. (Preview of main points) Let’s first take a look at the overwhelming need for blood donors. (Transition) IV. How to write a strong conclusion: They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. by Carl W. Buehner The conclusion is like beautiful wrapping paper on a gift---it’s the final detail that ties up your speech with a review and a memorable statement. 1. The goal of your conclusion is multifold: To emphasize the purpose or key points of your speech. For example, you are discussing about how to buy fine diamonds. Part of your conclusion should emphasize the importance of the 4Cs---clarity, color, cut, and carats---in making an intelligent purchasing decision. To leave the audience remembering your speech and to provide a climax to your talk. For example, in John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” To call them to action, if your purpose is to persuade your audience. 2. How to write a good conclusion The conclusion comprises about 5 to 10 percent of your presentation and is easy to write because it is a reversal of the introduction. Again keep in mind; people learn through repetition and restatement. The conclusion has two parts: a review of main points (emphasize your three to five main points one more time), and a memorable statement. 1) Review or summarize your purpose Example one: wearing seat belts
Given the evidence,are you willing to risk your life or health by not wearing seat belts?Let's resolve today,that everyone in this room adopt using seat belts as a lifetime habit. Example two:donating to a particular charity If we all pull together and contribute as much as we can,we will be able to make this year's campaign the best ever.I am sure I can count on all of you to make this happen. 2)Repeat your main points Following your brief abstract,repeat or rephrase the three to five main points you presented in the body of your presentation.This can be done in one long,well-constructed sentence,or at most,one sentence for each point.For example: As I've highlighted,X Company can meet your requirements for price reductions,flexibility in delivery dates,and quality standards in production. 3)Use a transitional phrase After you've reviewed your speech,have a transitional phrase to lead into your memorable statement.Transitions are not difficult;we use them all the time.For example: ...and so I ask you... ...which leads me to say... ..and if there is one thing that bears repeating... 4)The memorable statement There are four basic options in presenting a final,memorable statement: ●Using a new“"grabber'" Returning to the opening grabber Looking to the future.For example,by providing our services to you,we'll be building a partnership between our companies that will enable both to be more profitable in the next decade. ● Calling for action.e.g.Board members,with the benefits we presented,I urge you to vote to accept our proposal today,so we can initiate the program by February. SOME DO'S AND DON'TS FOR CONCLUSION Don'ts 1.Don't apologize. 2.Don't merely stop. 3.Don't introduce new points 4.Don't stretch it out. Do's
4 Given the evidence, are you willing to risk your life or health by not wearing seat belts? Let’s resolve today, that everyone in this room adopt using seat belts as a lifetime habit. Example two: donating to a particular charity If we all pull together and contribute as much as we can, we will be able to make this year’s campaign the best ever. I am sure I can count on all of you to make this happen. 2) Repeat your main points Following your brief abstract, repeat or rephrase the three to five main points you presented in the body of your presentation. This can be done in one long, well-constructed sentence, or at most, one sentence for each point. For example: As I’ve highlighted, X Company can meet your requirements for price reductions, flexibility in delivery dates, and quality standards in production. 3) Use a transitional phrase After you’ve reviewed your speech, have a transitional phrase to lead into your memorable statement. Transitions are not difficult; we use them all the time. For example: …and so I ask you… …which leads me to say… …and if there is one thing that bears repeating… 4) The memorable statement There are four basic options in presenting a final, memorable statement: Using a new “grabber” Returning to the opening grabber Looking to the future. For example, by providing our services to you, we’ll be building a partnership between our companies that will enable both to be more profitable in the next decade. Calling for action. e.g. Board members, with the benefits we presented, I urge you to vote to accept our proposal today, so we can initiate the program by February. SOME DO’S AND DON’TS FOR CONCLUSION Don’ts 1. Don’t apologize. 2. Don’t merely stop. 3. Don’t introduce new points 4. Don’t stretch it out. Do’s
1.Do work on your conclusion carefully 2.Do end with strength. 3.Do get to the point and summarize 4.Do bring your presentation to a smooth ending. 5.Do signal your audience that your are concluding. V.How to organize the materials Since the purpose of your speech is to inform your audience,the following types of organization are best for giving new information to your audience. 1.Chronological order(按时间顺序的) A chronological presentation is arranged in order of time of occurrence,or time sequence.A visual aid showing the time span,from start to finish,will help the audience see the big picture.If you use such a visual aid,refer to it periodically throughout the speech.Use it in the beginning and again as you describe each new period. 2.Spatial order(空间顺序的) Spatial order is used to describe things or places,such as the design of the Eiffel Tower and the region of Spain. Examples of Chronological Order Specific Purpose:To inform my audience how commercial ice cream is made Central ldea: There are five basic steps in making commercial ice cream. Main Points: I.The first step is blending milk solids,sugar,and water to create the ice cream mixture. ll.The second step is pasteurizing the mixture to destroy any harmful bacteria. Ill.The third step is homogenizing the mixture to give it a smooth texture. The fourth step is adding color and flavor to the mixture. V.The fifth step is freezing the mixture to create the final product. 5
5 1. Do work on your conclusion carefully. 2. Do end with strength. 3. Do get to the point and summarize. 4. Do bring your presentation to a smooth ending. 5. Do signal your audience that your are concluding. V. How to organize the materials Since the purpose of your speech is to inform your audience, the following types of organization are best for giving new information to your audience. 1. Chronological order (按时间顺序的) A chronological presentation is arranged in order of time of occurrence, or time sequence. A visual aid showing the time span, from start to finish, will help the audience see the big picture. If you use such a visual aid, refer to it periodically throughout the speech. Use it in the beginning and again as you describe each new period. 2. Spatial order（空间顺序的） Spatial order is used to describe things or places, such as the design of the Eiffel Tower and the region of Spain
层1024768) Examples of Spatial Order Specific Purpose:To inform my audience about the design of the Eiffel Tower. Central ldea: The Eiffel Tower is divided into three sections. Main Points: I.The lowest section of the tower contains the entrance,a gift shop,and a restaurant. ll.The middle section of the tower consists of stairs and elev ators that lead to the top. Ill.The top section of the tower includes an observation deck with a spectacular view of Paris. 3.Topical order A topically organized presentation takes a large topic and breaks it into several subtopics.For example,your topic is IBM,then your subtopics could be each type of software produced by the company.If your topic is Bank of China you could discuss their different loans offered by the bank. 1024768) plcal Order Example 1: Specific Purpose:To inform my audience about the four major elements of a Japanese garden. Central Idea:The four major elements of a Japanese garden are stones,sand,water,and plants. Main Points:I.The first element of a Japanese garden is stones,which symbolize mountains and islands. ll.The second element of a Japanese garden is sand. which symbolizes the sea and other vast areas. IlI.The third element of a Japanese garden is water,which symbolizes cleansing and purity. IV.The fourth element of a Japanese garden is plants. which symbolize life and the changing seasons. 4.Cause and effect A speech organized by cause and effect presents a particular scenario, states what happened or may happen,and predicts a result. Generally there are two main points.The first main point is a cause,and 6
6 3. Topical order A topically organized presentation takes a large topic and breaks it into several subtopics. For example, your topic is IBM, then your subtopics could be each type of software produced by the company. If your topic is Bank of China you could discuss their different loans offered by the bank. 4. Cause and effect A speech organized by cause and effect presents a particular scenario, states what happened or may happen, and predicts a result. Generally there are two main points. The first main point is a cause, and
the second main point is the effect,or vise versa. 5.Problem-solution A presentation organized this way focuses on the problem,the solutions or both,which should be made clear through the thesis statement and the preview of the main points. Vl.Seven types of supporting material I use not only all the brains I have,but all I can borrow. by Woodrow Wilson 1.Explanations/Descriptions 1)Explanations:Statements that make clear how something is done or why it exists a. Explaining how:For discussing or demonstrating processes of any kind b. Explaining why:For giving causes or reasons for a policy,principle, or event Explaining why some condition or event exists provides an analysis that often leads to better solutions 2)Descriptions:To describe is to produce word pictures---detailed sensory information that allows an audience to seek,hear,smell,touch, or taste the object of your description mentally. a.Good descriptions are vivid,accurate,and specific;they make people,places,and events come alive for the audience b.May be used in a brief,extended,or hypothetical example 3)Using descriptions and explanations effectively ●Keep them brief Use language that is as specific and concrete as possible Avoid too much description and explanation 2.Definitions 1)A definition is a statement of the meaning of the word or idea.A definition can help prove a point but is usually presented to make a point more understandable. 2)Using definitions effectively Use a definition only when needed---unnecessary definitions are boring Be certain that your definition is understandable 3.Examples:hypothetical/factual A specific case,story,or anecdote used to illustrate to represent a group of people,ideas,conditions,experiences,or the like. 7
7 the second main point is the effect, or vise versa. 5. Problem-solution A presentation organized this way focuses on the problem, the solutions or both, which should be made clear through the thesis statement and the preview of the main points. VI. Seven types of supporting material I use not only all the brains I have, but all I can borrow. by Woodrow Wilson 1. Explanations/Descriptions 1) Explanations: Statements that make clear how something is done or why it exists a. Explaining how: For discussing or demonstrating processes of any kind b. Explaining why: For giving causes or reasons for a policy, principle, or event c. Explaining why some condition or event exists provides an analysis that often leads to better solutions 2) Descriptions: To describe is to produce word pictures---detailed sensory information that allows an audience to seek, hear, smell, touch, or taste the object of your description mentally. a. Good descriptions are vivid, accurate, and specific; they make people, places, and events come alive for the audience b. May be used in a brief, extended, or hypothetical example 3) Using descriptions and explanations effectively Keep them brief Use language that is as specific and concrete as possible Avoid too much description and explanation 2. Definitions 1) A definition is a statement of the meaning of the word or idea. A definition can help prove a point but is usually presented to make a point more understandable. 2) Using definitions effectively Use a definition only when needed---unnecessary definitions are boring Be certain that your definition is understandable 3. Examples: hypothetical/factual A specific case, story, or anecdote used to illustrate to represent a group of people, ideas, conditions, experiences, or the like
People like to hear about the experiences of others.However,if you use a story,don't stretch out the anecdote beyond its significance.And take care not to tell so many that you forget the purpose of your presentation. A hypothetical example is an example that illustrates an imaginary or fictitious situation,e.g.Imagine yourself exploring the deep,undiscovered regions of the Amazon jungle... 4.Visual/audio support Audiovisuals allow you to present your case through an additional communication channel with your audience. 5.Testimony(证词，声明，记述)：quotations or paraphrases of a statement made by an individual to support a point 1)Expert testimony: testimony from people who are acknowledged and recognized authorities in their fields A good way to lend credibility to your speech It's even more important when a topic is controversial or when the audience is skeptical 2)Peer testimony: testimony from ordinary people with firsthand experience or insight on a topic valuable because it gives more personal viewpoint on issues can stir an audience's emotions and therefore be more memorable 3)Quoting: A quotation is a statement by someone who is usually authoritative or experienced in the subject.Essentially the value of a quotation depends largely on the source----the author must be reputed to be knowledgeable,objective,and honest. Opening with a quote that is contrary to your point can be a real attention getter."There are no real leaders in the world today...according to...but I don't agree"would quickly grab the attention of the audience. 4)Paraphrasing:Rather than quoting someone verbatim(一字不差地)you present the gist of someone's ideas in your own words 5)Using testimony effectively Use testimony from qualified sources---be certain that any authority you cite as an expert is an expert on the subject you are discussing Use testimony from unbiased sources
8 People like to hear about the experiences of others. However, if you use a story, don’t stretch out the anecdote beyond its significance. And take care not to tell so many that you forget the purpose of your presentation. A hypothetical example is an example that illustrates an imaginary or fictitious situation, e.g. Imagine yourself exploring the deep, undiscovered regions of the Amazon jungle… 4. Visual/audio support Audiovisuals allow you to present your case through an additional communication channel with your audience. 5. Testimony (证词，声明， 记述): quotations or paraphrases of a statement made by an individual to support a point 1) Expert testimony: testimony from people who are acknowledged and recognized authorities in their fields A good way to lend credibility to your speech It’s even more important when a topic is controversial or when the audience is skeptical 2) Peer testimony: testimony from ordinary people with firsthand experience or insight on a topic valuable because it gives more personal viewpoint on issues can stir an audience’s emotions and therefore be more memorable 3) Quoting: A quotation is a statement by someone who is usually authoritative or experienced in the subject. Essentially the value of a quotation depends largely on the source----the author must be reputed to be knowledgeable, objective, and honest. Opening with a quote that is contrary to your point can be a real attention getter. “There are no real leaders in the world today…according to… but I don’t agree” would quickly grab the attention of the audience. 4) Paraphrasing: Rather than quoting someone verbatim（一字不差地）you present the gist of someone’s ideas in your own words 5) Using testimony effectively Use testimony from qualified sources---be certain that any authority you cite as an expert is an expert on the subject you are discussing Use testimony from unbiased sources
Identify your source:name the person and his/her qualifications Quote or paraphrase accurately 6.Comparison and contrast A comparison presents similar characteristics,features,and qualities;a contrast presents differences.They help clarify the unknown by referring to the known.We all find it easier to learn about something when we can relate it to something we already know. 7.Statistics A statistic is a numerical fact or figure.You can increase the effectiveness of statistics by comparing the figure with some other fact known to the audience or easily comprehended by the audience. Using statistics effectively: Are the statistics from a reliable source? Identify the sources accurately Interpret the statistics accurately Explain your statistics,esp.with large numbers because they're hard to visualize IN SUMMARY Explanation:Statements that make clear how something is done or why it exists Definition: Concise explications of a word or concept Illustrations:Relevant stories Testimony: Quotations or paraphrasing from someone else Statistics: Numbers tat summarize data or examples Audiovisuals:Aids for people to see or hear Compare and Contrast:comparisons of one thing to another 9
9 Identify your source: name the person and his/her qualifications Quote or paraphrase accurately 6. Comparison and contrast A comparison presents similar characteristics, features, and qualities; a contrast presents differences. They help clarify the unknown by referring to the known. We all find it easier to learn about something when we can relate it to something we already know. 7. Statistics A statistic is a numerical fact or figure. You can increase the effectiveness of statistics by comparing the figure with some other fact known to the audience or easily comprehended by the audience. Using statistics effectively: Are the statistics from a reliable source? Identify the sources accurately Interpret the statistics accurately Explain your statistics, esp. with large numbers because they’re hard to visualize IN SUMMARY Explanation: Statements that make clear how something is done or why it exists Definition: Concise explications of a word or concept Illustrations: Relevant stories Testimony: Quotations or paraphrasing from someone else Statistics: Numbers tat summarize data or examples Audiovisuals: Aids for people to see or hear Compare and Contrast: comparisons of one thing to another
