Page 52 - DENG401_Advance Communication Skills

Unit 2: Presentation Skill

Notes

Notes Ten Steps to Successful Communication

Steps Purpose
1. Consider the occasion and objective Know the sphere and concretize ideas
2. Make audience analysis Meet demands of the audience
3. Know about the location Acquaint yourself with the venue, organizers, etc.
4. Decide the mode and manner of Secures the attention of the receivers
presentation
5. Prepare the script Make a confident presentation
6. Preparation of Should:
(i) Visual aids Generate interest
(ii) Handouts Increase retention
(iii) Feedback forms Assess competence
7. Rehearse Brings perfection, instills confidence
8. Consider personal aspects Be presentable in appearance
9. Overcome nervousness Be fearless and effective
10. Make the presentation Enables sharing of ideas, information and knowledge

2.4.1 Consider the Occasion and Objective

It is important to know the occasion for which the presentation has been organized. The person
who wishes to make the presentation must know his proper sphere and the purpose he wants to
fulfill through his presentation. What is that, one aims to achieve at the end of the presentation,
should be crystal clear. One should not stray or move away from the main point or focal area.
The more one centres round the thrust area, greater are the chances of the results being positive.

2.4.2 Make an Audience Analysis

It is most important for any speaker to understand for whom the presentation is meant. An
audience is not just a gathering of people; it has a collective identity of its own. The presentation
must be in a form and style that suits and interests the audience and the content and tone should
also depend on the nature of the audience. The age, sex, nationality, educational background and
experience of the audience present, have a great relevance to the presentation.
As an example, while considering the age factor of the audience, these clues can be used:
Children love to listen to stories and dramatic presentations; teenagers are responsive to new
ideas and like informative presentations and senior citizens like to be reminded about the good
old days.

2.4.3 Get Acquainted with the Environment/Location

The speaker should be familiar with the physical environment. The size of the room, the seating
arrangement, speaker’s position vis-à-vis the platform or podium, setting of the mike, lighting
and ventilation, positioning of the visual aids, etc., should be well planned out and observed in
advance.

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