Page 53 - DENG401_Advance Communication Skills

Advanced Communication Skills

Notes 2.4.4 Decide the Manner and Mode of Presentation

The speaker should decide whether he wishes to achieve the objective by a formal presentation
or a non-formal one. The speaker may select any of the following modes of presentation:
1. Reading: A written script may be used to present the whole matter. It helps to maintain
accuracy, but eye contact may be lost in the process. Very few speakers can master this art
of reading as well as maintaining frequent eye contact with the listeners.
2. Memorized Presentation: If the memory power of the speaker is to read aloud well, he
may memorize the whole presentation and not use any written material, but in case, the
speaker forgets in between, it leaves a very bad impression and spoils the effect of the
presentation. The best method in this case is to make some brief notes, and refer to them
in between, to maintain a smooth presentation.
3. Extemporaneous presentation: In this case, the speaker does not memorize the whole
presentation, word by word. Rather, he takes some ideas in his mind and in a logical
order, presents them in his own words. A mental recap helps.

2.4.5 Plan out the Presentation: Preparation of Script

The most tedious and arduous task is the preparation of the script. A lot of effort goes into the
preparatory stage of making a presentation. This would become clear if you were to compare
your presentation to the tip of an iceberg, 90% of which is invisible and only 10% is visible.
While preparing the script, the speaker has to keep in mind:
1. Length of the script, depending on the time available for presentation.
2. Style of presentation, conversation style or formal speech, simple and lucid or impressive
and explanatory.
3. Humour, making the talk more interesting and lively, to engage the audience more fully.
Format of a presentation/composition of the script: A rough plan for any presentation may be
made as follows:

1. Opening:
(i) Introductory remarks.
(ii) Stating the objective of the presentation.
(iii) Creating a rapport with the audience.
(iv) Drawing the outline of the presentation.
2. Middle:
(i) The main body of the presentation.

(ii) Examples and visual aids.
(iii) Explanation of the topic in points, as per their priority.
3. Closing:
(i) Giving a clear message of the presentation.
(ii) Summary of the presentation.

(iii) Inviting queries.
(iv) Thanking the audience and organizers.

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