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Seminar Presentations

6. Choosing presentation aids

Any presentation aid supplementing your oral presentation should:

  • be clear,
  • not overwhelm your presentation,
  • support what you do,
  • not be used to do your job for you.

Overheads : Since these can be prepared in advance, they can be both useful and impressive, especially if done neatly.

Tip: Leave lots of blank space to assist with the visual impression.

Blackboard : The biggest drawback of this method is that it is time-consuming. So avoid lengthy blackboard text. The blackboard is useful, however, for writing single words, names, or concepts that are unfamiliar; for posing an opening question; or for slowing down a presentation, so others can understand and participate.

Tip: Arrive early and write on the board before others arrive.

Handouts : They give your audience a permanent reminder of your presentation. However, remember: good things come in small packages.
Using handouts has several advantages:
  • they can help you to reinforce some of the major points you are making in the presentation,
  • they can give your audience something on which to record reactions to your presentation,
  • they lend an air of professionalism to the whole proceeding and show that you are both prepared and knowledgeable about your topic.

However, be aware of the impact a lengthy and "text-heavy" handout can have:

  • it can discourage rather than encourage your audience from reading, or
  • perhaps they will spend the entire presentation time reading and not pay attention to your words.

Here are things to include in your handout:

  • a framework or outline of your presentation;
  • major points that you reiterate in your presentation;
  • short, relevant quotations or paraphrases;
  • key concepts/theories/names/definitions;
  • a short bibliography.

Keep your handout to one sheet of paper, double-sided if you must, and make it visually appealing.


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