Preparing a presentation Here are some 'rules' for preparing a presentation:

• decide what you want to say to your audience;

• choose the right equipment to help make your talk interesting;

• find out who you are talking to;

• practice your presentation in advance;

• make sure your presentation has a clear structure;

• find out about the room you are talking in.

It's important to know your audience. How many people are there? Where are they from? What do they want to learn? How much do they already know?

The place is important too. If possible, visit it before your presentation. Where will the audience sit? Where will you stand? Where will you put your equipment?

Make sure your objectives are clear. This will help you to prepare material that is interesting and informative. Remember, you want your audience to learn something they don't know. You also want them to enjoy your presentation.

A well-organized presentation is easier to understand. Give it a beginning, a middle and an end. Make separate points and number them. This structure will help your audience to follow what you are saying.

There are many different kinds of AV (audiovisual) aids. You can use a simple flip chart or show slides on an overhead projector. There is also computer software, like Microsoft Powerpoin, which can make your presentation look professional. Choose AV aids that are appropriate for your audience. And make sure you know how they work.

Make notes of the most important points. Make sure you speak to your audience they have never read before. Practice giving your talk loud and check how much time it takes. Ask a friend to listen and give you feedback. 

Giving a presentation

Exercise 1. In order to carry out successful presentation you should:

• introduce the main points one by one;

• welcome the audience;

• introduce the first point;

• tell the audience the subject of the presentation.

Exercise 2. Read this short introduction to a presentation. Check the answers to Ex.1.

«Good morning, everyone. it’s nice to see so many of you here today.

The subject of my presentation today is our marketing plan for the next three years. Basically, there are main points I want to talk about, if you look at the first slide, you can see them listed there. First, I’ m going to tell you about our new product range aimed at the teenage market. Secondly, I’ll talk about each of the products and our plans for marketing them. And , finally I’d like to talk briefly about the competition. OK, let’s start with the point, our new product range…»

Exercise 3. Use the useful vocabulary:

• Thank you for listening.

• Let’s move on to …

• Are there any questions?

• This slide shows…

• So, in conclusion…

• As you can see …

• My next point is …

• If you look at the next slide…

Exercise 4. Look at ways of ending a presentation. Which ones do you think are good ways of ending? Which are not good? Why?

1. Ask the audience if they have any questions.

2. Stop talking, say goodbye and leave.

3. Write the list of the main points of your talk on the boar/flip chart.

4. Thank the audience for coming.

5. If possible, tell the audience where you will be for the next few minutes so that individuals can come and speak to you.

6. Give a very brief summary of what you said and how you feel achieved your objectives.

7. Give the handouts to the audience with the main points of your talk on them.

8. Ask the audience if they have any questions on your talk.

Exercise 5. Prepare a short introduction for your presentation refer to Ex. 2 and follow these steps:

• plan what you are going to say;

• practice your presentation with friend;

• ask your friend to give you feedback.