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Build confidence and develop effective communication skills to prepare and deliver a presentation that makes an impact.
At the postgraduate level, presentations are often a part of the assessment method. In this section we will explore essential strategies and techniques for preparing and delivering an effective and professional presentation.
When developing a presentation you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Full details of the assignment requirements will be included in your module handbook so make sure and read this carefully.
Depending on the assignment brief you may need to inform your audience, educate them or persuade them. You may need to work as part of a group or prepare and deliver an individual presentation. Whether the presentation will be delivered in person, live online or pre-recorded, the information here will help you plan and deliver your presentation.
It is important you understand who you will be delivering the presentation to, as this will inform the language, depth of detail tone and pitch.
Consider these points:
Once you know what is expected of you and the requirements of the assignment, you can begin to Plan, Prepare and Practice.
Lets consider each of these steps.
Planning is key to success as it keeps you focused and helps you decide what information is relevant and needs to be included.
When researching your topic you need to think critically, just like you would for any other assignment type. You will need to critically evaluate and synthesis evidence and include relevant literature to support your content.
You want focused key messages and not to overload the audience with irrelevant information or detail. When selecting the main points to include in the presentation, consult your assignment brief and assessment rubric to ensure you have selected points that align with your overall purpose.
Pitching your presentation at the right level involves tailoring your content to their level of expertise and communicating using appropriate terminology. For an experienced audience, you do not want to over-simplify and for a novice, you do not want to overload them with complex details.
Aims of the guide:
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Think of a presentation as telling a story, you want to begin with an introduction, followed by the main body of content and finish with a conclusion.
Included here is some suggested content to include in each section of a presentation.
Introduce yourself as if it is a group presentation let the audience know at the beginning.
This is where you set the scene and establish the context for your presentation.
Introduce the main concept or ideas and include a ‘hook’ to grab the attention of the audience.
Do not forget to provide evidence and cite the relevant source.
Present your main ideas from your research.
Are there problems or challenges to consider, if so then state them, discuss why they are important, and what the solutions could be, providing evidence to strengthen your argument.
Addressing counterarguments in your presentation is a good way to add credibility and strengthen your argument. It also demonstrates thorough research and analysis of the topic
Every effective presentation should have a strong conclusion.
Remind the audience of the main topic or aim and then summarise the key points, reinforcing to the audience what you want them to remember from the presentation or what the take-home messages are.
Depending on the topic of the presentation, you might want to consider sharing the implications of the discussion or the next steps.
Your presentation will need to be evidence based so make sure and include the source of information.
Adhere to referencing guidelines provided in the assignment brief.
Consider using reference management software like RefWorks.
Once you have conducted your research, gathered relevant information and planned what you would like to include, you can start preparing the presentation.
Our brains are better at remembering information that has been delivered alongside a related image or infographic. Although, when considering what visual aids to include, remember you want to create a picture that coveys the purpose and is impactful but does not distract from the point.
Consider these suggestions in combination with other accessibility guidance
Further Information
Marketing and Communications have developed a range of academic and creative poster templates. Unless advised otherwise, it is a good idea to use one of these templates.
Access the templates in the Communications Toolkit Brand Assets
Here is an example academic poster for the Ulster Business School (landscape)
Here is an example academic poster for Life and Health Sciences (Portrait)
Depending on the assignment you may be required to develop a PowerPoint presentation and record this or present live to an online audience via MS Teams or Collaborate.
Here are some tips for recording your presentation
Following guidelines: Check the module handbook for instructions relating to how you should record the presentation. Do you need to use Powerpoint or Panopto to include closed captions.
Create a Script or Outline: Develop a script or an outline to guide your presentation. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you cover all the key points concisely.
Choose a Suitable Location: Select a quiet, well-lit location to record the presentation. If you have access to headphones, they will ensure optimal audio quality. Consider using a neutral background or virtual backgrounds for a polished look. MS Teams Backgrounds are available to download from Marketing and Communications Brand Assets, if you are presenting via MS Teams.
Manage Time Effectively: Be mindful of your allotted time and pace your presentation accordingly. When under pressure we often speed up, so be aware of this and practice the pace at which you speak. You want to avoid rushing through the content, as this can detract from the effectiveness of your recording. In some instances there could be a penalty for exceeding the allocated time limit.
Practice and Self-Critique: The importance of practicing the presentation by speaking aloud can not be underestimated. Record yourself presenting, then watch back the recording. Critically evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement in your delivery style, and overall effectiveness at addressing your assignment brief.
PowerPoint has an inbuilt facility that enables you to record you presenting. You can record each slide individually or you can record the presentation in one take. The individual slide option can be useful, in case you tumble over your words and need to re-record a slide.
Once you are happy with how you have presented each slide, you can export the presentation to a video.
You can then upload this to Panopto to add closed captions and provide a script.
Check out these link for information, guidance and resources to assist you when preparing your presentation and then practicing for delivery.
The importance of practicing your presentation can not be under estimated. If it is an oral presentation, you need to rehearse by reading out loud and ideally rehearse in front of a friend or family member.
Practicing presentations is crucial for several reasons:
Overall, practicing your presentation will enhances your overall performance and maximises the impact of your message.
To use notes or not to use notes!
At a postgraduate level you should try and avoid using cue cards or large amounts of text in the presenter notes section of each slide.
Cue cards can become a distraction rather than an aid, especially if you forget which card corresponds with which slide.
Presenter notes can be useful if used sparingly , but not something you want to rely on. Consider whether the point can be included on the slide.
If you have rehearsed the presentation, you will know your content inside out.
Have confidence in your ability, your slides are your visual prompt for what you want to say.
In a world with ever-growing diversity, effective communication can be much more challenging for some people. Communication can provoke stress and anxiety and for some it can lead to sensory overload, which can be exhausting.
It is important we all understand each others individual needs and preferences, so consider these tips for effective communication:
| Listening | People | Message | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
Active listening is crucial in postgraduate presentations. It involves not only hearing but also understanding and engaging with your audience's feedback and questions. | Understanding your audience and having an awareness of their prior knowledge is beneficial. Tailoring your content and delivery style to suit your audience ensures your message is received well. | The message is core to your presentation and it should be clear, concise and well structured. Remember draw the audience in early in the presentation. Make it clear why they should listen. | Being aware of and adapting to the context can enhance the effectiveness of your communication. For instance, the formality of your language and presentation style should match the expectations of the academic setting. |
These four pillars of communication are fundamental elements that need to be considered when you are preparing your content and presenting the information to your audience.
By mastering these pillars of communication, listening, understanding people, crafting your message, and adapting to the context, you will be able to deliver an impactful and professional presentation.
Here are some things to consider before the day of the presentation.
Know where the room is, to ensure you are not late.
Being in a familiar space can help calm your nerves.
If you are using audio in your presentation, it is a good idea to test this out in the room in advance of the presentation.
Last minute hick ups can be stressful.
Pick clothes and shoes that you are comfortable in.
Decide how professional your clothing needs to be. You can chat to your peers or Lecturer if you are unsure.
It is quite possible you will feel warm on the day, so avoid heavy layers.
When rehearsing with a friend, ask them to consider some questions that could be asked.
Body language is crucial when presenting because it enhances communication, engages the audience, and reinforces your message.
Here are some things you should and should not do.
Do
Do Not
