Oral Presentation

Objectives

By the end of this learning segment, you will be able to do the following:

- Identify an appropriate presentation topic.
- Develop and narrow the focus for your topic.
- Identify your position on the topic.
- Research your material using primary and secondary sources.
- Write the introduction, body and conclusion for your presentation.
- Develop visuals which adequately support your presentation.
- Deliver a presentation which is logically structured, intelligible and delivered using good body language.

Getting started: what will my presentation look like?

This is what you will be doing:

1. Talking for 8-12 minutes on a subject that you have strong interest in.
2. Supporting your talk with interesting visuals that do not distract people from what you are saying.

Step 1: Identify your presentation topic.

The hardest thing always is getting started. Here is the process we will follow.

Before we start please do the following activity:




So to go about choosing a topic of my presentation here is an example of how I narrowed down my topic and found a focus.


Topic
Dangerous Animals

Focus
Pet ownership of dangerous dog breeds

Question
Should there be a ban on dangerous dogs?

Argument
Dangerous dog breeds should be banned.

Now you try. 

What is going to be your topic? Where do you stand on it? Why do you feel this way? Add your thoughts to the discussion below.

EAP4B Join the discussion here

EAP31 Join the discussion here

Step 2: Begin the Research Process

Now think about the information you are going to gather to inform your presentation.

The questions I have about my topic are:

1. How serious is the problem of dog attacks in Melbourne? I want to find statistics of recorded dog attacks
2. What are the current rules and regulations of restricted dog breeds?
3. What are the restricted dog breeds?
4.  What are their origins? What was the purpose behind their breeding?
5. What are the opposing arguments?
6. Are there any other solutions to the issue apart from banning the breeds completely? i.e. are there any methods of treatment for restricted dog breeds that have not attacked
7. What implications would arise if dog breeds were banned?

What questions do you have about your topic?

Once you've gathered a brainstorm of questions, find your answers using reliable secondary sources.

Keep hold of your ideas. You will need them when we write your outline in the next activity.

Step 3: Write the outline

The first task in writing an outline is to construct a good introduction. This has the following components:

• Hook (this heightens the audience's interest and is comprised of "startling statistics", quotes or anecdotes)
• Bridge (this connects the hook to the thesis. A good way to construct a bridge is to present contrasting information to the hook).
• Thesis (a strong statement of your position).
• Outline (a preview of your main points).

Here's mine:

INTRODUCTION

• Hook

• These articles would act as a hook. I'd retell these stories to my audience.

Guide dog ambushed by pit bulls 

4 year old killed by neighbour's escaped dog

• I would also emphasise that the particular dog in article # 2had no history of vicious behaviour.

• Bridge

• All dogs can be temperamental, so this does not only apply to specific dangerous dog breeds. Whether it's a wolf-dog hybrid or a teacup chihuahua, they can still act unpredictably.

• Regardless of breed, every dog has natural instincts that can not be restrained.

• Thesis

• Technically, all dogs can be seen to be dangerous due to their unpredictable nature, however it's the specific dog breeds that have been bred to protect and fight which are the most lethal when they attack. They are the ones that have the capabilities to do irreparable damage to their victims and thus they should be banned.

• Outline
• Natural instinct
• Risks of attacks
• Dog fighting

BODY

• Natural instinct > owner's training
• Counter argument 
• Responsible owners -> well-trained dogs
• Main supporting argument w/ evidence 
• Behavioural genetics

• Eliminate risks of attacks
• Counter argument 
• Have restrictions in place instead of a complete ban
• Main supporting argument w/ evidence 
• Restrictions currently in place -> unsuccessful in prevention of attacks

• Preventing dog fighting rings 
• Counter argument 
• ...
• Main supporting argument w/ evidence
• ... still thinking

Set up a google doc, invite me and begin typing up your outline.

Here some example power points with some tips on how to make engaging slides.

Learning to Design PowerPoints like a Badass from Gina Holder

What Would Steve Do? 10 Lessons from the World's Most Captivating Presenters from HubSpot