Stand up and be Heard

An oral presentation can be a very effective means of conveying ideas to others. Well planned presentations assure audience understanding and idea retention, and are most effective when the spoken word is complemented by a well designed visual aid. Poor preparation or poor use of aids can detract from rather than help the communications process. Preparation of an effective presentation involves four steps: planning, writing, rehearsing, and readying. Checklists can be of help during preparation.