Effective Group Presentations: Preparation, Delivery, and Group Dynamics

How Students Should Prepare and Deliver a Group Presentation

What Should Be Taken into Account Regarding Language in Academic Writing and Presentation/Layout?

• Impersonal, linking words, formal, terminology
• Grammar: passive, punctuation, prepositions, tenses, word forms, articles
• Presentation/layout: Font, size, spacing, cover page, page numbers
• Reference list on a separate page

What is Communication Apprehension and What Are Its Symptoms?

• Fear/anxiety of speaking in public: physiological reaction (‘thinking brain ‘off’; brain stem ‘on’; release of hormones, adrenalin; become more instinctive and less rational)
• Speech anxiety: fear before an event
• Stage fright: fear when in the communicative situation
• Symptoms: body temp. rises, sweating, butterflies (these can have a negative effect on our performance because they make us feel UNCOMFORTABLE/ SELF CONSCIOUS/ DISTRACTED)
• Heart rate increases: (makes us SPEAK TOO FAST, GET FIDGETY)
• Shaking

What Can We Do to Manage the Symptoms of C.A?

• PREPARE AND PRACTISE
• Cue cards
• Food/drink
• Dress
• Relaxation techniques
• Ride it out (keep going)
• Put things into perspective

When You PREPARE a Presentation, What Should You Take into Account Regarding the Following and Why?

a/ Your Visuals

* Font, size, colour, background, use of key words (NOT COMPLETE PARAGRAPHS): nouns, adjectives, verbs, numbers (price, quantity, dates), pictures/ graphs, use of space, relevance

Visuals should be easy to read (both in terms of content AND format). They should HELP the audience follow what you are saying, NOT feel like an additional ‘task’.

b/ The Structure

* Opening (greet, introduce, engage); body (logical organisation, clear division, links between sections, relevance); ending (summary, future action, thanks, questions)

This helps the audience follow the presentation because:

* It makes the division between sections clear * It clarifies the relevance between one point and the next * The summary reminds the audience of the key ideas (very important when the information is not available in writing)

c/ The Audience

* Previous knowledge, age, education, profession, culture, gender

This enables the presenter to make sure they are providing the audience with relevant information which is appropriate for their ability (language/ level of knowledge). It is also important to avoid making cultural references which may be misunderstood or cause offence.

d/ Your Purpose

* Inform, entertain, convince/ persuade, sell, raise awareness/funds

To ensure that your presentation achieves your goal.

e/ The Location

* Technology/facilities, size, comfort, light, temperature

To make sure that the audience is as comfortable as possible (and therefore more likely to pay attention), that your slides are compatible and that they can be seen, that your voice can be heard.

When You DELIVER (Give) a Presentation, What Do You Need to Consider Regarding:

a/ Your Voice

* Speed, volume, intonation, pauses, pronunciation

b/ Your Body Language

* Eye contact, movement, arms/ hands (guide audience through slides), don’t stand in front of slides, don’t turn you back on the audience

What Makes a Bad Presentation?

* Reading, monotonous voice, repetition of ideas, being unprepared with technology, aggressive/ uninterested attitude

Why Is Group Work So Important and What Are the Benefits of Group Work?

* We live in a society in which we function in groups in all areas of life. * More people = more ideas, perspectives = better results, increased knowledge, tolerance & understanding * Distribution of workload * Allows companies to take on bigger projects = more money * Support from other group members

What Are the Potential Problems When Working in Groups, and How Can They Be Minimised/Resolved?

* Different opinions – keep open minded, explore all ideas, compromise if necessary * Different abilities = frustration – patience with other weaknesses, recognise our own weaknesses and do our best to minimise impact on group * Lack of interest – everything is done for a reason; identify the reason and use this to motivate team * Different personalities – adapt to each other, exploit each person’s strengths, don’t allow dominant people to control or quieter people to go unnoticed. Accept that you don’t have to be friends!