Applied Communication Studies

Elements of Effective Group Presentations

1. 4 Key Steps

   1. Presentation Analysis – Know your subject

      1. Identify the purpose of your presentation.
      2. Identify what your subject or topic should/will be.
      3. Make sure you can show how your topic relates to the audience.

   2. Audience Analysis – Know your audience

      1. Consider the audience demographics (age, gender, culture, etc.)
      2. Use appropriate examples that can be understood by your audience.
      3. Use the appropriate vocabulary, but watch using jargon.
      4. Make sure you can properly pronounce every word in your speech.

   3. Group Analysis – Know your individual and group strengths and weaknesses

      1. Confident Presenters do well with introductions and conclusions
      2. Detail oriented people can handle the discussion points.
      3. Fast thinkers are good at handling questions.

   4. Practice, Practice, Practice – aim for group cohesiveness

2. Create ONE presentation

   1. Work together to have ONE introduction, body, and conclusion for the presentation.
   2. One person compiles the slides from everyone into one slideshow.
      1. Use only one template/slide style for the entire presentation.
      2. Everyone works on their slides and sends/gives them to the one compiling.
   3. Everyone must contribute (i.e. research, proofreading, etc.).
   4. Keep a group mindset – Say “we found ...” not “I found ..."
   5. Work together to build a strong supported case.
   6. Create smooth transitions – between slides AND between group members
      1. Explain how the next topic is relevant to the previous one.
      2. If first time the next speaker has talked, introduce the speaker and his/her topic.
      3. Sometimes an easy way to transition is to acknowledge the overlap in topics/points.

3. Appearance of all group members matter

   1. Try to dress similar – does not have to be identical.
   2. Consider professional attire (i.e. slacks, button-up shirt, etc.)

4. Delivery Tips

   1. As part of opener/introduction, introduce the group members.
   2. Include a preview slide of what will be covered.
   3. When practicing, use your visual aids to check for typos or needed changes.
   4. Rehearse as if an audience is present.
   5. Share constructive feedback.
   6. Do not hold your speech notes while speaking. Place them so you can see them.
   7. Face the audience not the projected slides, no one wants to listen to your back.
   8. Make sure your nonverbals match what you are saying and do not divert attention.
      1. Smiling during a sad story will hinder message you are trying to give.
      2. Wild hand gestures can be very distracting.