ENTR 3111 - Presentation Skills

Project enthusiasm, interest, and confidence through your delivery.
Smile to create a positive atmosphere.
Use appropriate volume and projection:
- Avoid speaking too quickly or slowly.
- Maintain a balance between loud and soft speaking.
Pronounce words clearly; avoid informal speech and slang (e.g., "talkin" vs. "talking").
Steer clear of filler words (e.g., "um", "er", "ah").
Substitute long words for shorter ones to enhance clarity.
Vary your speaking pace and incorporate pauses for effect.

Maintain eye contact with your audience to foster connection and engagement.
Avoid reading directly from notes or slides; use them as cues to recall talking points.
Be knowledgeable about the material to engage confidently.
Use natural gestures; avoid distracting actions like rocking or tapping.
Do not turn your back to the audience; aim to face them at all times.
When presenting as a group, have the presenting student take front stage, while others remain to the sides.

This gesture communicates openness and sincerity, making it relatable to the audience.
Example: Oprah Winfrey's use of palms up to connect with her audience.

The "Clinton Box" technique involves containing hand movements within an imaginary box, promoting a more trustworthy appearance.
This is a strategy to maintain controlled body language during speaking.

Simulating the holding of a basketball conveys dominance and confidence, making the speaker seem in control.
Example: Steve Jobs frequently employed this gesture.

Using palms-down gestures projects authority, strength, and assertiveness.
Example: Barack Obama effectively used this gesture for calming post-enthusiastic moments in speeches.