UNIT 01: Introduction to presentation skills

Meaning of Presentation

A presentation is a method of communication in which an individual shares information with an audience to inform, persuade, or entertain. It often involves a combination of speech, visual aids (like slides), body language, and other tools.

 Types of Presentations

a) Presentation that Deeply Involves the Audience

• Interactive in nature.
• Encourages audience participation through questions, discussions, activities.
• Often used in workshops, training sessions.

Benefits: Increases engagement, enhances understanding and retention.

b) Presentation that Creates Excitement

• Aims to inspire enthusiasm and interest.
• Often used for product launches, motivational talks.
• Uses dynamic visuals, energetic delivery, impactful stories.
• Focuses on tone, speed, and body language to maintain energy.

c) Persuasive Presentation

• Goal is to convince the audience to adopt a viewpoint or take action.
• Common in marketing, sales pitches, campaigns.
• Involves logic, emotion, and credibility (Ethos, Pathos, Logos).
• Includes clear call to action.

d) Presentation Evoking Emotional Appeal

• Uses stories, images, music, or real-life experiences to touch emotions.
• Often used in charity appeals, social cause awareness, motivational speeches.
• Helps audience connect personally with the message.

e) Presentation that Sells a New Idea

• Focuses on innovation or introducing a new concept/product.
• Emphasizes benefits, uniqueness, and relevance.
• Must address potential objections, use evidence to support claims.

Example: Startup pitches to investors.

f) Humorous Presentation

• Uses wit, jokes, or anecdotes to entertain or make content more relatable.
• Requires good timing, appropriateness, and audience understanding.
• Used in light-hearted speeches, after-dinner talks, or informal settings.

Planned and Unplanned Presentations

Planned Presentation

• Well-prepared, structured in advance.
• Includes defined objectives, organized content, and visual aids.
• Delivered in formal settings like conferences, meetings.
• Requires practice and rehearsal.

Unplanned Presentation

• Spontaneous or impromptu.
• Requires strong thinking on feet, confidence, and clarity.
• Example: Answering a sudden question in a meeting or giving a toast.
• May lacks structure but should still be coherent and engaging.

Planning a Presentation

Planning is essential to make a presentation effective, impactful, and audience-centric.

Structuring the Presentation

A well-structured presentation has three parts:

a) Introduction

• Grab attention: quote, story, question, or interesting fact.
• Introduce yourself and the topic.
• Give an overview of what will be covered.

b) Body

• Main content: organized into logical sections or points.
• Use headings, subheadings, and transitions.
• Support with data, visuals, anecdotes, and evidence.

c) Conclusion

• Summarize the key points.
• Reinforce the message or call to action.
• End with a strong closing: quote, challenge, or question.

Presentation Notes and Session Plan

a) Presentation Notes

• Speaker notes that help the presenter remember key points.
• Can include statistics, transitions, reminders for tone or body language.
• Avoid reading slides – notes should complement, not repeat, slide content.

b) Session Plan

• A blueprint of the entire session.
• Includes:

1. Time allotment for each section.
2. Activities or Q&A sessions.
3. Breaks, interaction points.
4. Helps in managing time and maintaining flow.