6 P's - McGill University [PDF]

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6 P’s 1. Preparation  Learn everything you can about your topic  Memorize the first minute of your speech  Arrive 15 minutes early to get familiar with the room and make sure everything is ready  Create a list the night before of materials you will need for the presentation the next day 2. Practice  Practice in front of a mirror.  Record yourself with a tape recorder or a video camera  Note: These can be borrowed free of charge from McGill’s Education Library located at 3700 McTavish St. ; 514-398-8109  Ask a friend to listen to your presentation  Practice your speech out loud 3. Participation  Think of ways to get your audience involved—are there thought-provoking questions you could ask?  Sample: “What do you think….” “Tell me about…” “How do you feel…” 4. Projection  Ask a friend to listen to your speak as if you were in a classroom are you too loud? Too quiet? Do you pronounce your words clearly? 5. Pace  Time yourself giving your presentation—is it too long or too short?  Do you speak too quickly? 6. Presence  Stand up straight, look your audience in the eye, smile   Take time to pause and take a breath  Allow your speech to rise and fall naturally—avoid monotone speaking

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Select a clean, readable font Make sure the font is large enough 7 words per line 7 lines per slide Use pictures instead of text where possible Create a handout for text-heavy materials

Further Reading Berkun, S. (2009). Confessions of a public speaker. Beijing: O'Reilly. Available in print: PN4129.15 B47 2010 - Humanities and Social Sciences McLennan Bld Duarte, N. (2008). Slide:ology: The art and science of creating great presentations. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media. Electronic version available through McGill libraries. Also available in print : HF5718.22 D83 2008 Management (under renovation) - McLennan Building, 4th floor Godin, S. (2007, January 27.) Really Bad Powerpoint. Retrieved from: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2007/01/really_bad_powe.html se er, C., & Peach, K. J. (2010). Presenting science: A practical guide to giving a good talk. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available in print: Q223 I87 2010 - Schulich Science & Engineering Lewis, L. S., American Society for Training and Development., & Books24x7, Inc. (2008). 10 steps to successful presentations. Alexandria, Va.: ASTD Press. Electronic version available through McGill libraries. Reynolds, G. (2008). Presentation zen: Simple ideas on presentation design and delivery. Berkeley, CA: New Riders Pub. Electronic version available through McGill libraries. Also available in print HF5718.22 R49 2008 -Management (under renovation) - McLennan Building, 4th floor

….and more! Search the McGill Library Catalogue for “Public Speaking” or “Business Presentations”