5.5 Creating an Oral Presentation

Speaking and Presenting Orally

A famous Dale Carnegie quote tells us—when presenting—to “say what you’re going to say; say it; then say what you said” (Nelson, 2005, p. 209). This adage reminds us to preview our main points in our introduction; use transitions as we present our two to five body (or discussion) points; and conclude with a review of our main points.

Speech is a key skill in communicating. Conversational speech may come easy to some, but communicating verbally in a professional context may not. Professional speaking can be thought of as a rhetorical skill. To be effective, you need to understand not only what to say but also how to say it.

Casual conversation is usually spontaneous and informal. What is communicated may be unplanned and without consequence. Professional presentations, on the other hand, need to be planned and well-structured. They often occur in formal and sometimes stressful environments. Unlike in casual conversation, personal traits used in formal presentations may not come to you naturally.

Simple conversation skills are also valued in the workplace, but this does not mean using casual or informal language. Rather, what is prized by many employers is the ability to communicate important information professionally but in a meaningful and understandable way. This can be important when making spontaneous presentations as well as more elaborate formal group presentations, which are a part of many work roles today.

(Adapted from Professional Communications OER licensed under CC-BY 4.0 International.)

Steps for Creating an Oral Presentation

Step 1

Carefully review the content on the slideshare link below. In it you will find useful points on how to structure a presentation, use transitional words, and select appropriate phrases.

Step 2

Write out your presentation or make point-form note cards. Use whichever strategy best suits your individual needs.

Step 3

Practice reciting your presentation so that you will sound natural when you record it.

Step 4

Record your presentation.  Follow the recording instructions provided on your assignment sheet.