13.6 Creating an Informative Presentation
An informational presentation is common request in business and industry. It’s the verbal and visual equivalent of a written report. Informative presentations serve to present specific information for specific audiences for specific goals or functions. Table 7.1 below describes five main parts of a presentation to inform.
Table 13.5.1 Presentation Components and Their Functions. Lists the five main parts or components of any presentation (McLean, S., 2003).
| Component | Function |
| Attention Statement | Raise interest and motivate the listener |
| Introduction | Communicate a point and common ground |
| Body | Address key points |
| Conclusion | Summarize key points |
| Residual Message | Communicate central theme, moral of story, or main point |
Sample Speech Guidelines
Imagine that you have been assigned to give an informative presentation lasting five to seven minutes. Follow the guidelines in Table 13.5.2 below and apply them to your presentation.
Table 13.5.2 Sample speech guidelines. Seven key items.
| Topic | Choose a product or service that interests you (if you have the option of choice) and report findings in your speech. Even if you are assigned a topic, find an aspect or angle that is of interest to research. |
| Purpose | Your general purpose, of course, is to inform. But you need to formulate a more specific purpose statement that expresses a point you have to make about your topic—what you hope to accomplish in your speech. |
| Audience | Think about what your audience might already know about your topic and what they may not know, and perhaps any attitudes toward or concerns about it. Consider how this may affect the way that you will present your information. |
| Supporting Materials | Using the information gathered in your search for information, determine what is most worthwhile, interesting, and important to include in your speech. Time limits will require that you be selective about what you use. Use visual aids! |
| Organization |
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| Introduction | Develop an opening that will
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| Conclusion | The conclusion should review and/or summarize the important ideas in your speech and bring it to a smooth close. |
| Delivery | The speech should be delivered extemporaneously (not reading but speaking), using speaking notes and not reading from the manuscript. Work on maximum eye contact with your listeners. Use any visual aids or handouts that may be helpful. |
Informative presentations illustrate, explain, describe, and instruct the audience on topics and processes.
