Guidelines for Oral Presentations
Oral Presentation Guidelines for Presenters at the 1st Spring Sport Science Summit
Here are some guidelines for preparing and delivering a 15-minute oral presentation with 15 to 20 slides at a conference:
Preparation
Understand Your Audience:
- Know the background and interests of your audience to tailor your content accordingly.
Define Your Objective:
- Clearly identify the main message or takeaway you want your audience to remember.
Structure Your Presentation:
- Introduction (2-3 slides):
- Start with a compelling opening to grab attention.
- Introduce yourself and your topic.
- State the purpose and importance of your presentation.
- Body (10-14 slides):
- Organize your content logically with clear headings.
- Break down your main points into manageable sections.
- Use data, graphs, and images to support your points.
- Conclusion (2-3 slides):
- Summarize the key points.
- Restate the importance of your findings.
- End with a strong closing statement and a call to action if applicable.
Slide Design
Keep Slides Simple:
- Use bullet points instead of paragraphs.
- Limit the amount of text on each slide.
- Use a large, readable font size.
Use Visuals:
- Include charts, graphs, and images to illustrate your points.
- Ensure visuals are high-quality and relevant.
Consistent Design:
- Use a consistent color scheme and layout throughout.
- Avoid clutter and keep the design clean.
Slide Count:
- Aim for one slide per minute of your presentation.
- Adjust the number of slides based on the complexity of your content.
Delivery
Practice:
- Rehearse multiple times to ensure smooth delivery.
- Time yourself to stay within the 15-minute limit.
Engage Your Audience:
- Make eye contact and use gestures to emphasize points.
- Encourage interaction by asking questions or inviting comments.
Speak Clearly:
- Use a clear, confident voice.
- Avoid reading from your slides or notes; instead, use them as prompts.
Handle Q&A:
- Prepare for potential questions.
- Keep answers concise and relevant to maintain the flow.
Technical Considerations
Check Equipment:
- Ensure your laptop, projector, and any other equipment are working properly.
- Have a backup of your presentation on a USB drive and cloud storage.
Arrive Early:
- Arrive early to set up and test your equipment.
- Familiarize yourself with the room layout.
Use a Remote Clicker:
- Use a remote to advance slides smoothly without being tethered to your laptop.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to deliver an effective and engaging presentation.