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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.