SHOWING STUDENTS THE ART OF PRESENTATION: LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Public speaking is an art that should be cultivated at both the professional and academia level. Professionals must examine their surroundings and cater their presentation as a learning environment. Often individuals do not give adequate attention to their presentations. If we, as professional speakers, fail to prepare adequately we fail to set the standards for students to present professionally for themselves as well as their peers. Is electronic media to blame for a poor presentations in conferences?

There are numerous guidelines available for giving scientific talks. The art of composing public address is nothing new, however, some public speakers need to be reminded of their obligations when making scientific presentations. Practicing the presentation consecutively is very important It is evident when a speaker has practiced their presentations. Their demeanor is confident and the information flows in a way that is understandable to those present. At an international conference I recently attended, the different styles of the presenters were very interesting. Presentations can be affected by the environment, and the moderator should monitor what goes on in the room being aware of time constraints, avoiding unnecessary movement, providing adequate lighting as well as placate to the audience. A 15-minute talk should facilitate a “question & answer” period. A fifteen-minute presentation that turns to 30-minutes shows lack of respect for the audience and lack of responsibility by the moderator (chair of the session). Addressing your audience with your back turned to them throughout, makes it difficult people to hear the speaker. The speaker may not be able to gage the audiences' reaction to his/her presentation. A collection of bad presentation and a good presentation will be shown in the form of video clips.