2.1.4 Style

Dress: the oral presentation of proposals and design review are formal presentations--dress accordingly. Do not let your attire distract the audience; nor should it run counter to the expected conventions in your field for particular types of presentations.

Speech/voice: rehearsed extemporaneous style of speaking. Memorize only your opening and closing sentences and all transitions. YOU ARE NOT GIVING A SPEECH OR READING OUT A LECTURE. Don't memorize a written speech: your syntax will be too stiff, too formal and difficult for the audience to listen too. Emphasize keywords from bulleted lists on your overheads to help audience follow along. Slow down and keep the volume up so you can be heard at back of the room.

Physical mannerism:

Face the audience and scan the room with your eyes -- if you face the screen we can't hear you.

Stand away from the projector, near the screen, as you point to your overheads so that you do not block the view.

Don't play with the pointer.

Let your partner put the overheads on the projector so you can concentrate on the presentation--your partner should be seated at the projector.

ebarrett@mit.edu

schiu@mit.edu