Structuring a presentation

Structuring a presentation

1. Introduction

   • is the point at which the presenter explains the content and purpose of the presentation. This is a vitally important part of your talk as you will need to gain the audience’s interest and confidence.
     • a positive start
     • a statement of what will be discussed
     • a statement of the treatment to be applied to the topic
     • a statement of the outcomes of the presentation

2. Main points

   • The main points are the backbone of your talk. They play an important role in helping you prioritise, focus and sequence your information.
     • When planning your presentation you should put aside your research notes and produce a list or summary of the main points that you would like to make, expressing each in a few words or a short sentence.

3. Transitions

   • Transitions are the signposts that help the audience navigate their way through your presentation. They can help divide information up into sub-sections, link different aspects of your talk and show progression through your topic.
     • “I will begin by discussing ...”
     • “Now that we have explored the ... I would like to move on to ...”
     • “In contrast to my earlier statements concerning ...”
     • “Moving away from a focus on ....” ;

4. Conclusion

   • The conclusion is an essential though frequently underdeveloped section of a presentation. This is the stage at which you can summarise the content and purpose of your talk,
     • a review of the topic and purpose of your presentation
     • a statement of the conclusions or recommendations to be drawn from your work
     • an indication of the next stages
     • an instruction as to what happens next
     • a thank you to the audience for their attention and participation

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