Effective Communication - Emergency Management Institute ...

UNIT 7: PREPARING ORAL PRESENTATIONS
What Makes a Good Oral Presentation?
Consider a speech that you heard that impressed you and think about what
made it strong and effective. Most likely, it exemplified these qualities:
It matched the message to the audience.
It matched the content and delivery to the purpose.
It was delivered in a clear and engaging manner.
Matching the message to the audience begins with analyzing the needs of the
audience. After you determine the “who, what, when, where, and why” aspects
of a presentation, it is easy to determine the right message and the most
effective delivery. If necessary, take a few minutes to review Unit Six to refresh
your memory on characteristics of an audience.
Types of Presentations
It is likely that you will make one of two types of presentations—either
informational or motivational. The quickest way to determine which type is
appropriate is to ask yourself this question: Are you relaying facts or shaping
opinions?
Informational presentations:
Transmit specific knowledge.
Present information directly or through explanation.
Feature statistics or supporting research.
Present ideas in logical sequence.
Traditionally, informational messages are delivered in this order:
1. Introduce the topic.
2. Provide explanation, directions, or descriptions.
3. Restate or conclude the topic.
For example, if asked to provide fire evacuation guidance to the occupants of a
residential complex, you would make an informational presentation. The
following is an example of how that presentation would be organized using the
three steps listed above.
Effective Communication Page 7.6