Topic 1.12.3 Presentation Styles
PRESENTATION STYLES
1.Warm up
Work in pairs. Think about how you would present the following information to colleagues. Would you use the same approach for both situations. Why / Why not?
- A summer barbecue
- The latest sales figures
1B. Which of the topics below would you present:
- Using facts and figures?
- By engaging the audience’s emotions?
- An office move
- A company merger
- A mentoring programme
- A new workflow
2A. Ideally, a successful presentation is when the presenter knows his / her audience.
In pairs, discuss what it means to know your audience.
2B. Discuss the following questions.
I have some experience in a work situation.
1.Have you ever had to substitute for another person and take over their presentation? What happened?
2.Did you know your audience? If not, what approach did you use?
I don’t have much experience in a work situation.
1.Have you ever been in a class or lecture where another teacher had to step in at short notice?
2.What was the impact? How did the teacher deal with the situation?
3A. Video
[Video 3.3.1] Watch the video as Sonia and Prisha, discuss making a presentation to Claremont, a cosmetics company.
- Why has Prisha asked Sonia to make this presentation?
- Why shouldn’t Sonia be cynical about the perfume industry?
- How does Prisha want Sonia to describe the event?
- What does Prisha remind Sonia?
3B. In small groups, discuss which is the best approach (Option A or B) when presenting to the new client. As a class, decide which video to watch first.
Option A: Use a fact-driven presentation style.
Option B: Use a style that appeals to the audience’s senses and emotions.
3C. Watch the videos in the sequence the class has decided and answer the questions.
Option A [Video 3.3.2]
- Why has the Ambassador Hotel been chosen for the launch?
- How will a feeling of exclusivity be accomplished?
- What does Sonia say about the flowers?
Option B [Video 3.3.3]
- How does Sonia begin the presentation?
- Why do you think Claremont would rather have only their photographers present?
- What does Sonia say about the flowers?
4.In pairs, discuss the pros and cons of Sonia’s approach in each option.
5. [Video 3.3.4] Watch the Conclusions section of the video and compare what is said with your answers in Exercise 4. Do you agree? Why / Why not?
6. Think about the following questions. Then discuss your answers with a partner.
1.Which of the two presentation styles would you choose if you did not know your audience? Why?
2.What are one advantage and one possible disadvantage of your own personal style when making a presentation?
7A. Fact-based and emotion-based presentations
7C. Using the parts of the sentences in Exercise 7B, create your own sentences for a pitch.
8A. Role play
Work in pairs. Read your role cards and prepare your presentations.
Student A
You have been asked to visit your local college / high school. You will be presenting to students to inform them about opportunities to work at your company or study at your university. Decide:
which approach you will take.
what information you will include.
Student B
You are presenting to the board at your place of work or study to ask for some money to organise a big end-of-year event. You think this will be a great reward and good for morale. Decide:
which approach you will take.
what information you will include.
8B. Deliver your presentations to each other. Make sure you include phrases from Exercise 7A.
8C. Give each other feedback on your presentations. How could you have made it more emotive? Did it sound over-exaggerated? How could you have sounded more neutral?
9A. Pronunciation Chunking and stress in presentations
In presentations, it is important to speak clearly, not too fast and with pauses and stresses at appropriate points. This helps you to breathe calmly and makes your message clear to your audience.
[Audio P3.02] Listen to two versions of part of a presentation. Which is more effective and why?
Just picture it. There you are, having the launch at the beautiful art deco Ambassador Hotel, which perfectly matches the design of the beautiful Gold bottle! The paparazzi are there. Celebrities mingle. It’s the event of the year. The interior is decorated in a sumptuous manner. Performers provide extraordinary entertainment. Your guests will be able to feel the anticipation as they walk the red carpet on their way to the Ambassador’s historic ballroom.
9B. [Audio P3.03] Listen to the more effective version again. Mark the pauses and underline the words the speaker stresses.
Just picture it. | There you are, | having the launch | at the beautiful …
9C. Work in pairs. Take turns to give the presentation.