Abstract

During a service year, AmeriCorps*VISTA members may be called on to make a presentation at an event or conference. Besides practice, the art of public speaking requires confidence and the mastery of a few basic techniques. This effective practice offers tips from an AmeriCorps*VISTA member with Michigan Campus Compact and was submitted in September 2005.

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Issue

AmeriCorps*VISTA members are often in situations where they must make presentations to groups of community members, faculty, administrators, and peers at professional conferences. However, public speaking can be an area of trepidation for many, particularly if a member has received no formal training.

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Action

Below are strategies in three key areas that AmeriCorps*VISTA members may incorporate in their presentations:

1. Public Speaking
   • Make conversation — Talk to the audience as they arrive. It will be easier to talk to friends than strangers.
   • Know your material — Practicing the material ahead of time will help you feel comfortable and prepared the day of the event.
   • Don't apologize — Apologizing for any problems you think you have with your presentation may simply serve to call attention to something the audience has not noticed.
   • "Practice" with diverse audiences — Experiencing different audiences will help build confidence in any setting.
   • Have fun — Humor can be a great way to break the tension in the room and help you relax.
2. PowerPoint Presentations
   • Know your audience — Speaking English to Spanish speaking people is not going to work. By knowing your audience you will know how and what to include on your slides.
   • Make certain slides are readable and content specific — Be clear and to the point as you have very little space to convey your message. If the audience cannot read your slide or does not have enough time to read the slide because there is too much information, then your presentation will not be successful.
   • Consider slide layout carefully — Creativity is great but don't overdo it. You will take away from the content.
   • Plan for technology problems — Sometimes technology fails and you must have a backup plan. Bring handouts and a backup disk.
3. Flip Chart Presentations
   • Write, then talk — Avoid talking to your audience as you are writing on the flip chart, even if it takes a while to copy material onto the chart.
   • Use colors that are pleasing to the eye and easy to read — Black and blue are best to use. Avoid yellow, orange and pastels, as they are hard to see.
   • Know your surroundings — Find out in advance if you can use tape or thumbtacks on the walls and if your markers will bleed through onto the walls.
   • Print large enough — The people in the back of the room should be able to clearly see what you are writing. Avoid using cursive writing because it is difficult to read from a distance.
   • Look Professional — Take control when at the easel. Know how to write legibly and speak clearly. Avoid getting marker all over yourself.

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Context

Michigan Campus Compact promotes the education and commitment of Michigan college students to be civically engaged citizens, through creating and expanding academic, co-curricular and campus-wide opportunities for community service, service-learning and civic engagement.

Michigan Campus Compact places AmeriCorps*VISTA members on campuses to help build, support, and develop the capacity of college students to address the local needs of children in low-income communities and gain a richer experience outside the classroom.

Programs include Student Service Leadership Camp, Colloquium Series, Institute on Service-Learning, Day at the State Capitol, National Teleconference, Blue Ribbon Panels on the Civic Good of Higher Education, and the Community-Campus Partnership Summit.

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Outcome

Making presentations takes confidence and practice, but with some basic skills and learned techniques, anyone can excel.

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Posted On

November 8, 2005

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For More Information

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Resources

How to Conquer Public Speaking Fear, by Morton C. Orman, M.D. http://www.stresscure.com/jobstress/speak.html

A Research Guide for Students, Chapter 3: Presentation Tips for Public Speaking http://www.aresearchguide.com/3tips.html

Related Practices

• Planning and conducting a presentation with a co-presenter
• Giving winning presentations using PowerPoint slides

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Related sites

Toastmasters International

School for Champions, How to Succeed in Public Speaking

Advanced Public Speaking Institute

Topic Areas

• Communication skills
• Training
• AmeriCorps
• AmeriCorps VISTA
• Volunteer
• Member
• Staff
• Program management

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