Presenter Tips for Seminars

Background | Conclusion/Summary | Handouts | Visuals | Do's and Don'ts

Seminars and instructional courses are 1- or 2-hour courses intended to provide in-depth, clinically-oriented continuing education for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Emphasis is on clinical applications backed by appropriate levels of evidence.

Background

• Provide any background information necessary to ensure understanding of key points
• Place your topic in context
• Key points
• Identify the priority topics that you want to present - refer to advertised abstract and learner outcomes
• Present each key point as an "argument"; only share the largest, latest, or most important data
• Create a list of the 5 key points that should be remembered; under each main topic, write out the main message you want to convey
• Organize points from most to least important
• Determine what supporting data is required to reinforce those points (evidence)
• Information should be concrete, specific, practical, and relevant
• Candidly include pros and cons
• People remember groups of 3 ideas or points

Conclusion/Summary

• Draw conclusions - where are we? What does it all mean? What do we do now?
• Summarize the presentation:
• Review, highlight, and emphasize your 3-5 key points
• Make a call to action (consider your information, do something, use on Monday morning, etc.)
• Re-convey your key message
• Acknowledge collaborators
• Thank your audience

Handouts

• Create at least a 1-page handout which includes a note-taking outline, pertinent information, as well as any references and contact information for presenters.
• Remember to post your handouts to ASHA's Web site before you leave for the Convention so attendees can print them out beforehand.
• Keep in mind, some people will decide to attend your session at the last minute, so make sure to bring copies with you as well.

Visuals

• Using visuals can communicate ideas faster and more clearly, as well as reinforce your spoken message. Using visuals to reinforce your ideas also helps your audience retain your information.
• Keep it simple! Make sure your visuals are large and easily readable - viewers should get the point within 5 seconds, and use consistent font, colors, and format
• One key idea per visual
• Interpret visuals, don't just report them
• Give visuals a headline that helps increase comprehension - think newspaper headline
• Visuals should illustrate your verbal points clearly

Do's & Don'ts

Do...

• Alternate moving and standing still
• Dress appropriately, use good grammar
• State your objectives at the start of the talk
• Practice! It is the single most important factor contributing to a good presentation.
• Go to the room prior to your presentation so you are familiar with the room/AV/lighting
• Utilize the speaker ready room to preview your visuals and make any changes
• Choose a natural, moderate rate of speech
• Have notes, but use them sparingly - Don't write out your presentation on your slides and then read them
• Keep an eye on your time
• Give credit to others who contributed
• Take care with body language
• Pause during your presentation - it gives the audience time to catch up with you and digest what you are saying
• Give of yourself - use personal examples and stories in your speech whenever possible
• Stay relaxed

Don't...

• Hide behind the podium
• Make jokes
• Exhibit habitual behaviors - fidget, jingle coins, twirl hair etc.
• Read to your audience
• Run overtime
• Apologize for any aspect of your presentation
• Criticize aspects of your trip, the facility, city, etc. during your talk
• Use profanity
• Use jargon