Question

As an effective speaker the key element we are taught is to "Know (analyze) your audience". After reviewing this chapter what have you learned are other important elements that you must do (know) when planning a presentation? How many main points should a speaker include in their presentation/speech? Open a dialogue to discuss the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of a speaker's use of humor in presentations/speeches (Respond in agreement or disagreement to other virtual classmates post(s).

Types of Delivery

The word presentation may conjure up images of a speaker standing behind a lectern delivering information to a passive audience. While some business and professional presentations certainly follow this model, many of them are far more interactive.

There are three presentation styles: monologues, guided discussions, and interactive presentations.¹

Monologues are speeches delivered without interruption or audience involvement. An example might be when the presenter of an award introduces the winner to the audience by sharing some kind remarks about that person’s achievements. Monologues are most appropriate in large settings and on formal occasions. In smaller groups, they can feel artificial and create the impression the speaker does not care much about the audience.

Guided discussions are more interactive. In this type of presentation, a speaker provides information and has a preset idea of which material will be covered, but listeners are encouraged to speak up with questions and comments. Managing a guided discussion is more challenging, but the potential for more audience buy-in can be worth the effort.

Interactive presentations, as their name implies, involve the audience even more. Although the speaker still controls the program, an interactive presentation feels more like a conversation than a speech. Interactive presentations are common in sales settings, where customer interest drives the communication.

Speakers have four options when delivering presentations: manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous, 325and impromptu. However, two of them—extemporaneous and impromptu—will serve you best in most situations.

Answer 1

The other important elements that we must know when planning a presentation are:

- Audience- We need to know the audience first before planning a presentation and accordingly decide on the presentation style. Also, the delivery options (extemporaneous and impromptu) is decided based on the content.

- Topic- We must know the topic before planning a presentation and decide on the delivery options and presentation style accordingly. For example for a rewards ceremony, we might choose monologue speech and deliver details about the rewardee.

- Preference- The presenter should first decide what the audience need to do, such as interactive participation or just listen to their content. If it is an interactive speech, then the delivery options would be chosen accordingly.

The main points that a speaker should include in their presentation/speech are:

- Usually there are about 3-5 major points.

- The speaker outlines (describes) each point during his review

- This demonstrates that the speaker is efficient and effective in his/her speech.

Open a dialogue to discuss the effectiveness of a speaker's use of humor in presentations/speeches-

Humor is a great way to alert the audience to listen or concentrate on the speech. The audience becomes more interested when they laugh and are mind-alert. They will also know what was told to them before the humor. Humor in speech makes the audience to listen and remember the speech.