What is Oral Presentation | Oral Presentation Definition

What is Oral Presentation | Oral Presentation Definition

The oral presentation means delivering an address to a public audience. It also refers to public speaking and/or speech-making. It is a brief discussion of a defined topic delivered to a public audience in order to impart knowledge or to stimulate discussion. The skill in oral presentation is equally as important as effective writing. Almost every oral presentation contains an introduction, main body and conclusion like a short paper. Though it is a formal speech in nature or vocal performance to an audience, it may occasionally require adequate planning and thorough preparation in using one's voice, body language and visual aids such as slideshows to present and illustrate the points more effectively and to achieve the desired results.

Whatever your profession is, you may be asked on various occasions to participate in a seminar, conference, panel discussion and/or meeting and to deliver an address to the audience present there. If you are an effective speaker, you can take this opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, enhance your prestige, influence decisions, and occupy more important positions in your organizations. So, the acquisition of oral presentation skills is essential for success in any profession.

What you need most for an effective oral presentation is to take a thorough preparation. Only a thorough preparation can help you control your nervousness and give an effective oral presentation. And if you want to take a thorough preparation, your first step should be to define the purpose of your presentation. Whenever you have been able to define the purpose of your presentation, you should find out the points related to the purpose of your presentation.

Body languages such as eye contact, facial expression, posture and gesture plays a significant role in oral presentation process. The proper use of the voice and the ability to adjust it to suit the slightest differences of meaning are also very important in oral presentation. In addition to correct pronunciation, variation in pitch and cadence, free from speech mannerism, fluency in delivery are also very important in oral presentation.

In some cases of oral presentations if it seems to you that the persons expected to participate in the meeting spread over a wide geographical area, then you may need to prepare a brochure and send it to them well in advance. The brochure usually contains some essential information such as theme, background, main topics for discussion, name of the president/chairperson, chief guest, special guests, honorable guests and speakers, etc.

 

You may also require some specific techniques for each oral presentation to ensure that your audience understands and remembers the points of your speech. When you deliver your speech, try to keep your presentation brief and to the point as much as possible – no unnecessary details. You should stick to the facts and avoid presenting complicated information.

Sometimes note cards help you much keep your speech on the topic, but do not write down everything of your speech you are going to deliver— this makes your presentation a little dull and you can't properly communicate your ideas to your audience. On the other hand, it would be imperative if you allow your audience to ask you questions on the subject under discussion before ending your oral presentation. But in this case you have to make sure that you have prepared yourself well to answer their questions.