Chapter 13 Review Questions

Three different ways to structure a presentation are logical, narrative, and formal.

See Figure 13.1. You can introduce the topic in a presentation with an unexpected statistic or fact; by asking a question that raises an issue you will address; by displaying a key visual or performing a demonstration; citing a quotation; or by telling a joke that is fresh, appropriate, and relevant.

There are a number of ways to present your body material: chronological order, topical/logical order, spatial order, journalistic questions, problem-solution, exclusion of alternatives, causal order, comparison/contrast, pro-con, and process. You should consider your topic to determine which method will best suit your presentation.

A conclusion should be a brief summary that restates the main issues, restates the point you started with, issues a challenge or call to action, or asks a question for the audience to think about.

Use visuals as an aid, not the main focus of a presentation. Make visuals consistent in size, font, contrast, and spacing. Proofread for accuracy and consistency. Give each aid a title. Test equipment before using it. Put visuals up only when you are ready to discuss them, and then comment on them and take them down when you don’t need them anymore.

The four most common ways of delivering a speech to a group are the script method, memorization, impromptu speaking, and the extemporaneous method.

To help increase confidence, speakers should practice their presentation aloud, time themselves, master the topic, practice in front of others or record themselves to get feedback, familiarize themselves with the room before the presentation, and learn stress reduction techniques (e.g. deep breathing, visualization, and muscular relaxation exercises).

See Figure 13.5. Good meeting participants use body language that makes them look engaged, pay attention to the speaker’s non-verbal communication, take occasional notes, offer comments, and have questions prepared.

When answering the phone, you should answer promptly, identify yourself, avoid taking calls during meeting, talk professionally, listen carefully, avoid leaving callers on hold, and take accurate phone messages for others. It is also important to learn your organization’s phone system, excuse yourself if you need to leave your desk to obtain the information required, and always explain if you are answering the phone for a co-worker.

You may have to stand behind what you say, and you also represent the company, so you want to make sure what you say is true and accurate but does not divulge information that is private.