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How to give an oral presentation?

I’m supposed to do a PowerPoint presentation on Plastic Waste for my Environmental Science course. Besides that, I have already done a research on the same topic. Do you guys know what materials should I memorize? Like should I just memorize the research only?

Answers
Your Powerpoint work should only be used to supplement the verbal discussion and explanation which you are offering. Rather than memorising an individual research study, you would typically be aiming to give an overall account of the subject of Plastics Waste, its causes, effects and influences, and also the latest research into the subject.
aeboswell
29 December 2012
I am happy to help you organise the information into a coherent presentation. If you would like help with the structure and the language used in your presentation then feel free to get in touch.
11:28 on 22/12/12
29 December 2012
I'd say that your actual powerpoint should be main points - and then what you actually say should be building up on this. (I think an awful lot of powerpoints don't do that - and presentations just end up being the person reading every word off their slides. I always feel there is little point in the person being there in that case....) Hopefully the points you give on the powerpoint should start you off with each bit of what you are going to say..... meaning that you don't need to be memorising word for word. I'd agree with aeboswell that you need to be including a range of information - research, but also information on amounts, types, problems etc etc. If you want to discuss further, do get in touch.
veronicapatrick
02 January 2013
Keep your powerpoint presentation concise. 3 main bullet points per slide. Key phrases and words- no more. You don't need to actually memorize material. Your key words on the slides should jog your memory.
tutordevon
08 January 2013
Always use your own words and engage eye contact with your audience. Don't memorize a script. Use hand gestures and props if necessary. Be interesting! I aced my powerpoint presentations in science this way.
tutordevon
08 January 2013
Whereever possible use your own ideas and reflections on your research. My dissertation at Exeter Uni was done this way. Always discuss whether your points are valid and think about any limitations to your research.
tutordevon
08 January 2013
To get your presentation going, you could also include some short starter activity to engage your audience, eg a few true/false questions, based on preconceptions or existing knowledge about your topic. Makes it fun and builds a platform on which to launch the key themes. With a topic like plastic waste, I am sure there must be some key statistics that could catch the attention of the audience (or even shock them!).
hellouk
08 January 2013
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