| Let's face it, if we are serious about our third | | | | Ireland, Galway. ABC is a mnemonic for the |
| level education there will come a time when we | | | | phrase 'Always Be Covered' which refers to the |
| will be required to make presentations to either | | | | planning and preparation we should undertake prior |
| peers, tutors or faculty members during our time | | | | to the delivery of any presentation. The following |
| in university or Open Learning institutes. We may | | | | are some practical suggestions we should |
| be required to make presentations during module | | | | incorporate into our preparation phase of our |
| workshops or deliver our findings from a group | | | | delivery: |
| discussion, or maybe to show the findings of | | | | Know the material well (Be an expert). |
| research we have carried out. Whatever way we | | | | Practice our presentation with rehearsals |
| look at it, presentation skills are a requirement | | | | (Emphasis on the first five minutes, this helps |
| throughout our third level studies. | | | | calm the initial nerves). |
| When referring to the planning and preparation of | | | | Prepare handouts. |
| presentations we generally refer to the three M's; | | | | Introduce ourselves (Short Bio). |
| Method, Media, Materials as a guide in the planning | | | | XYZ is a mnemonic for the phrase 'Examine Your |
| process, so that all bases are covered so to | | | | Zipper' which although funny, stresses the |
| speak. Method refers the type of presentation | | | | importance of leaving nothing to chance, starting |
| we are going to use, for example; will we be | | | | with ourselves, the room and finally the |
| conducting a lecture, demonstration, discussion or | | | | equipment. The following are some suggestions to |
| playlet. Media refers to the type equipment that | | | | get us started: |
| we might use during the presentation, which may | | | | Check that we are dressed correctly with trouser |
| include one or more of the following: Flipcharts, | | | | flies zipped up or missed or undone buttons |
| Overhead Projectors, Data Display Cameras and | | | | exposing bras or underwear put right. (Ourselves) |
| Computers with Microsoft PowerPoint to name | | | | Have you brought the laser pointer and markers |
| but a few methods currently in use. Materials | | | | for the flipchart? (The Equipment) |
| refers to the additional information we might give | | | | Check and test all electronic equipment in |
| our audience, for example; we might issue | | | | advance. I mean do a test run.... are the slides in |
| handouts, CD ROMS, printouts of the PowerPoint | | | | order? are the pictures and links prepared? (Have |
| Presentation or samples of our product. The | | | | you got a back-up plan such as a pre-prepared |
| subject of presentation skills can fill volumes of | | | | flipchart if the AV (Audio Visual) equipment goes |
| text in libraries and bookshops for the interested | | | | south for the winter?). (The Equipment) |
| student, but that is not what we are about in this | | | | Check temperature and ventilation of the room |
| article. | | | | (Is there enough seating? Are the emergency |
| To get started with presentation skills let us | | | | exits obstructed?). (The Room). |
| commence with the basics, which for ease of | | | | The list could be endless but I hope you get the |
| reference has two parts, ABC and XYZ. These | | | | idea of how important it is to be fully prepared |
| two parts can act as a foundation on which to | | | | for all presentations. Remember!!!! When you have |
| proceed with learning how to deliver professional | | | | prepared well for a presentation this will add to |
| presentations during our academic studies. The | | | | your confidence and in turn this confidence will |
| ABC and XYZ of Presentation were adapted | | | | shine through in your professional presentation. |
| from a series of lectures given by Professor | | | | The best of luck with your future presentations. |
| Hubert McDermott of the National University of | | | | |