1 Decide on a title for your talk (even if a rough idea at this
stage)
2 Research the topic, so that you know enough about its
background to feel confident with your particular angle on it.
See the guide “Making the case” for more on this. Remember,
you will still need to reference any sources, facts, figures you
use just as you would in an essay.
3 Refine and narrow the topic so that you have a few
main points or headings (usually between three and seven,
depending on the length of the talk – a common structure is 3 x
3; 3 main points with 3 sub-points) on which you can elaborate,
together with supporting evidence for your argument or train
of thought. Make sure that your talk has a clear beginning,
middle and end.
4 Write brief notes onto ‘prompt cards’ to help make sure
that you cover the ground you intend to, and in the right order.
5 Look carefully at the assessment criteria to be used by the
tutor (particularly if your talk is to be formally assessed).
6 Check out the venue for the talk and making sure that you
know where you will want to stand or sit, where you will want
your audience to be, and what equipment you may want to use
to enhance the talk.
7 Decide on the visual aids you will use, and prepare these (see
section on this topic below).
8 Practise giving your talk and timing it – either to a friend, to
a mirror or to a digital recorder (audio or video) – then editing
your talk as appropriate.
9 Re-read your prompt notes and any supporting material,
such as handouts you have prepared for the audience, to make
sure that you are feeling familiar with your topic and that they
complement each other.
10 Check that handouts and visual aids are all to hand,
and that the venue is appropriately set up, with any equipment
needed.
11 Remind yourself of the simple but vital rules for effective
oral communication:
• Introduce yourself
• Smile and sound interested
• Develop eye contact
• Tell the audience the structure of your talk
• Use the right language for your audience
• Maintain right pace (i.e. not too fast)
• Use your voice and pauses to move between points
• Use PowerPoint notes and bullet points to move you from
one point to next
12 Relax, breathe deeply and remember that your audience is
on your side.