Writing up your oral presentation for submission
Consider some of the things which make an oral presentation a success:
- simplification
- restatement and repetition
- numerous and obvious use of signposts and connectives
- support materials
- conversational tone.
The written version is different. You will have to do substantial work in converting one form to another. Thus you should plan ahead.
There are two ways to approach this:
- Prepare your oral presentation and then modify and expand at a later date
- Compile your written version first and then simplify and prune it for oral presentation.
Either method works well, but most students prefer the latter method. It is easier to prune than to expand. Also, having worked first on your written version, you will have a certain level of expertise on the topic. This can help you to deliver a better oral version, particularly if you have to respond to questions at the end. The psychological factor is even more significant. Once you have delivered an oral presentation, you may be so sick of the process, and so relieved to have finished it, that you will dread returning to it.
