GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Methods of PresentationIntroduction Depending on experience and speaking ability, there are four ways to make anoral presentation:x Speak impromptu.x Read from a manuscript.x Speak from memory.x Speak extemporaneously.SpeakimpromptuWith little or no preparation, one delivers a complete, well-organizedpresentation on the spot. Only gifted and experienced speakers can effectivelypresent impromptu briefings.Read from amanuscriptOne simply reads from a prepared manuscript, word for word:Advantages:x Ensures key information won't be omitted.x Imparts exact definitions and precise phrasing, if these are important.x Compensates for lack of preparation and rehearsal time.x Can make a presentation without being completely informed on the subject.x Can be incorporated into a canned briefing that anyone can present.Disadvantages:x Unless you're a talented speaker, reading words aloud sounds dull. Wordsmay look good on paper but may not sound good when read aloud.x You'll lose credibility. The audience may think you're parroting words youknow nothing about. They'll feel insulted if you read something they couldhave just as well read themselves.Speak frommemoryOne speaks from memory. Memorized presentations are as bad as reading froma script. They sound stilted and are risky--could lose memory in the middle of apresentation.However, to build confidence and control nervousness it's a good idea tomemorize--x Outline of the presentation.x Opening statement.x Closing statement.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 9-9