In Myth 1: Presentations Require a Magic Number of Visual Aids, we a warned of the inappropriate use of visual aids. Each slide should contain just the main bullet points of the topic discussed. The speaker can elaborate more on each point during the actual presentation. Detailed slides, as they put it, should be prepared but only used to answer or illustrate questions from the audience. Which leads to Myth 2, the audience cannot read. When detailed slides are used, the presenter has a tendency to read what’s on the slides to the audience. This practice, Becker and McNulty (1996) pointed out, “is a boring and frequently insulting method of presentation”. In Myth 3, the authors compare the use of slides to overhead transparencies. Some of the advantages of transparencies are: Their effectiveness in a fully lighted room; audience can follow handouts or take notes. They facilitate face-to-face contact with the audience; eye contact is possible so the speaker can pick up verbal and nonverbal cues. Additionally, the sequence of the material can be modified during the presentation; the speaker can abbreviate or extend sections of the presentation.
In Myth 4, hands written versus computer-generated transparencies are discussed. In Myth 5 the article explains why tabulated data, when used, can be confusing, rather than informative, especially if it cannot be seen by those further back and the same point is made concerning graphical displays in Myth 6. The point made about how not to “overestimate the audience interest” Becker and McNulty (1996) in your presentation or cause is well taken. The starting point in planning any speech is to formulate a precise objective. This should take the form of a simple, concise statement of intent. For example, the purpose of your speech may be to obtain funds, to evaluate a proposal, or to motivate your team. The speaker should take the opportunity, as early as possible in the presentation to communicate his or her objectives, so as not to let the audience lose interest.
Keep it short and sweet is the message in Myth 8. The presentation should be timed appropriately, so that it does not go over the allotted time. Sufficient time should be accounted for at the end, for questions and answers. The authors explained that not only is it unfair to others speakers that may be following your presentation, the Q&A time may be of the most value to the audience. In Myth 9 and 10 some humorous observations are made about handling transparencies on the overhead projector and some funny habits that speakers engage in that cause their display to vibrate.
The article concluded with what the authors called “the most important ingredient in a success presentation” and some key points that should be remembered. There is no substitute for rehearsal. A presentation should be carefully planned and although well-designed visual aids may enhance the presentation, there is no substitute for a well rehearsed and executed oral delivery. Future presentation modes were also examined. Two in particular were multimedia presentations and computer graphics. The reader is warned that consideration be given to a back up plan, in the event something goes wrong. A final word of caution, no amount of technology can compensate for a poorly delivered oral presentation. Amusing asides are also useful in maintaining the attention of the audience, and for relieving the tension of the speech. If this comes naturally to you, then it is a useful tool for pacing your delivery to allow periods of relaxation in between your major points.
In conclusion, although the article did not cover a great deal about some of the more modern technologies available to presenters, such as MS Power Point, white boards or digital projection, I found the article to be very useful and entertaining. The suggestions could easily be adapted to any presentation mode.
References
Becker, R.A., & Keller-McNulty, S. (1996, May). Presentation Myths. The American Statistician, 50(2), 112-115. Abstract retrieved September 1, 2003, from http://www.apollolibrary.com/srp/gbm/com515.asp
