Sun Microsystems: Presenting to a Virtual Audience

Sun Microsystems: Presenting to a Virtual Audience

Activities

• Prepare a short oral or written report that presents guidelines for effective presentations for today’s technology-centered audiences.

A presentation can be broadly defined as the task of appearing in front of a group of people for the purpose of explaining, educating, convincing, or otherwise conveying information. Moreover, a business presentation is an important means of exchanging information for decision making and policy development, relating the benefits of the services offered, and sharing specific goals, values and visions. According to T. Stephen Eggelston, a presentation consists of four basic elements: the speaker or presenter, the audience, the speaker’s message, and the speaker’s “tools.” With this in mind there are a few guidelines that should be taken into consideration before preparing presentations in order to ensure that the end result will be an effective and acceptable production.

Know the Subject

It is very important to conduct a thorough research of the topic before attempting to compose a presentation. Read reports and look up information about the subject. Jot down important points that should be emphasized or mentioned in the presentation. Taking time to research the subject ensures a confident delivery and will leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Know the Audience

According to the chapter, if a presenter expects to get results, it is imperative that he or she takes time to get to know the audience and focus the presentation on them – from planning the speech to practicing its delivery. To deliver a presentation that focuses on the wants and expectations of the audience, a speaker must determine who the audience is, what motivates them, and how they think and make decisions. Helpful information that can be obtained about most audiences includes ages, genders, occupations, educational levels, attitudes, values, broad and specific interests, and needs.

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