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June 12, 2021, public speaking | visualization | writing.
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You’ve just attended a breathtaking wedding ceremony for a couple you adore.
You’re happy, nostalgic, and generally emotional – you’re feeling all the feels.
You head to the reception where the best man gets up to deliver his speech.
You’re stoked to hear his meaningful toast honoring the happy couple.
There’s a hush over the crowd as he begins…
“Merriam-Webster defines marriage as…”
*Groan* Could there be a bigger buzz kill?!
You promptly zone out for the subsequent fifteen-minute speech. You’ve flipped the switch from dream audience member to distracted day-dreamer.
The best man will not be regaining your attention until you hear, “So, let’s raise our glasses to the amazing couple!”
Defining a term exactly as it appears in the dictionary is one of the easiest ways to put an audience to sleep.
(Funnily enough, speakers also hit the snooze button when presenting direct definitions. In my experience, it’s a sure-fire way to dampen your own creative process .)
The best man in our wedding example could possibly have shared the most touching, inspiring sentiments about marriage, love, and the couple. Yet given his opening line, it’s likely he lost many of his listeners before he even got there.
And our best man isn’t alone. We’ve all been to that work presentation, continuing education seminar, or workshop where we’re force fed definitions instead of ideas. Or maybe…raise your hand if you’ve been the speaker doing the force feeding. (Ring a bell?)
The fact is, these talks are usually boring as hell and a huge inspirational turnoff.
Definitions are used by speakers because…, definitions bridge the language gap between a speaker and their audience.
Definitions are an essential part of the communication equation.
If Neil deGrasse Tyson tried to explain astrophysics to the average person using the same terminology he’d use speaking to colleagues in his field, his talk would most certainly fall flat. This is because most people don’t understand what concepts like “stellar dynamics,” “physical cosmology,” and, “magnetohydrodynamics,” truly encompass.
It’s only by explaining what these concepts are via definition that Mr. Tyson can bridge the gap between astrophysicist and audience member…thus leveling the playing field to share the significance of meaningful discoveries in his field.
In other words, when a speaker intends to share a profound thought, or an intricate piece of information from their field of expertise, they must first redefine or translate the language they will use. They must do this by using definitions their audience can easily understand.
Sometimes, you want an easy way to get from Point A to Point B.
Whether you’re an inexperienced speaker or alternatively a person who needs to convey a great deal of information in a limited timeframe, using a definition can get you from Point A to Point B pretty darn easily.
The problem arises when people choose to deliver textbook definitions.
Think of it this way…
A dictionary definition is akin to the highway. It may be the fastest, most-reliable route from Point A to Point B, but it’s not all that memorable and your passengers will probably fall asleep in the back seat due to disinterest.
However, using a more creative approach to sharing a definition is like the scenic route. It might add few extra minutes to the travel time, but everyone in the car will never forget that giant ball of yarn you saw along the way.
In talks ranging from heartfelt speeches to pivotal business presentations, people overwhelmingly agree that straight definitions ineffectively control audience attention. Likewise, the entrepreneur creating marketing webinars, skill-building workshops, and branded communication materials can expect to deter engagement from leads and lose opportunities of connection with followers when using dictionary definitions.
So, why do people keep using them?!
I believe the answer is because they don’t know what else they can do.
Modern education teaches us reading, writing, and arithmetic – yet you’ll be hard pressed to find a required high-school class devoted to the fourth “R” – rhetoric. Without adequate education or training, how can the average person be expected to overcome the attention drain of presentations known as the definition?
1. define using lay-speak.
Let’s start simple here, folks. If you’re going to bother defining something, make sure you use words that your audience – not YOU – will understand.
Sometimes, it’s tempting to use floofy language when defining a term.
This is especially common when presenting for high-level executives and/or professionals, or in academic settings. It’s urging to sound more intellectual, and to reach the level you think the people in the room are at.
In actuality, even the highest-level thinkers will get bored by an over complicated definition. So, don’t use words they’d have to think about (or look up); and don’t be so long-winded that they can’t follow you. Keep it simple .
Being able to distill a term or concept to its most basic elements is a skill all its own. In many situations, it will actually allow you to appear smarter because:
Term to be defined: communication
Merriam-Webster Definition:
“A process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.”
Lay-Speak Alternative :
“Communication is when two people connect with one another.”
Be honest – which definition would keep your attention during a presentation?
While on this topic, it’s worth mentioning that your definition shouldn’t contain the term you are defining.
Bringing back the Neil deGrasse Tyson example from above, I Google searched the definition for “physical cosmology.”
Can you guess what the first result stated?
“Physical cosmology is a branch of cosmology concerned with the study of cosmological models.”
NOT helpful. Don’t do this, lol.
(Full disclosure, the next sentences in Wikipedia went on to describe the terms in this definition. But I ask, who’s paying attention after a first sentence like this one? And why not simply open with the more descriptive definition?)
Using an example is a crazy easy way to share the definition of something. Not only can using an example boost audience engagement, but it can also improve retention.
But here’s the key: provide the example before you give the actual definition of the term. Then , follow up with the definition as you normally would.
Definitions have a tendency to be sterile whereas examples can have more personality, making them more memorable.
Sharing an example before you give the textbook definition can help you preserve the audience’s focus on what you’re saying by piquing audience interest. It also helps your audience make connections to their own life and circumstances. This helps not only with retention, but also connection.
Why is this important? Because by the time you get to the definition, you want an audience that’s anticipating what you’re going to say. Get them to feel like they’re on the same page as you, rather than totally zoning out.
Term to be defined: ethos
Defining ethos by example ( ending with actual definition ):
While studying to be a paralegal, I had one of the most incredible professors. During the course of his career, he excelled both academically and in practice as a police officer, pilot, physician (M.D.), attorney (J.D.), and he was a Ph.D. in psychology to boot! It always blew my mind that he did all of this, yet also stood out as a thoughtful educator. With the titles he earned, positions he held, and experiences he had, my professor was the positive embodiment of ethos – or ethical appeal and credibility .
Compare the above to a speaker who says:
“Ethos is your ethical appeal or credibility. An example of ethos is…”
Which do you find a more interesting presentation of the definition?
(In the first example, the audience may not have even realized a definition was being shared. In the second, it sounds like you’re reading directly from a textbook.)
A surprising, yet effective, way of sharing what something is, is by sharing what it isn’t .
The next time you need to define a term in a presentation, try engaging the audience by defining it with antonyms OR contrasting descriptions. (Remember those things from middle school English? They’re back!)
And speaking of antonyms…
A perfect pairing for defining by contrast is defining by comparison. So, grab your thesaurus and start picking out some synonyms for your term as well!
While you can use either a compare or contrast approach individually, I find that these two strategies work even more provocatively when paired. Take a look at the example below to see how using a contrast + compare approach can build intrigue.
Term to be defined: innovation
Defining innovation using a contrast + compare approach:
Innovation isn’t novelty; It’s more than that. It’s transformation. It’s bringing together various new products and original ideas in a way that affects society as it moves forward.
In a similar vein to the compare/contrast approach to definitions, we have what I call likeness-distinctions . Here, instead of dealing with terms that are exact antonyms and synonyms, you distinguish two terms that people commonly perceive to be the same.
Classic examples of the likeness-distinction include listening vs. hearing, memorization vs. comprehension, looking vs. observation.
A likeness-distinction definition for “listening” may look something like this:
“Most people think that if they hear you that they’re listening. But that’s not true. Hearing is an involuntary response to sound; it requires no effort or further engagement from the hearer. Meanwhile, listening is a voluntary, focused, and intentional act that requires active participation in the form of concentrated attention. The key difference between a hearer and a listener is the desire to understand the meaning of what the speaker conveyed.”
While the likeness-distinction may feel similar to straight definitions, in the right setting, they can pack a punch. This is because you are challenging what a person already thinks (that these two words are similar) by giving them evidence to the contrary (that they’re not the same).
When you challenge something a person believes in, it will naturally activate the problem solving area of their brain. They will initially get defensive. Then, they’ll want to evaluate whether your challenge is worthy and determine if the evidence you presented should be accepted. By providing compelling evidence, you have the opportunity to not only command attention, but also to gain credibility with your audience that you are an authority figure on the subject matter.
Who knew you could do so much by simply defining a word?
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Well, considering the average person’s speaking rate is somewhere between 125-175 words per minute, sharing a picture to help define a term is going to save you a lot of time.
People are genetically conditioned to be attracted to and process visual media easily. (Which is precisely why using text-rich slides in a presentation can be so distracting and ineffective.)
Before going on a trip to Iceland, I remember my mom trying to explain what a Fjord is to me. She spent what seemed like days giving the most detailed descriptions of how the sea meets the cliffs. She described how deep, long, and narrow the inlet would be where we were going. She told me about the historical connection between glaciers and Fjord formation.
It was all interesting…but honestly, I didn’t really give it a second thought.
Then, she showed me this:
My excitement level increased tremendously because the picture captured what the verbal definition couldn’t. Think about the ways that you can use images and video to supplement definitions in your next presentation to create greater impact.
Who doesn’t love a “wow” factor? I find that definition by demonstration is exactly that. Done correctly, it can provide breathtaking, deep understanding in almost no time at all.
I find this type of definition works particularly well with abstract and scientific concepts.
I once watched a TEDx talk by Andrew Szydlo in which he defined the term “chemistry” by conducting twenty-five experiments in his fifteen minutes on stage. Through demonstration, he communicated the definitions for terms and concepts like sublimation, liquid nitrogen, and hydrogen explosions in a way that had the audience literally “ooo-ing” and “ahh-ing.”
By using demonstration, Szydlo not only commanded attention, but also ensured comprehension, retention, and post-talk discussion of what he had taught and his message.
Feel like this type of talk is too gimmicky for you? That’s understandable. Sometimes, we don’t have the ability or desire to put on such a grand exhibition to impart a single definition.
That doesn’t mean we can’t still use demonstration. Demonstration can also be helpful in defining terms that relate to a particular process.
For example, let’s take the term “folding” as it relates to cooking and baking. Folding is “a technique used to gently combine a light, airy ingredient with a heavier one.”
Simple definition. Great. But if you’re David and Moira on Schitt’s Creek, you’re probably still going to fail at making those enchiladas.
For most people, it’s easier to understand what “folding” is by watching someone actually fold ingredients together or having a more detailed description of how the process is carried out.
A fantastic way to neutralize the boring nature of definitions is to pair them with something interesting – like trivia. Preserve your audience’s attention by sharing the history of a word.
This actually doesn’t have to require a great deal extra time on research either. When getting certified to be a copyeditor, I started using a physical dictionary for the first time since elementary school. Did you know a dictionary contains more than just definitions? Shocking, I know.
A good dictionary shares the etymology of words. Sharing a term’s origin can give it heightened meaning and allow for better engagement as a person has the opportunity to connect with it more deeply.
As a former prosecutor, I find a fun example is the term “assassin” – i.e. a person who murders another with intent.
The term assassin is derived from the Arabic word “hashshashin” meaning “hashish eater.” The present meaning came about during the Crusades and relates to the practices of a Muslim sect that would get high on hashish before killing Christian leaders.
Et voilà! You go from boring definition to something people will remember to share at dinner parties.
With technological advances, there are countless terms we use that people are aware of in passing, but don’t really understand in earnest. For terms like this, a great way to share a definition is by sharing the use or function of the term.
I can’t tell you how many times someone explained to me what “the cloud” is before I could claim to have even a rudimentary understanding of its true function. Anyone with me? And it wasn’t until someone described to me all the things that you could use a QR code for that I realized how brilliant they are, cared to scan them when I saw them, and even ventured into using them myself.
So, instead of giving an IT definition of the cloud, QR codes, and CTR (click through rates) – or if you’re a social media guru how about reach, impressions, and interactions? – share the use or function of the term.
By sharing the alternative use/function definition of a term you are sharing a greater depth of meaning that will, dare I say, be of better use to your audience.
Let’s change it up and start with an example….
Think about the day that your child graduated from high-school. The sense of anticipation, elation, and pride, mixed with the sadness and longing knowing it wouldn’t be long before they leave your little household for college. That’s “bittersweet.”
Think about holding a jar of banana peppers close to your face and body to open the tight lid. When you finally do, you catch a whiff of the pungent vinegar as it sprays in the air. The saliva starts to develop in your mouth even before you take your first bite into the flesh of that neon yellow, pickled specimen. That’s “tangy.”
These are examples of how powerful sensory appeal can be when defining a term. You can create an actual emotional or physical reaction in someone to help them understand what something really means.
A TEDx talk that exemplifies this concept beautifully is by David JP Phillips called, “The Magical Science of Storytelling.”
During the course of this talk, Phillips defines different neurotransmitters by creating experiences through storytelling that generate and release those neurotransmitters in his audience members.
By allowing his audience to personally experience the sensory nature of each of these chemicals, he holds their attention and builds connection. Furthermore, he doesn’t just teach them that “X is the chemical that makes people happy” or “Y is the chemical that makes people anxious.” Instead, he connects an actual feeling to the learning experience, which allows his audience members to recall each transmitter with a connection that goes deeper than verbal communication alone.
And we end with storytelling. If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re probably tired of people telling you how powerful storytelling can be – and I feel that. (I get sick of it too, and I’m a communication coach!)
But the fact is, storytelling works. And thus, I must address it, however briefly.
The reason I mention storytelling on this list is not to give examples of how storytelling can make something more persuasive, memorable, and intriguing – and thus attention grabbing. (There are plenty of blogposts, books, and videos floating around illustrating this point.)
Storytelling is the easiest medium by which to translate what you have learned in steps 1-9 on this list into practice. So easy, in fact, that you would probably naturally move toward using story to employ these strategies without even thinking about it.
But I encourage you – think about it .
As a student of communication, use this opportunity to think about how pervasive storytelling is in our human experience.
Think about how much more compelling you can be by sharing a story with others.
Even better – think about how much more fun you have when you’re sharing a story or experience, rather than approaching your presentation purely as a means to deliver information.
It is true that as a communicator, your audience is important. But as a human, if you don’t feel moved to share your ideas, the communication stops before it starts.
Storytelling can be your means to capture your own attention and excitement while you create and share your work. It makes it personal. It allows others to relate to your unique personality. And it’s a bonus that your attention and excitement will likely transfer to your listeners.
This poor guy. His reception speech could have gone exceptionally differently if only he knew some these strategies!
Instead of the Merriam-Webster definition, he could have defined marriage as:
All valid definitions of marriage…but with more heart, interest, and applicability to the speaker’s scenario.
You now have ten, non-boring ways to shed the mind-numbing nature of Merriam-Webster and breathe life back into the definitions of your next big speech or presentation.
Because seriously, with these attention-grabbing strategies in your speaking tool belt, why would you ever risk giving a “best man buzz kill” kind of speech?
For more tips on how to improve clarity and regain control of your message as a public speaker, snag my free mini-course on verbal fillers!
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Table of contents, unraveling the presentation definition, what is a presentation, historical roots: from latin to modern day, types and formats of presentations, enhancing presentation skills: a guide, presentation in the digital age: multimedia and keynote, the art of visual aids: graphs and more, presentation in different languages, presentation in literature and culture, effective presentation: tips and techniques, incorporating quizzes and group activities, presentation in educational contexts, synonyms and related terms, the thesaurus and vocabulary expansion, historical and specialized types of presentations, presentation in business: introducing a new product, word of the day: presentation, key points and summarization, cultural influences and adaptations, the role of technology, eye contact and body language, the art of storytelling, innovation and new products, speechify studio.
Unraveling the Presentation DefinitionPresentation - a word frequently used in English, Spanish, Latin, French, and Arabic contexts, but what does it exactly...
Presentation - a word frequently used in English, Spanish, Latin, French, and Arabic contexts, but what does it exactly mean? In this article, we delve into the definition of presentation , exploring its various facets and applications in different fields.
A presentation is the act of presenting information or ideas to a group of people in a structured and deliberate manner, often with the aid of visual aids like PowerPoint, Keynote, or multimedia tools.
Presentations are a ubiquitous part of the professional, educational, and social landscape. The act of presenting, essentially communicating information and ideas to a group of people, has evolved significantly over time. This article explores the definition of a presentation, its various formats, the skills required to make it effective, and the nuances of a great presentation, all while weaving in an eclectic mix of keywords.
The Evolution from 'Praesentātiō' to 'Presentation'
In its essence, a presentation is the act of presenting or displaying information or ideas to an audience. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "the action or process of presenting something to someone." In Latin, the term stems from 'praesentātiō', denoting the action of placing before or showing. This definition has broadened in modern English to encompass various methods of showcasing information, whether it's a business pitch, an academic lecture, or introducing a new product.
The term has its origins in Latin ('praesentātiō'), evolving through various languages like French and British English, symbolizing the act of presenting, displaying, or giving something to others.
Diverse Formats for Different Needs
Presentations can vary in formats - from formal PowerPoint presentations to informal Prez (an informal abbreviation of presentation) discussions, each tailored to suit specific requirements.
Mastering the Art of Presentation
Presentations come in various formats, from the traditional speech to more contemporary multimedia showcases. PowerPoint, a widely used tool, allows the integration of text, images, and graphs to create visually appealing slides. Similarly, Apple's Keynote offers tools for creating impactful multimedia presentations. The inclusion of visual aids, like graphs and charts, enhances comprehension and retention. For those interested in learning Spanish, Arabic, or French, incorporating these languages in presentations can broaden audience reach.
Effective presentation skills involve a blend of clear communication, eye contact , engaging visual aids , and a confident delivery. These skills are crucial in both business and educational settings.
Embracing Technology for Impactful Presentations
In the era of digital communication, tools like multimedia presentations and Apple's Keynote software have become indispensable for creating dynamic and interactive presentations.
Using Graphs and Visuals Effectively
Effective presentations often include graphs and other visual aids to convey complex information in an easily digestible format, enhancing the audience's understanding.
A Multilingual Perspective
The concept of presentation transcends languages, from English to Arabic , each offering unique nuances in the art of presenting.
Presentation Copy and Beyond
The term also appears in literary contexts, such as a "presentation copy" of a book, and in cultural scenarios like a "breech presentation" in childbirth, where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet first.
Crafting an Impactful Presentation
An effective presentation is more than just delivering facts; it involves engaging storytelling, structured key points , and the ability to connect with the audience.
To deliver an effective presentation, certain skills are paramount. English, being a global lingua franca, is often the preferred language for presentations. However, the ability to present in multiple languages, like Spanish or French, can be a significant advantage.
Eye contact is a crucial skill, establishing a connection with the audience and making the presentation more engaging. Additionally, the ability to read the room and adjust the presentation accordingly is vital.
Interactive elements like quizzes can transform a presentation from a monologue into a dynamic group activity. They encourage participation and can be especially effective in educational settings. Quizzes can also be used in business presentations to gauge audience understanding or to introduce a new product.
Learning Through Presentations
In educational settings, presentations are used as a tool for teaching and assessment, often involving quizzes and interactive sessions to enhance learning.
Exploring Synonyms and the Thesaurus
The thesaurus offers a range of synonyms for 'presentation,' such as exhibition, demonstration, and display, each with slightly different connotations.
Utilizing a thesaurus can enrich presentation language, offering synonyms and example sentences to clarify points. The 'word of the day' concept, often found in English learning resources, can be an interesting addition to presentations, especially in multilingual contexts.
The term 'presentation' also has specialized meanings. In historical contexts, a 'presentation copy' refers to a book or manuscript gifted by the author. In obstetrics, 'breech presentation' denotes a situation where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet or buttocks first. Understanding these specialized definitions enriches the overall grasp of the term.
The Role of Presentation in Business
In business contexts, presentations are crucial for scenarios like introducing a new product , persuading investors, or communicating with stakeholders.
Expanding Vocabulary with 'Presentation'
In language learning, 'presentation' can be a word of the day , helping learners understand its usage through example sentences and pronunciation (notated as /ˌprez.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/ in English).
An effective presentation distills complex information into key points, making it easier for the audience to remember the most important takeaways. Summarization skills are critical in achieving this clarity.
The concept of presentations varies across cultures. In Arabic-speaking countries, the style of presentation might differ significantly from that in English-speaking contexts. The benefice of understanding cultural nuances cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of a presentation.
Technology, particularly multimedia, plays a pivotal role in modern presentations. From PowerPoint slides to advanced software like Keynote, the use of technology has revolutionized the way information is presented. The integration of videos, sound, and interactive elements makes presentations more engaging and memorable.
In delivering a presentation, non-verbal cues like eye contact and body language are as important as the spoken content. Maintaining eye contact with the audience establishes a connection and keeps them engaged. Similarly, confident body language can convey authority and enthusiasm.
A great presentation often resembles storytelling. It's not just about relaying facts; it's about weaving a narrative that resonates with the audience. This involves understanding the audience's needs and interests and tailoring the content accordingly.
Presentations are often the first introduction of a new product to the market. The effectiveness of these presentations can make or break the product's success. Highlighting the unique features and benefits in a clear, compelling manner is crucial.
Presentations are a powerful tool for communication and education. Whether in a formal business setting or an informal educational environment, mastering the art of presentation can lead to more effective and impactful communication.
1. Oxford English Dictionary
2. Merriam-Webster Thesaurus
3. Apple Keynote User Guide
4. Presentation Techniques in Educational Literature
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## Frequently Asked Questions About Presentations
### What is in a presentation?
A presentation typically includes a combination of spoken words and visual aids such as PowerPoint slides, graphs, or multimedia elements. It's an organized way to convey information or ideas to a group of people.
### What is meant by giving a presentation?
Giving a presentation refers to the act of presenting information or ideas to an audience. This act, known in various languages including English, Spanish, and French as 'presentation' (or 'praesentātiō' in Latin), involves communication skills, visual aids, and sometimes interactive elements like quizzes.
### What makes a good presentation?
A good presentation effectively communicates key points, engages the audience through eye contact and clear speech (often practiced as a 'word of the day' in English classes), uses visual aids like graphs, and is well-structured. Effective presentation skills are crucial for this.
### What are the types of presentation?
There are various types of presentations, including formal business presentations (often using PowerPoint or Keynote), educational lectures, sales pitches for a new product, and informal talks. Each type uses different formats and approaches.
### What are the 4 parts of a presentation?
The four main parts of a presentation are the introduction, the main body, the conclusion, and the Q&A session. Each part plays a vital role in delivering an effective presentation.
### What are the three things that a good presentation should do?
A good presentation should inform, engage, and persuade or inspire the audience. It's about more than just delivering facts; it's an act of communication that can change perspectives or encourage action.
### How is a presentation linked with multimedia?
Presentations often use multimedia elements like videos, audio clips, and animated graphs to enhance the viewer's understanding and engagement. Multimedia tools like PowerPoint and Keynote are widely used in creating dynamic presentations.
### How long should a presentation be?
The length of a presentation can vary, but it's typically between 15 to 30 minutes. The duration depends on the context and the amount of information to be covered. It's important to keep presentations concise to maintain the audience's attention.
These answers incorporate various aspects of presentations, including their definition, formats, and the skills required, in multiple languages and contexts, as seen in resources like Oxford dictionaries and thesaurus.
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Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.
What is public speaking? In this article, you'll learn what speaking in public is about and the importance of public speaking in business.
If you’ve been asked to give a public speech, you may wonder: what is public speaking and why is public speaking important? Those questions are quite logical if you’ve never thought much about public speaking before.
Public speaking is important in business, education, and the public arena. There are many benefits to speaking in public, whether you’re an individual or a business.
In this article, we’ll define public speaking for you. We’ll discuss the importance of public speaking in general. We’ll also cover the importance of public speaking in business. Plus, we’ll share some resources to help you become a better public speaker. This includes some public speaking examples.
Also, if you want to pursue speaking in public yourself, download our free eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It’ll help you master the complete presentation process.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably asking the question “ what is public speaking “? You may even be faced with the prospect of creating a public speech yourself.
Or maybe you just want to know “ why is public speaking important “? Whatever your situation, we’ve got you covered with this short video that gives a public speaking definition and provides you with some tips to make a better public speech.
To learn even more about public speaking and why it’s important, study the written tutorial below.
So what exactly is public speaking? Basically, it’s a presentation that’s given live before an audience. Public speeches can cover a wide variety of different topics. The goal of the speech may be to educate, entertain, or influence the listeners. Often, visual aids in the form of an electronic slideshow are used to supplement the speech. This makes it more interesting to the listeners.
A quality public communication definition should explain how it’s different from an online presentation, which is why we’ll cover it here. Here’s a description of some of the differences:
Because speaking in public is done before a live audience, you need to consider some special factors. We’ll touch on those shortly.
Now that you’ve got an understanding of the meaning of public speaking, let’s take a quick look at the history of (and the importance of) public speaking.
What is the history of public speaking? And why is public speaking important?
There’s a good chance that there’s been public speech, in one form or another, as long as there’ve been people. But most public speaking experts involved with public speaking in business communication trace the origins of modern public speaking back to ancient Greece and Rome.
Of course, those societies didn’t have slideshows, but they did have a need for speaking in public. As a result, they developed public speaking methods that are still studied today.
The ancient Greeks used public speech primarily to praise or persuade others. At one point, all Greek citizens had the right to suggest or oppose laws during their assemblies. This resulted in a need for skilled public speakers. Speaking in public became a desirable skill and was taught. Public speaking in the time of the Greeks was called rhetoric. Later, when Rome came to power, speaking in public was used during the Roman senate sessions. The Romans adopted the public speaking rhetoric methods of the Greeks. In fact, most public speaking teachers of the time were Greek.
The Latin style of public speaking was popular in the U.S. and Europe until the mid-20th century . After World War II, a less formal and more conversational speaking style of speaking became popular. Also, electronic tools became available to enhance public presentations.
Towards the end of the 20th century, electronic tools migrated to the computer. They evolved into the computer software tools, like PowerPoint , that we know and use today.
Don’t be fooled, though. Even though today’s public speeches are less formal, they still need to be well organized. More on that later. Now, let’s take a look at the importance of public speaking.
If you ask most people, they’ll probably say they don’t like public speech. They may even admit to being afraid of it since fear of public speaking is very common. Or they may just be shy or introverted. For those reasons, many people avoid speaking in public if they can. If you’re one of those people who avoid speaking in public, you’re missing out.
You may be wondering, “What is public communication and how can it benefit me?” Over the years, public speaking in communication has played a major role in education, government, and business. Words have the power to inform, persuade, educate, and even entertain. And the spoken word can be even more powerful than the written word in the hands of the right speaker.
Whether you’re a small business owner or a student, you’ll benefit from improving your public speaking skills. Some benefits of speaking in public include:
Speaking in public is especially important for businesses to market their offers. This allows them to get their message in front of potential customers. Salespeople and executives are often expected to have good public speaking skills. To learn more about some of the benefits of speaking in public, review this article .
Next, let’s explore the methods you can use to become better at speaking in public.
Okay, so now you understand the benefits of public speaking. You might be a little more interested in the topic. Still, you might think it’s not for you. Maybe you gave a speech once and it didn’t go well. Maybe you’re afraid of speaking in public. Or maybe you think you don’t have a natural ability for giving speeches.
The truth is that speaking in public is a skill. And you can learn any skill. While some people may have more natural speaking ability than others, anyone can learn to be a better public speaker. It just takes some know-how and some effort.
To help you become better at giving public speeches, we’ll take a look at these five areas:
We’ll start with writing the speech.
The first thing you’ll want to do is work on writing a well-organized, engaging speech. Even a great speaking voice or a great deal of charisma isn’t enough if your material isn’t any good.
Specifically, it’s crucial to research your audience beforehand so that you can target your speech directly to them as much as possible. Become familiar with their wants and needs, as well as any problems you can solve for them. This will drive the actual topic that you actually select for your speech, as well as how you research it.
The more research you do, the easier writing your speech will be.
Fear of public speaking is very real and can hold you back if you let it. If you don’t feel confident when giving your speech, your listeners may pick up on that. This can make your presentation less effective.
Fortunately, there are some techniques to help manage the fear of speaking in public. They also help you become more confident.
First, let’s tackle fear of public speaking. If you’ve already written an effective speech, then you’ve already taken an important first step. The more familiar you are with your speech, the less worried you’ll be on presentation day.
Besides knowing your topic well, be sure to practice, practice, practice! And remember that if you do make any mistakes on presentation day, it’ll be less obvious to your audience than you think.
Next, let’s work on improving your confidence.
Even if you’re not afraid of speaking in public, practice helps you give a more effective speech. If you’re in a rush, you may be tempted to skip practicing your speech to save time. While skipping practice may seem like a good idea, it’s really not.
Practicing your speech improves your public presentation skills. It also increases your familiarity with the presentation. As a result, your speech will go smoothly. You can go over this handy checklist to help you practice your speech.
Your slide design needs to be on point. You’ll want to make sure it looks professional and is easy to read. Luckily, you can find plenty of modern and professional presentation templates on Envato Elements.
You’ll also want to download The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations eBook now. Download it for FREE with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. Learn how to get your ideas formed into a powerful presentation that’ll move your audience.
Don’t forget to make good use of tools like PowerPoint , Google Slides , or Keynote . The right template for your slide deck can make a huge difference in your presentation.
You’ve written a good speech. You feel more confident about giving a speech in public, and you’ve practiced. You’re ready to actually give the speech. There are some tips and tricks you can use on the day of your speech to make it go more smoothly, though.
Remember, you’re giving a presentation before a live audience at a specific place and time. So, you’ve got some concerns about the speaking venue that those who give online presentations don’t have to worry about.
Some common concerns for public speakers include:
Public speaking examples are great for learning or improving a new skill. That applies to speaking in public as well. If you get the chance to listen to some top-rated public speakers, you should do it. You can observe how other speakers go about giving their speech. In the process, you’ll improve your own speaking skills.
One great source of recorded public speeches is Ted Talks , which is a series of short presentations on a wide variety of topics. Ted Talks are known for attracting world-class and celebrity speakers. You can find my favorite Ted Talks in this article .
Envato Elements is the perfect place to find modern PowerPoint templates . For a single monthly fee, access unlimited downloads of PowerPoint themes, photos, fonts, and other resources to use in your next presentation.
Elements gives you the best bang for your buck. And thanks to the unlimited downloads, you can try out a variety of slide designs as you build out your public speaking PowerPoint presentation.
PowerPoint templates from Envato Elements have plenty of features to help you create a stunning presentation, such as:
Thanks to these templates, you’ll be able to create a modern, standout presentation to go with your public speech.
1. minimalism clean powerpoint presentation.
Try this template if you’re looking for a clean and simple PowerPoint slide design. The template features a versatile layout. Use it for any type of presentation or topic. It includes 50+ unique slide designs, tons of customization options, and vector elements. The template was designed in widescreen format.
The Kaspa PowerPoint template has a modern and trendy design. It’s best suited for presentations that need a lot of photos to share information. The template can be customized completely. It comes with slide animations and transitions. The template also includes vector icons.
The Guava PowerPoint has a dramatic, yet elegant design. You’ll notice dark image overlays and elegant typography that makes your message stand out. The template comes with 50+ unique designs, image placeholders, and master slides. It was designed in widescreen resolution.
The Dauna template is another minimalist PowerPoint design. It works well for any type of business presentation. You’ll find 30 unique slides and two color variations. The template comes with image placeholders and plenty of customization options.
If you’re looking for a colorful and bold PowerPoint, the Pastelize template is the perfect choice. The template includes many slide designs, three color variations and color themes, and image placeholders.
We also have the perfect complement to this tutorial, which will walk you through the complete presentation process. Learn how to write your presentation, design it like a pro, and prepare it to present powerfully.
Download our new eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations . It’s available for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter.
So what is public communication in terms of what it can do for you, your career, or your business?
In a nutshell, a world of potential! In this article, we defined public speaking and why it’s so important in your business. Hopefully, the public speaking meaning we explored will help dispel any fear you may have.
We discussed a thorough public communication definition so that you can be adequately prepared for your next speech. Besides the public speaking definition, you learned a bit about the history of public speaking and how it evolved to modern standards today.
We also shared some helpful tools to help you learn how to give a public speech and provided you with a source for good public speaking examples that you can learn from.
You should now be ready to grow as a public speaker. Be sure to check out the sleek PowerPoint templates on Envato Elements as you prepare for your next speech. You’ll find a ton of inspiration for your next presentation!
So go ahead. Write that public speech and give it. You’ll be glad you did!
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Definition: A presentation is a form of communication in which the speaker conveys information to the audience. In an organization presentations are used in various scenarios like talking to a group, addressing a meeting, demonstrating or introducing a new product, or briefing a team. It involves presenting a particular subject or issue or new ideas/thoughts to a group of people.
presentation: [noun] the act of presenting. the act, power, or privilege especially of a patron of applying to the bishop or ordinary for instituting someone into a benefice.
PRESENTATION definition: 1. a talk giving information about something: 2. an occasion when prizes, qualifications, etc. are…. Learn more.
A Presentation Is... A presentation is a means of communication that can be adapted to various speaking situations, such as talking to a group, addressing a meeting or briefing a team. A presentation can also be used as a broad term that encompasses other 'speaking engagements' such as making a speech at a wedding, or getting a point across ...
The definition or meaning of a formal presentation is a presentation that one has had time to prepare for. One has generally been asked in advance to give the presentation, and one has practiced ...
What is a Presentation? A communication device that relays a topic to an audience in the form of a slide show, demonstration, lecture, or speech, where words and pictures complement each other.
A presentation is a slide-based visual storytelling aid. It's used for transferring information and emotion to an audience with visual, vocal, and textual communication. The purpose of a presentation is to help the audience understand a subject matter. Presentations are used in business, academics, and entertainment.
Presentation skills are the abilities and qualities necessary for creating and delivering a compelling presentation that effectively communicates information and ideas. They encompass what you say, how you structure it, and the materials you include to support what you say, such as slides, videos, or images. You'll make presentations at various ...
Presentation definition: an act of presenting.. See examples of PRESENTATION used in a sentence.
14 meanings: 1. the act of presenting or state of being presented 2. the manner of presenting, esp the organization of visual.... Click for more definitions.
presentation on/about somebody/something The sales manager will give a presentation on the new products. Several speakers will be making short presentations . The conference will begin with a keynote presentation by a leading industry figure.
Presentation definition: A formal introduction of someone to others, as at court. The style or manner with which something is offered for consideration or display.
The noun presentation means the official giving, or presenting, of something. The presentation of diplomas at a graduation ceremony is the part that makes many of the parents in the audience cry.
A presentation program is commonly used to generate the presentation content, some of which also allow presentations to be developed collaboratively, e.g. using the Internet by geographically disparate collaborators. Presentation viewers can be used to combine content from different sources into one presentation.
Apply the 10-20-30 rule. Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it! 9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule. Simplicity is key.
Presentation definition: . See examples of PRESENTATION used in a sentence.
Define presentation. presentation synonyms, presentation pronunciation, presentation translation, English dictionary definition of presentation. n. 1. a. The action of presenting something: the presentation of awards. b. The style or manner with which something is offered for consideration or...
1 [uncountable] the act of showing something or of giving something to someone The trial was adjourned following the presentation of new evidence to the court. The presentation of prizes began after the speeches. The Mayor will make the presentation (= hand over the gift) herself. Members will be admitted on/upon presentation of a membership card. a presentation copy (= a free book given by ...
Flow: Removing Barriers. Let's begin with the opening of your presentation. A good opening or first slide should be able to grab the audience's attention and state the purpose and objectives ...
3. a : the act of giving something to someone in a formal way or in a ceremony. [noncount] The choir sang during the presentation of the gifts. [count] The awards were given out last night, and the mayor was on hand to make the presentations. [=to present the awards] b [count] : a ceremony in which something (such as an award) is given to ...
A presentation can be effective if it is carefully planned and prepared. However, delivering presentations is not always easy for every individual. Some people take presenting as a probable opportunity to showcase skills, while others find it a challenging task. To provide an effective presentation, a presenter must possess some abilities.
7. Define with history. A fantastic way to neutralize the boring nature of definitions is to pair them with something interesting - like trivia. Preserve your audience's attention by sharing the history of a word. This actually doesn't have to require a great deal extra time on research either.
presentation in British English. (ˌprɛzənˈteɪʃən ) noun. 1. the act of presenting or state of being presented. 2. the manner of presenting, esp the organization of visual details to create an overall impression. the presentation of the project is excellent but the content poor. 3.
The Essence of Presentation: A Definition What is a Presentation? A presentation is the act of presenting information or ideas to a group of people in a structured and deliberate manner, often with the aid of visual aids like PowerPoint, Keynote, or multimedia tools. Presentations are a ubiquitous part of the professional, educational, and ...
A public speaking presentation is different from an online presentation because an online presentation is available any time. A public speech is typically limited to a specific time or place. Online presentations often use slideshows or pre-recorded videos of a speaker. (This includes recordings of a live public speaking presentation).
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that historically required human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and identifying patterns. AI is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and ...