a presentation is a form of oral communication

The Importance Of Oral Communication

The South Korean film Parasite made history at the 2020 Oscars when it became the first non-English language film to…

683. 10 Behavioral Interview Questions To Prepare For

The South Korean film Parasite made history at the 2020 Oscars when it became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. For his acceptance speech, director Bong Joon Ho said, “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

Bong was trying to change the way people perceive foreign language films. And he did. His words resonated not just with the South Korean audience, but with moviegoers worldwide.

Not every speaker leaves a lasting impression on their audience. But imagine if you could always speak with impact in your professional setting.

Strong oral communication is one of the best skills you can have in the workplace. Not only can you move, persuade and encourage others to think and act differently, your speaking skills also help you stand out among your co-workers.

Let’s explore the importance of different types of oral communication you need to become a competent professional.

What Is Oral Communication?

Importance of oral communication, types of oral communication.

Oral communication is communicating with spoken words. It’s a verbal form of communication where you communicate your thoughts, present ideas and share information. Examples of oral communication are conversations with friends, family or colleagues, presentations and speeches.

Oral communication helps to build trust and reliability. The process of oral communication is more effective than an email or a text message. For important and sensitive conversations—such as salary negotiations and even conflict resolution, you can rely on oral communication to get your point across, avoid misunderstandings and minimize confusion.

In a professional setting, effective oral communication is important because it is built on transparency, understanding and trust. Your oral communication skills can boost morale, encourage improved performance and promote teamwork .

Here are some benefits of oral communication:

It saves time by letting you convey your message directly to the other person and getting their response immediately.

It’s the most secure form of communication for critical issues and important information

It helps to resolve conflicts with face-to-face communication

It’s a more transparent form of communication as it lets you  gauge how others react to your words

There are different examples of oral communication in a business setting. You need several oral communication skills for career advancement. Let’s look at different types of oral communication:

Elevator Pitch

Imagine you meet the CEO of your organization in the elevator. Now, you have 30 seconds to introduce yourself before they get out on the next floor. This is your elevator pitch. It’s a form of oral communication where you have to succinctly explain who you are and what you want from the other person.

Formal Conversations

These are common at work because you have to constantly interact with your managers, coworkers and stakeholders such as clients and customers. Formal conversations are crisp, direct and condensed. You have to get your point across in a few words because everyone has only limited time to spare.

Informal Conversations

These are conversations that you have with your team members or friends and family. They are mostly without an agenda. You can talk about your day, what you’re going to eat for lunch or discuss weekend plans. These are friendly conversations peppered with light banter.

Business Presentations

This is where you need to make the best use of your speaking skills. Public speaking is an important skill to develop if you want to command a room full of people. For this, you need to leverage Harappa’s LEP and PAM Frameworks as well as the Four Ps of Pitch, Projection, Pace and Pauses.

Speeches are important in businesses like event management or community outreach. In a corporate setup, speeches are reserved for top management and leaders.

Arming yourself with effective oral communication skills will boost your confidence, prepare you for challenging tasks like meeting and impressing clients.

Harappa Education’s Speaking Effectively course is carefully designed to teach you how to improve your communication skills. You’ll learn about both oral and nonverbal communication with important frameworks like the Rule of Three and Aristotle’s Appeals of logic, credibility and emotion. Persuade your audience, deliver well-crafted ideas and connect with others with advanced speaking skills.

Explore topics & skills such as Public Speaking , Verbal Communication , Speaking Skills & Oratory Skills from Harappa Diaries and learn to express your ideas with confidence.

Reskilling Programs

L&D leaders need to look for reskilling programs that meet organizational goals and employee aspirations. The first step to doing this is to understand the skills gaps and identify what’s necessary. An effective reskilling program will be one that is scalable and measurable. Companies need to understand their immediate goals and prepare for future requirements when considering which employees to reskill.

Are you still uncertain about the kind of reskilling program you should opt for?  Speak to our expert   to understand what will work best for your organization and employees.

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Frantically Speaking

The 6 types of presentation (and why you need them)

Hrideep barot.

  • Presentation , Public Speaking

a presentation is a form of oral communication

We all have been exposed to different types of presentations right from school years.

Group presentations, lectures by teachers and professors, seminars, webinars or online presentations, e-learning, e-conferences, etc., are all different types of presentations that we come across in our daily lives.

But each of them work for different settings.

In this article, we will take a look at 6 such types of presentations and when and why you need them.

1. Informative Presentations

This is the most common type of presentation, be it in an educational setting or business or corporate setting.

The aim of an informative presentation is to give detailed information about a product, concept, or idea to a specific kind of audience.

They are often analytical or require a rational analysis of the data presented.

Training sessions or one-day workshops are good examples where this kind of presentation is used.

Here is an example of an informative presentation on public speaking and presentations.

Now, there are different situations where you can use informative presentations.

a) Reporting

Learn from observing the reporters!

Although a report is a written explanation of an event, it can also be verbal.

A perfect place to use informative presentations is news reporting , as it requires the presenter to present information systematically.

b) Briefing

a presentation is a form of oral communication

This involves explaining both positive and negative aspects of a particular topic in a few words.

It is providing information quickly and effectively about an issue to influence decisions or to come to solutions.

Hence, the decision-making bodies of an organization can make use of this kind of presentation to save time and effectively come to conclusions.

c) Research

Informative presentations are often used to present research findings to a specific audience , as it involves reporting the findings and briefing it to the audience.

Hence, almost everywhere where research takes place, be it in an educational context or occupational , can make use of this kind of presentation.

Tips for giving informative presentations

  • As there would be a lot of technical information and statistics, focus on the main points or agenda first and if you have more time, you can add them at the end
  • Keep your presentation simple and clear . Avoid complex sentence structures and graphics
  • Tell the outline of your presentation briefly in the introduction for a better flow
  • Make sure that your presentation does not stretch for too long. 10-15 minutes is what your audience can concentrate on
  • Restate your keyphrase at the end and briefly summarize all the important points of your presentation

Speech topics for an informative presentation

  • Cropping techniques
  • Organic Farming
  • Corporate Farming
  • Hydroponics
  • Sustainable Agriculture, etc
  • Climate change
  • Environmental issues
  • Eco-friendly ways of management
  • Eco-politics
  • Eco-feminism, etc
  • Gender studies
  • Gender and education
  • Religious studies
  • History of education
  • Philosophy of education, etc
  • Ethnic cultures
  • Indigenous cultures
  • Multiculturalism
  • Popular culture
  • Cultural trends, etc
  • Business administration
  • Business ethics
  • Business models
  • Promotion and marketing communications
  • Finance, etc

2. Persuasive presentations

Persuasion is the art of motivating or convincing someone to act or make a change in their actions or thoughts.

If you are planning to give a persuasive presentation, and are looking for how to give a persuasive speech, check out our article on A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Persuasive Speech to gain in-depth knowledge about the art of giving persuasive presentations.

Persuasive presentations are also widely used form after informative presentations.

There are various circumstances where persuasive presentations can be used.

a) Policy-making

Avoid taking too much time when you want to persuade any decision!

Government bodies make use of persuasion almost every time, be it the legislative or decision-making bodies, executive bodies, or even courts.

Even election campaigns involve using persuasive presentations as an instrument of their pre-determined goals of swaying the citizens.

For that matter, any executive or management body of an organization can make use of these kinds of presentations.

b) Value judgment

Give personal examples if you want to persuade someone's viewpoints!

This kind involves answering the question “why” and supplementing it with possible benefits.

Most Ted talks and YouTube videos try to persuade the audience and fall into the persuasive presentation category.

Even religious heads use this as a means of persuading their believers to follow their belief system.

Deciding on a procedure or telling an audience the correct procedure of doing something is another situation.

An example of a persuasive presentation

Bailey parnell: is social media hurting your mental health.

This TED talk by Bailey Parnell is a good example of a persuasive presentation.

She starts strong by asking rhetorical questions that set the mood for her further points.

We can also see how the speaker is genuinely concerned regarding the issue, engaging the audience till the end.

Tips for giving a persuasive presentation

  • Start your presentation with a relevant quote or statistics about your topic to establish credibility
  • Tell personal anecdotes and examples wherever necessary to develop an emotional connection with your audience
  • Deliver your presentation with passion and genuine interest to motivate your audience to think
  • Answer the question “why” for better understanding and clarity in your presentation
  • State your viewpoint clearly and clarify doubts if your audience seems to have any

Speech topics for persuasive presentations

  • Is animal testing ethical?
  • Should cosmetic surgery be banned?
  • Can the death penalty be the only solution to the rising crime rates?
  • Should the legal age be 18?
  • Should immigration laws be revised?
  • Why you should never add your parents on Facebook
  • Guys are more interested in gossip than girls
  • It is your major duty to annoy your parents
  • You are not enjoying student life if you are not procrastinating
  • Endless memes can be made on my life, etc
  • Is taming wild and exotic animals ethical?
  • The importance of emotional support animals
  • Why are bunnies the perfect pet?
  • Why do animals make the best companions?
  • Why there is a need for patients to have emotional support animals, etc
  • How and why there is a need to do business analysis before opening your business?
  • Why small businesses are successful and more profitable?
  • Why do sales and customer service departments need to be paid more?
  • Why does the HR department need to be polite and understanding?
  • Why should you not do business with a family member?
  • How charity is a means of converting black money to white?
  • Why is detaining people on the suspicion of terrorism justified?
  • Should euthanasia be made legal?
  • Should violent crime offenders be sentenced to death?
  • Should foreigners be allowed to buy a property?

3. Demonstrative presentations

This involves demonstrating a process or the functioning of a product in a step-by-step fashion.

So, a master class on communication skills or making a product model is an example of a demonstrative presentation.

Usually, the audience is an active part of such presentations and these can work in any context where you want the audience to learn a new skill.

a) Instructions

Take it slow when instructing!

This involves giving guidelines or steps of a process or work .

Teaching how to make a car model step-by-step is a good example where you can use this kind of informative presentation to guide your audience.

Another instance can be at the workplace , to train the employees or introduce them to a new product at work.

This type also works with demonstrating recipes and cooking workshops.

An example of demonstrative presentation

The easy guide on making just about any smoothie.

In this recipe demonstration, he tells his audience how many ingredients are involved and briefs them about the outline of his presentation at the start of his speech.

He also shows all steps in real-time so that the audience have a better understanding of the process and keeps them engaged.

Tips to give a demonstrative presentation

  • Introduce your product and its function to your audience before telling them how to go about with the steps
  • Explain the steps with diagrams or show them in real-time along with the audience
  • Give equal time to every person in the audience for clearing doubts, if any
  • Keep your introduction short. Not more than 5 minutes
  • Discuss options or variations that the audience can try at the end of the presentation

Speech topics for demonstrative presentations

  • How to administer CPR
  • How to wrap a gift professionally
  • How to budget your monthly income
  • How to choose a car insurance
  • How to restore a piece of antique furniture

4. Inspirational presentations

As the name suggests, this type of presentation involves inspiring others!

The main aim of an inspirational presentation is to motivate or move your audience and is also known as a motivational presentation.

Using techniques like storytelling, narrating personal anecdotes , or even humor work wonders as your audience develops an emotional connection to the message.

This TED talk by Luvvie Ajayi Jones is humorous but a lot more inspirational. Check it out!

Tips for giving an inspirational presentation

  • Start with a question that will leave the audience thinking. Pause for some time and then begin with your presentation
  • Develop a sense of connection by narrating personal incidents and experiences to grow empathy
  • Have some main points that you want to emphasize on
  • Make use of humor ! It instantly builds a connection with the listener
  • Non-verbal elements like paralanguage, body language, speech modulations, tone, etc., makes a huge difference

Speech topics for an inspirational presentation

  • Importance of diversity and inclusion
  • Building mental resilience
  • Need for change management
  • Valuing small victories in life
  • How procrastinating is your enemy

5. Business presentations

In the corporate world, presentations are the go-to solution to do anything: planning or strategizing, articulating company goals, screening candidates, status reports , and many more.

Let us take a dive into the different types of business presentations.

a) Sales presentation

Make sure to practice before giving a sales presentation!

Also known as sales pitches , sales presentations involve providing information about a product or a service to sell it.

It has a pre-defined strategy of initiating and closing the sales deal.

This can be done in person or nowadays, on the phone, or via e-communication .

b) Training sessions

Make training sessions interesting by interacting with the audience!

Often employees have on-the-job training sessions that are aimed to increase the knowledge and skills of the employees.

This kind can also involve the audience to participate , like in demonstrative presentations.

c) Meetings

Take everyone's opinion before concluding a point!

Meetings can be called for for different reasons and can be of different forms as well.

Conferences ( both video and in-person), board meetings, informal team meetings, daily reporting, etc., are all various contexts of meeting in a business setting.

d) E- presentations

E- presentations existed before the COVID pandemic as well but were used seldom.

But, with the ongoing pandemic, e-presentations or remote presentations have replaced all other types of presentations and will be with us for a while longer.

However, on the brighter side, it is an eco-friendly alternative to normal face-to-face kind of a set-up, and it also saves transportation and other costs !

e) Seminars

Give ample time of breaks in a seminar to make it less tiring!

Seminars are widely used in the health sector , usually involving a panel of speakers on a topic. The audience is anywhere between 10 to 100.

It ends with a question and answers session , and the audience gets to take handouts with them.

f) One-on-one or 1:1

Pay attention to your body language, especially in an interview!

Interviews are usually one-on-one and involve presenting your achievements and capabilities to your prospective employer.

Apart from interviews, 1:1 meetings are also used in sales and marketing to crack a business deal.

Tips for giving business presentations

  • Include key phrases and other important details on your slides and make them bold
  • Avoid casual slangs and informal tone of speech
  • If you are giving a sales presentation, explain your product or service in simple and clear words , and list the reasons why it is beneficial for your potential clients
  • Make sure to be on time ! Delaying your audience will work against you and leave a bad impression on you and your company
  • Know your material or content thoroughly to answer the questions asked by your audience

Speech topics for business presentations

  • Implementing an Agile Project
  • Introduction to data modeling
  • Introduction to UML(Unified Modeling Language)
  • Social Media strategies for a successful business
  • Business writing for managers

6. Powerpoint presentations

PowerPoint presentations or PPTs are the most effective ones among all types of presentations simply because they are convenient and easy to understand .

They are available in different formats and are suitable to use in practically any type of presentation and context, be it business, educational, or for informal purposes.

There are various types of PowerPoint presentations that you can use depending on the context.

a) PPTs for general audience

Use inclusive language when addressing to a general audience.

  • For general audiences, avoid using jargon terms

If you feel that you need to use them, provide the audience some background information about the field or topic being covered

  • Avoid using more than 8 words per line, as anything more than that becomes difficult to remember
  • Use bullets or a numbered list for better retention
  • Try not to read from your PPT
  • Give handouts or record your presentation in case anyone wants it

b) PPTs for teaching

Include pictures when teaching through a ppt.

  • In this case, the PowerPoint is content-based
  • Make sure that the words on the slides are visible
  • Use bigger font and avoid fancy fonts
  • Add relevant pictures and graphics to keep your audience engaged
  • You can also add documentaries or relevant videos to aid in understanding

c) Repurpose PPTs

  • This involves reinventing an earlier ppt or combining 1 or more than 1 PowerPoints
  • Giving new touches to an earlier PPT or changing the format
  • You can take any slide of your PPT and upload it on social media for growing your brand or business
  • You can even convert your PPT into mp4 , i.e, video format
  • You can even add voice and save the mp4 format, and you have a good marketing plan!

d) PechaKucha

Chat for only 6 minutes and 40 seconds!

  • This type of PowerPoint presentation comes from the Japanese word PechaKucha meaning sound of a conversation or chit-chat
  • This involves changing slides every 20 seconds
  • There can be a maximum of 20 slides , which means your presentation lasts for only 6 minutes and 40 seconds
  • The PPT mostly has graphics and fewer words
  • This type of presentation is best suited for telling a story or a personal anecdote

e) Multimedia presentations

Make full use of the multimedia ppt!

  • This is the best kind of PPT to engage your audience
  • It contains texts along with pictures, videos, infographics, music, illustrations, GIFs , and many more
  • Add higher resolution images and videos , or even a 360-degree snapshot if you are in the sales and marketing industry
  • Adding infographics such as charts and graphs makes the process of understanding easier and saves time
  • Music in a PPT helps your audience to be relaxed, at the same time making them alert and engaged

Types of slides in a presentation

PowerPoint presentation slides are broadly classified into 3 categories: Text, Visual, and Mixed slides.

1. Text slides

As the name suggests, this category of slides involve words or texts.

You can format the text as plain sentences or pointers.

You may even arrange them all in a single slide or one line per slide.

The slide seen below is an example where every point is mentioned in a single slide.

Archived Material (Presentations): Not too much text

2. Visual slides

This type of slide has visual elements such as images or videos , and are better known as conceptual slides since they are a better option than text slide to explain a particular concept.

You can use them at the start of the presentation to better visualize and grasp the meaning of the presentation.

The slide right below is a good example of a visual slide.

Illustration 1 exercise: Visual Metaphor | David Howcroft's OCA Art Journey

3. Mixed slides

Mixed slides combine the texts and visuals to give a comprehensive understanding of any concept or a speech.

Graphs and charts are the best examples of mixed slides.

Mixed slides have an advantage over the other slides; they keep your audience engaged, listening and participating more actively!

Presentation Design: A Visual Guide to Creating Beautiful Slides [Free  E-Book]

Types of Oral presentations

So far we came across 6 types of presentations, and they all share one common feature. They are all one of the types of oral presentations.

Oral presentations involve the use of verbal and non-verbal elements to deliver a speech to a particular or general audience.

All the types we discussed fall into these 4 broad categories:

1. Extemporaneous presentations

This type of presentation involves making short pointers or key phrases to aid while speaking.

You do not memorize, but organize the points and structure the speech way in advance.

Hence, on the day of your presentation, by just looking at the key points , you expand on them and move to the next point.

2. Impromptu presentations

Impromptu presentations are spoken without any preparation . It can be nerve-wracking for many, and hence not many are in favor of it.

There is a valid reason for their fear, as you have to make your speech as you say it!

However, those who are experts in their fields and are called upon to share a few words can easily give this type of presentation.

3. Manuscript presentations

The other extreme of the spectrum is manuscript presentations.

Here you have a script and you speak from it, word by word.

News anchors and show announcers usually engage in this type, since there are a lot of specific details that cannot be said wrong, and also, time constraints.

Usually, a prompter is used, from which the speaker speaks to their audience.

Nowadays, there are teleprompters , that are heavily used in the entertainment and media industry.

It is a digital screen that displays the contents, and the speaker speaks from it.

4. Memorized presentations

This type does not have any notes or cues , but you memorize or rote learn the whole speech.

School and some presentations at the workplace involve using this kind of presentation.

In most cases, we recommend not to memorise your speech in most cases. We’ve made a video on the same and how it could lead to you potentially blanking out on stage. Highly recommend you view this quick vid before choosing memorisation as a presentation path:

But, if you do choose it for whatever reason, since you are free from notes, you are free to focus on other aspects, such as body language and gestures.

Types of presentation styles

There are various presenting styles, but they do not work for all types of presentations.

Let us get familiar with them, and know which style works with which type.

a) The storyteller

There's a reason why we all love to hear stories!

This style of presentation involves the speaker narrating stories and engaging the audience emotionally .

This technique works best with persuasive and inspirational types of presentation.

So, how to tell a story in a presentation?

  • Understand and know your audience : Knowing your audience will help you with how you will frame your story, at the same time gauging the relevance of your narrative
  • Know your message : Be clear with what you want to convey through your story or how you are connecting the story with your actual presentation
  • Try narrative a real-life story : Inspiring presenters often take their own stories or the stories of people whom they know as a supplement to their presentation. When the audience listens to your real-life examples, they become genuinely interested in your story
  • Add visual aids : Using visual aids such as pictures, videos, multimedia, etc., increases the memory retention and engagement of your audience
  • Use the “you” attitude : Tell the story keeping your audience in mind because ultimately they are going to be the receivers and hence, the story should be relevant and should include their point of view as well

Want more storytelling tactics? Mystery, characterisation and the final takeaway are some more key elements of a good story for your next presentation. We’ve gone deeper into this topic in this video if you would like to know more:

b) The Visual style

Make use of the visual aids to keep your audience engaged.

Most of us are visual learners, making visual information easy to understand and retain.

Visual aids like graphics, images, diagrams, key pointers or phrases , etc., are very useful when giving any type of presentation.

Some tips of presenting with visual style:

  • Include only important pointers in your PowerPoint presentation and highlight or bold them
  • Try including visuals that complement what you are saying and use them as a supplementary tool to aid in understanding your audience
  • If you are giving a business presentation and want to include visuals, instead of plain texts, include graphics and charts to make information simpler to present and understand
  • Avoid overly complex visuals as it will confuse the audience more
  • Avoid using more than 6 lines per slide

c) Analytic style

Provide examples to support your data findings!

If you have data records or statistical information to be presented, an analytic style will be more helpful.

It works best for Informative and Business types of presentations.

Tips to deliver in analytic style:

  • Give handouts so that the audience is on track with your presentation and the information will be easier to comprehend
  • Focus and speak on selected data as too much data statistics can be overwhelming for the audience
  • You can make use of humor and personal anecdotes to keep the presentation interesting and engaging
  • If you have too much data and are worried that you will not be able to explain it in the time frame given, avoid writing content of more than 2000 words

Quick tip: In case you have a PDF to present and want to edit the data points, there are multiple software programs that you can use to allow you to easily do this. Check out this list of the Best Free Recording Software Programs to know more.

d) The Connector

Make an impactful presentation by simply connecting with your audience!

The connector style of presentation involves the speaker establishing a connection with the audience by pointing out similarities between them and the listeners.

This style works well with Sales and marketing presentations.

How to give a presentation using connector style?

  • Have a Q & A round with the audience at the end of your presentation for clarifying any doubts and avoiding miscommunication
  • Use audience polls at the start of your presentation to know your audience and tailor your speech accordingly
  • Make use of body language and gestures for delivering your presentation effectively. If you are confused or want to know more about the aspects of how to use body and gestures, check out our article on To walk or stand still: How should you present when on stage?
  • Ask questions to your audience at regular intervals for a better audience engagement
  • Make use of multimedia sources to keep your audience engaged and entertained

Which type of presentation is best?

Although all the presentation types have their own bonuses and are suitable for certain circumstances, some are universal and can be used with a little bit of modification almost everywhere!

These are persuasive presentations!

You can use them in various settings; from political, business to educational.

Just remember to choose the right topic for the right audience, and a style that you think is the most suitable and you are good to go!

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To conclude

We saw 6 types of presentation and understood it in detail.

We also gained some tips on how to make our presentation more engaging and also came across things to avoid as well.

We then explored the types of slides that you can use, and also the types of presenting orally.

We also gave you some tips and a few topic ideas that you can incorporate in your next speech!

Hrideep Barot

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Business Jargons

A Business Encyclopedia

Presentation

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.

It is considered as the most effective form of communication because of two main reasons:

  • Use of non-verbal cues.
  • Facilitates instant feedback.

presentation

Business Presentations are a tool to influence people toward an intended thought or action.

Parts of Presentation

structure-of-presentation

  • Introduction : It is meant to make the listeners ready to receive the message and draw their interest. For that, the speaker can narrate some story or a humorous piece of joke, an interesting fact, a question, stating a problem, and so forth. They can also use some surprising statistics.
  • Body : It is the essence of the presentation. It requires the sequencing of facts in a logical order. This is the part where the speaker explains the topic and relevant information. It has to be critically arranged, as the audience must be able to grasp what the speaker presents.
  • Conclusion : It needs to be short and precise. It should sum up or outline the key points that you have presented. It could also contain what the audience should have gained out of the presentation.

Purpose of Presentation

  • To inform : Organizations can use presentations to inform the audience about new schemes, products or proposals. The aim is to inform the new entrant about the policies and procedures of the organization.
  • To persuade : Presentations are also given to persuade the audience to take the intended action.
  • To build goodwill : They can also help in building a good reputation

Factors Affecting Presentation

factors-affecting-presentation

Audience Analysis

Communication environment, personal appearance, use of visuals, opening and closing presentation, organization of presentation, language and words, voice quality, body language, answering questions, a word from business jargons.

Presentation is a mode of conveying information to a selected group of people live. An ideal presentation is one that identifies and matches the needs, interests and understanding level of the audience. It also represents the facts, and figures in the form of tables, charts, and graphs and uses multiple colours.

Related terms:

  • Verbal Communication
  • Visual Communication
  • Non-Verbal Communication
  • Communication
  • 7 C’s of Communication

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Chapter 3: Oral Presentations

Patricia Williamson

Many academic courses require students to present information to their peers and teachers in a classroom setting. Such presentations are usually in the form of a short talk, often, but not always, accompanied by visual aids such as a PowerPoint. Yet, students often become nervous at the idea of speaking in front of a group. This chapter aims to help calms those nerves.

This chapter is divided under five headings to establish a quick reference guide for oral presentations.

  • A beginner, who may have little or no experience, should read each section in full.
  • For the intermediate learner, who has some experience with oral presentations, review the sections you feel you need work on.
  • If you are an experienced presenter then you may wish to jog your memory about the basics or gain some fresh insights about technique.

The Purpose of an Oral Presentation

Generally, oral presentation is public speaking, either individually or as a group, the aim of which is to provide information, to entertain, to persuade the audience, or to educate. In an academic setting, oral presentations are often assessable tasks with a marking criteria. Therefore, students are being evaluated on two separate-but-related competencies within a set timeframe: the ability to speak and the quality of the spoken content. An oral presentation differs from a speech in that it usually has visual aids and may involve audience interaction; ideas are both shown and explained . A speech, on the other hand, is a formal verbal discourse addressing an audience, without visual aids and audience participation.

Tips for Types of Oral Presentations

Individual presentation.

  • Know your content. The number one way to have a smooth presentation is to know what you want to say and how you want to say it. Write it down and rehearse it until you feel relaxed and confident and do not have to rely heavily on notes while speaking.
  • Eliminate ‘umms’ and ‘ahhs’ from your oral presentation vocabulary. Speak slowly and clearly and pause when you need to. It is not a contest to see who can race through their presentation the fastest or fit the most content within the time limit. The average person speaks at a rate of 125 words per minute. Therefore, if you are required to speak for 10 minutes, you will need to write and practice 1250 words for speaking. Ensure you time yourself and get it right.
  • Ensure you meet the requirements of the marking criteria, including non-verbal communication skills. Make good eye contact with the audience; watch your posture; don’t fidget.
  • Know the language requirements. Check if you are permitted to use a more casual, conversational tone and first-person pronouns, or do you need to keep a more formal, academic tone?
  • Breathe. You are in control. You’ve got this!

Group Presentation

  • All of the above applies; however, you are working as part of a group. So how should you approach group work?
  • Firstly, if you are not assigned to a group by your lecturer/tutor, choose people based on their availability and accessibility. If you cannot meet face-to-face you may schedule online meetings.
  • Get to know each other. It’s easier to work with friends than strangers.
  • Consider everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. Determining strengths and weaknesses will involve a discussion that will often lead to task or role allocations within the group; however, everyone should be carrying an equal level of the workload.
  • Some group members may be more focused on getting the script written, with a different section for each team member to say. Others may be more experienced with the presentation software and skilled in editing and refining PowerPoint slides so they are appropriate for the presentation. Use one visual aid (one set of PowerPoint slides) for the whole group; you may consider using a shared cloud drive so that there is no need to integrate slides later on.
  • Be patient and tolerant with each other’s learning style and personality. Do not judge people in your group based on their personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender, age, or cultural background.
  • Rehearse as a group–more than once. Keep rehearsing until you have seamless transitions between speakers. Ensure you thank the previous speaker and introduce the one following you. If you are rehearsing online, but have to present in-person, try to schedule some face-to-face time that will allow you to physically practice using the technology and classroom space of the campus.

Writing Your Presentation

Approach the oral presentation task just as you would any other assignment. Review the available topics and then do some background reading and research to ensure you can talk about the topic for the appropriate length of time and in an informed manner. Break the question down into manageable parts .

Creating a presentation differs from writing an essay in that the information in the speech must align with the visual aid. Therefore, with each idea, concept, or new information that you write, you need to think about how this might be visually displayed through minimal text and the occasional use of images. Proceed to write your ideas in full, but consider that not all information will end up on a PowerPoint slide. Many guides, such as Marsen (2020), will suggest no more than five points per slide, with each bullet point have no more than six words (for a maximum of 30 words per slide). After all, it is you who are doing the presenting , not the PowerPoint. Your presentation skills are being evaluated, but this evaluation may include only a small percentage for the actual visual aid: check your assessment guidelines.

Using Visual Aids

To keep your audience engaged and help them to remember what you have to say, you may want to use visual aids, such as slides.

When designing slides for your presentation, make sure:

  • any text is brief, grammatically correct and easy to read. Use dot points and space between lines, plus large font size (18-20 point)
  • Resist the temptation to use dark slides with a light-coloured font; it is hard on the eyes
  • if images and graphs are used to support your main points, they should be non-intrusive on the written work

Images and Graphs

  • Your audience will respond better to slides that deliver information quickly – images and graphs are a good way to do this. However, they are not always appropriate or necessary.

When choosing images, it’s important to find images that:

  • support your presentation and aren’t just decorative
  • are high quality, however, using large HD picture files can make the PowerPoint file too large overall for submission via Turnitin
  • you have permission to use (Creative Commons license, royalty-free, own images, or purchased)
  • suggested sites for free-to-use images: Openclipart – Clipping Culture ; Beautiful Free Images & Pictures | Unsplash ; Pxfuel – Royalty free stock photos free download ; When we share, everyone wins – Creative Commons

The specific requirements for your papers may differ. Again, ensure that you read through any assignment requirements carefully and ask your lecturer or tutor if you’re unsure how to meet them.

Using Visual Aids Effectively

Too often, students make an impressive PowerPoint though do not understand how to use it effectively to enhance their presentation.

  • Rehearse with the PowerPoint.
  • Keep the slides synchronized with your presentation; change them at the appropriate time.
  • Refer to the information on the slides. Point out details; comment on images; note facts such as data.
  • Don’t let the PowerPoint just be something happening in the background while you speak.
  • Write notes in your script to indicate when to change slides or which slide number the information applies to.
  • Pace yourself so you are not spending a disproportionate amount of time on slides at the beginning of the presentation and racing through them at the end.
  • Practice, practice, practice.

Nonverbal Communication

It is clear by the name that nonverbal communication includes the ways that we communicate without speaking. You use nonverbal communication everyday–often without thinking about it. Consider meeting a friend on the street: you may say “hello”, but you may also smile, wave, offer your hand to shake, and the like. Here are a few tips that relate specifically to oral presentations.

Being confident and looking confident are two different things. Even if you may be nervous (which is natural), the following will help you look confident and professional:

  • Avoid slouching or leaning – standing up straight instantly gives you an air of confidence, but more importantly it allows you to breathe freely. Remember that breathing well allows you to project your voice, but it also prevents your body from experiencing extra stress.
  • If you have the space, move when appropriate. You can, for example, move to gesture to a more distant visual aid or to get closer to different part of the audience who might be answering a question.
  • If you’re someone who “speaks with their hands”, resist the urge to gesticulate constantly. Use gestures purposefully to highlight, illustrate, motion, or the like.
  • Be animated, but don’t fidget. Ask someone to watch you rehearse and identify if you have any nervous, repetitive habits you may be unaware of, such as ‘finger-combing’ your hair or touching your face.
  • Avoid ‘verbal fidgets’ such as “umm” or “ahh”; silence is ok. If you needs to cough or clear your throat, do so once then take a drink of water.
  • Avoid distractions that you can control. Put your phone on “do not disturb” or turn it off completely.
  • Keep your distance. Don’t hover over front-row audience members.
  • Have a cheerful demeaner. Remember that your audience will mirror your demeanor.
  • Maintain an engaging tone in your voice, by varying tone, pace, and emphasis. Match emotion to concept; slow when concepts might be difficult; stress important words.
  • Don’t read your presentation–present it! Internalize your script so you can speak with confidence and only occasionally refer to your notes if needed.
  • Make eye contact with your audience members so they know you are talking with them, not at them. You’re having a conversation. Watch the link below for some great speaking tips, including eye contact.

Below is a video of some great tips about public speaking from Amy Wolff at TEDx Portland [1]

  • Wolff. A. [The Oregonion]. (2016, April 9). 5 public speaking tips from TEDxPortland speaker coach [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNOXZumCXNM&ab_channel=TheOregonian ↵

Two or more people tied by marriage, blood, adoption, or choice; living together or apart by choice or circumstance; having interaction within family roles; creating and maintaining a common culture; being characterized by economic cooperation; deciding to have or not to have children, either own or adopted; having boundaries; and claiming mutual affection.

Chapter 3: Oral Presentations Copyright © 2023 by Patricia Williamson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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24 Oral Presentations

Many academic courses require students to present information to their peers and teachers in a classroom setting. This is usually in the form of a short talk, often, but not always, accompanied by visual aids such as a power point. Students often become nervous at the idea of speaking in front of a group.

This chapter is divided under five headings to establish a quick reference guide for oral presentations.

a presentation is a form of oral communication

A beginner, who may have little or no experience, should read each section in full.

a presentation is a form of oral communication

For the intermediate learner, who has some experience with oral presentations, review the sections you feel you need work on.

a presentation is a form of oral communication

The Purpose of an Oral Presentation

Generally, oral presentation is public speaking, either individually or as a group, the aim of which is to provide information, entertain, persuade the audience, or educate. In an academic setting, oral presentations are often assessable tasks with a marking criteria. Therefore, students are being evaluated on their capacity to speak and deliver relevant information within a set timeframe. An oral presentation differs from a speech in that it usually has visual aids and may involve audience interaction; ideas are both shown and explained . A speech, on the other hand, is a formal verbal discourse addressing an audience, without visual aids and audience participation.

Types of Oral Presentations

Individual presentation.

  • Breathe and remember that everyone gets nervous when speaking in public. You are in control. You’ve got this!
  • Know your content. The number one way to have a smooth presentation is to know what you want to say and how you want to say it. Write it down and rehearse it until you feel relaxed and confident and do not have to rely heavily on notes while speaking.
  • Eliminate ‘umms’ and ‘ahhs’ from your oral presentation vocabulary. Speak slowly and clearly and pause when you need to. It is not a contest to see who can race through their presentation the fastest or fit the most content within the time limit. The average person speaks at a rate of 125 words per minute. Therefore, if you are required to speak for 10 minutes, you will need to write and practice 1250 words for speaking. Ensure you time yourself and get it right.
  • Ensure you meet the requirements of the marking criteria, including non-verbal communication skills. Make good eye contact with the audience; watch your posture; don’t fidget.
  • Know the language requirements. Check if you are permitted to use a more casual, conversational tone and first-person pronouns, or do you need to keep a more formal, academic tone?

Group Presentation

  • All of the above applies, however you are working as part of a group. So how should you approach group work?
  • Firstly, if you are not assigned to a group by your lecturer/tutor, choose people based on their availability and accessibility. If you cannot meet face-to-face you may schedule online meetings.
  • Get to know each other. It’s easier to work with friends than strangers.
  • Also consider everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. This will involve a discussion that will often lead to task or role allocations within the group, however, everyone should be carrying an equal level of the workload.
  • Some group members may be more focused on getting the script written, with a different section for each team member to say. Others may be more experienced with the presentation software and skilled in editing and refining power point slides so they are appropriate for the presentation. Use one visual aid (one set of power point slides) for the whole group. Take turns presenting information and ideas.
  • Be patient and tolerant with each other’s learning style and personality. Do not judge people in your group based on their personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender, age, or cultural background.
  • Rehearse as a group, more than once. Keep rehearsing until you have seamless transitions between speakers. Ensure you thank the previous speaker and introduce the one following you. If you are rehearsing online, but have to present in-person, try to schedule some face-to-face time that will allow you to physically practice using the technology and classroom space of the campus.
  • For further information on working as a group see:

Working as a group – my.UQ – University of Queensland

Writing Your Presentation

Approach the oral presentation task just as you would any other assignment. Review the available topics, do some background reading and research to ensure you can talk about the topic for the appropriate length of time and in an informed manner. Break the question down as demonstrated in Chapter 17 Breaking Down an Assignment. Where it differs from writing an essay is that the information in the written speech must align with the visual aid. Therefore, with each idea, concept or new information you write, think about how this might be visually displayed through minimal text and the occasional use of images. Proceed to write your ideas in full, but consider that not all information will end up on a power point slide. After all, it is you who are doing the presenting , not the power point. Your presentation skills are being evaluated; this may include a small percentage for the actual visual aid. This is also why it is important that EVERYONE has a turn at speaking during the presentation, as each person receives their own individual grade.

Using Visual Aids

A whole chapter could be written about the visual aids alone, therefore I will simply refer to the key points as noted by my.UQ

To keep your audience engaged and help them to remember what you have to say, you may want to use visual aids, such as slides.

When designing slides for your presentation, make sure:

  • any text is brief, grammatically correct and easy to read. Use dot points and space between lines, plus large font size (18-20 point).
  • Resist the temptation to use dark slides with a light-coloured font; it is hard on the eyes
  • if images and graphs are used to support your main points, they should be non-intrusive on the written work

Images and Graphs

  • Your audience will respond better to slides that deliver information quickly – images and graphs are a good way to do this. However, they are not always appropriate or necessary.

When choosing images, it’s important to find images that:

  • support your presentation and aren’t just decorative
  • are high quality, however, using large HD picture files can make the power point file too large overall for submission via Turnitin
  • you have permission to use (Creative Commons license, royalty-free, own images, or purchased)
  • suggested sites for free-to-use images: Openclipart – Clipping Culture ; Beautiful Free Images & Pictures | Unsplash ; Pxfuel – Royalty free stock photos free download ; When we share, everyone wins – Creative Commons

This is a general guide. The specific requirements for your course may be different. Make sure you read through any assignment requirements carefully and ask your lecturer or tutor if you’re unsure how to meet them.

Using Visual Aids Effectively

Too often, students make an impressive power point though do not understand how to use it effectively to enhance their presentation.

  • Rehearse with the power point.
  • Keep the slides synchronized with your presentation; change them at the appropriate time.
  • Refer to the information on the slides. Point out details; comment on images; note facts such as data.
  • Don’t let the power point just be something happening in the background while you speak.
  • Write notes in your script to indicate when to change slides or which slide number the information applies to.
  • Pace yourself so you are not spending a disproportionate amount of time on slides at the beginning of the presentation and racing through them at the end.
  • Practice, practice, practice.

Nonverbal Communication

It is clear by the name that nonverbal communication are the ways that we communicate without speaking. Many people are already aware of this, however here are a few tips that relate specifically to oral presentations.

Being confident and looking confident are two different things. Fake it until you make it.

  • Avoid slouching or leaning – standing up straight instantly gives you an air of confidence.
  • Move! When you’re glued to one spot as a presenter, you’re not perceived as either confident or dynamic. Use the available space effectively, though do not exaggerate your natural movements so you look ridiculous.
  • If you’re someone who “speaks with their hands”, resist the urge to constantly wave them around. They detract from your message. Occasional gestures are fine.
  • Be animated, but don’t fidget. Ask someone to watch you rehearse and identify if you have any nervous, repetitive habits you may be unaware of, for example, constantly touching or ‘finger-combing’ your hair, rubbing your face.
  • Avoid ‘voice fidgets’ also. If you needs to cough or clear your throat, do so once then take a drink of water.
  • Avoid distractions. No phone turned on. Water available but off to one side.
  • Keep your distance. Don’t hover over front-row audience members; this can be intimidating.
  • Have a cheerful demeaner. You do not need to grin like a Cheshire cat throughout the presentation, yet your facial expression should be relaxed and welcoming.
  • Maintain an engaging TONE in your voice. Sometimes it’s not what you’re saying that is putting your audience to sleep, it’s your monotonous tone. Vary your tone and pace.
  • Don’t read your presentation – PRESENT it! Internalize your script so you can speak with confidence and only occasionally refer to your notes if needed.
  • Lastly, make good eye contact with your audience members so they know you are talking with them, not at them. You’re having a conversation. Watch the link below for some great speaking tips, including eye contact.

Below is a video of some great tips about public speaking from Amy Wolff at TEDx Portland [1]

  • Wolff. A. [The Oregonion]. (2016, April 9). 5 public speaking tips from TEDxPortland speaker coach [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNOXZumCXNM&ab_channel=TheOregonian ↵

communication of thought by word

Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2021 by Patricia Williamson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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An entire course can be devoted to this topic since there are several levels of proficiency in oral presentation. This chapter will be limited to foundation techniques and strategies you will need to fulfill the Oral Presentation assignment. Refer to the Oral Presentation assignment brief in the course for the exact details about what you need to produce and how to submit it for the course.

Elements of oral presentation

So far, we reviewed the Organizational Principles of communicating with an audience: context, audience, and purpose of your communication. We also reviewed the elements of Rhetorical Strategies which draw upon techniques of persuasion based on logic, emotion, and credibility.

All of these apply to the formation of an oral presentation just as they would if you were writing an essay, letter to the editor of a newspaper, or a business proposal. Now we will review the guidelines for structuring an oral presentation in a narrative form that enables your audience to connect your individual messages into a coherent whole.

Narrative Form:

What is narrative form?   First, an analogy. There is a difference between steering a car and driving a car. It is appropriate to say that if you can just keep your car on the road and abide by the rules, you can say that you know how to drive a car. But anyone who has driven a car long enough knows (as you might say to a new teenager driver) that driving a car is much more than just keeping it between the lines on the road. Drivers have to take into consideration the mentality, habits, sobriety, and tendencies of other drivers, the context of driving on particular roads that inform driving strategies, the weather and road conditions, the capabilities of the vehicle, and even the enjoyment of the driving experience itself. In short, driving is much more than simply steering and following the rules.

Oral presentation is just the same: it is much more than simply speaking the words.

As we have covered previously, Organizational Principles call for knowing about the audience to whom you are presenting such as their individual and group characteristics, i.e. age, culture, experience, expectations, etc. In oral presentation, narrative form calls for being aware of your audience’s need for messages to come together like a story: connected, coherent, and meaningful; a feeling of a beginning middle and end. And this applies no matter what the variations may be in the audience characteristics.

There are many interpretations of narrative form for oral presentations that take into account the wide ranging needs, contexts, and venues where oral presentations take place. For example, when Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple Computer, makes a worldwide conference presentation, his narrative form would be different than a citizen speaking at a town hall assembly – even if both of these speakers draw from the same playbook on Organizational Principles and Rhetorical Strategies.

For the sake of simplicity, this chapter will focus on the basic narrative form used by scientists and academics to present information at conferences and seminars. The basic narrative structure of this approach is applicable to any other form of oral presentation, with some variation.

The resource cited below is from the Scitable website produced by the Nature Publishing Group , a global publisher of research studies known for their premiere publication Nature .

What to look for as you read:

⇒ Focus your attention on the basic narrative structure in this article:

  • Opening: You know everything there is to know about the presentation; your audience knows nothing. What do they need to know in the opening in order for the rest of the presentation to make sense? A brief preview of the presentation enables them to follow your narrative.
  • The Body: Tell the story! Each part (each message) in the body section should be connected in some way so that it feels like a coherent whole. Remember, one message per slide!
  • The Closing: You told them what you were going to present, you presented it, now tell them what you just presented but in a concise form so that it will be the last thing they hear.

⇒ The Opening section refers to context and message (purpose). The Opening section is where your audience should gain a sense of “why are we here?” ⇒ The Body section refers to sequence and transition. This is the foundation of narrative form: the feeling your audience gets when they hear a sequence of messages that are connected together in a coherent whole. ⇒ The Closing section refers to tying it all together by repeating what you have just stated but in a concise way. You may feel that the need for repetition is unintuitive, but remember that you are the expert – your audience is processing what you have presented into a new understanding. Repetition is actually helpful.

One of the most important quotes from this resource is about the difference between the details you present in a paper versus what you present as an oral presentation:

Written documents are for convincing with detailed evidence; oral presentations, on the other hand, are for convincing with delivery — both verbal and nonverbal.

Tips on what makes a great ted talk

Professional public relations consultant Catriano Pollard has compiled a collection TED talks with tips on what makes these TED talks great as oral presentation.

⇒ The tips indicated for each TED talk include some high-level suggestions as well as some basics. Focus on the basics, but if you are inspired by their ideas, by all means embrace them!

Visual Communication Copyright © 2019 by UNH College of Professional Studies (Formerly Granite State College) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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14.3: Importance of Oral Presentations

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  • Arley Cruthers
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University

In the workplace, and during your university career, you will likely be asked to give oral presentations. An oral presentation is a key persuasive tool. If you work in marketing, for example, you will often be asked to “pitch” campaigns to clients. Even though these pitches could happen over email, the face-to-face element allows marketers to connect with the client, respond to questions, demonstrate their knowledge and bring their ideas to life through storytelling.

In this section, we’ll focus on public speaking. While this section focuses on public speaking advocacy, you can bring these tools to everything from a meeting where you’re telling your colleagues about the results of a project to a keynote speech at a conference.

Imagine your favourite public speaker. When Meggie (one of the authors of this section) imagines a memorable speaker, she often thinks of her high school English teacher, Mrs. Permeswaran. You may be skeptical of her choice, but Mrs. Permeswaran captured the students’ attention daily. How? By providing information through stories and examples that felt relatable, reasonable, and relevant. Even with a room of students, Meggie often felt that the English teacher was just talking to her . Students worked hard, too, to listen, using note-taking and subtle nods (or confused eyebrows) to communicate that they cared about what was being said.

Now imagine your favourite public speaker. Who comes to mind? A famous comedian like Jen Kirkman? An ac

Laverne Cox speaking at the Missouri Theatre

tivist like Laverne Cox? Perhaps you picture Barack Obama. What makes them memorable for you? Were they funny? Relatable? Dynamic? Confident? Try to think beyond what they said to how they made you feel . What they said certainly matters, but we are often less inclined to remember the what without a powerful how — how they delivered their message; how their performance implicated us or called us in; how they made us feel or how they asked us to think or act differently.

In this chapter, we provide an introduction to public speaking by exploring what it is and why it’s impactful as a communication process. Specifically, we invite you to consider public speaking as a type of advocacy. When you select information to share with others, you are advocating for the necessity of that information to be heard. You are calling on the audience and calling them in to listen to your perspective. Even the English teacher above was advocating that sentence structure and proper writing were important ideas to integrate. She was a trusted speaker, too, given her credibility.

Before we continue our conversation around advocacy, let’s first start with a brief definition of public speaking.

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Oral Presentation Structure

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Finally, presentations normally include interaction in the form of questions and answers. This is a great opportunity to provide whatever additional information the audience desires. For fear of omitting something important, most speakers try to say too much in their presentations. A better approach is to be selective in the presentation itself and to allow enough time for questions and answers and, of course, to prepare well by anticipating the questions the audience might have.

As a consequence, and even more strongly than papers, presentations can usefully break the chronology typically used for reporting research. Instead of presenting everything that was done in the order in which it was done, a presentation should focus on getting a main message across in theorem-proof fashion — that is, by stating this message early and then presenting evidence to support it. Identifying this main message early in the preparation process is the key to being selective in your presentation. For example, when reporting on materials and methods, include only those details you think will help convince the audience of your main message — usually little, and sometimes nothing at all.

The opening

  • The context as such is best replaced by an attention getter , which is a way to both get everyone's attention fast and link the topic with what the audience already knows (this link provides a more audience-specific form of context).
  • The object of the document is here best called the preview because it outlines the body of the presentation. Still, the aim of this element is unchanged — namely, preparing the audience for the structure of the body.
  • The opening of a presentation can best state the presentation's main message , just before the preview. The main message is the one sentence you want your audience to remember, if they remember only one. It is your main conclusion, perhaps stated in slightly less technical detail than at the end of your presentation.

In other words, include the following five items in your opening: attention getter , need , task , main message , and preview .

Even if you think of your presentation's body as a tree, you will still deliver the body as a sequence in time — unavoidably, one of your main points will come first, one will come second, and so on. Organize your main points and subpoints into a logical sequence, and reveal this sequence and its logic to your audience with transitions between points and between subpoints. As a rule, place your strongest arguments first and last, and place any weaker arguments between these stronger ones.

The closing

After supporting your main message with evidence in the body, wrap up your oral presentation in three steps: a review , a conclusion , and a close . First, review the main points in your body to help the audience remember them and to prepare the audience for your conclusion. Next, conclude by restating your main message (in more detail now that the audience has heard the body) and complementing it with any other interpretations of your findings. Finally, close the presentation by indicating elegantly and unambiguously to your audience that these are your last words.

Starting and ending forcefully

Revealing your presentation's structure.

To be able to give their full attention to content, audience members need structure — in other words, they need a map of some sort (a table of contents, an object of the document, a preview), and they need to know at any time where they are on that map. A written document includes many visual clues to its structure: section headings, blank lines or indentations indicating paragraphs, and so on. In contrast, an oral presentation has few visual clues. Therefore, even when it is well structured, attendees may easily get lost because they do not see this structure. As a speaker, make sure you reveal your presentation's structure to the audience, with a preview , transitions , and a review .

The preview provides the audience with a map. As in a paper, it usefully comes at the end of the opening (not too early, that is) and outlines the body, not the entire presentation. In other words, it needs to include neither the introduction (which has already been delivered) nor the conclusion (which is obvious). In a presentation with slides, it can usefully show the structure of the body on screen. A slide alone is not enough, however: You must also verbally explain the logic of the body. In addition, the preview should be limited to the main points of the presentation; subpoints can be previewed, if needed, at the beginning of each main point.

Transitions are crucial elements for revealing a presentation's structure, yet they are often underestimated. As a speaker, you obviously know when you are moving from one main point of a presentation to another — but for attendees, these shifts are never obvious. Often, attendees are so involved with a presentation's content that they have no mental attention left to guess at its structure. Tell them where you are in the course of a presentation, while linking the points. One way to do so is to wrap up one point then announce the next by creating a need for it: "So, this is the microstructure we observe consistently in the absence of annealing. But how does it change if we anneal the sample at 450°C for an hour or more? That's my next point. Here is . . . "

Similarly, a review of the body plays an important double role. First, while a good body helps attendees understand the evidence, a review helps them remember it. Second, by recapitulating all the evidence, the review effectively prepares attendees for the conclusion. Accordingly, make time for a review: Resist the temptation to try to say too much, so that you are forced to rush — and to sacrifice the review — at the end.

Ideally, your preview, transitions, and review are well integrated into the presentation. As a counterexample, a preview that says, "First, I am going to talk about . . . , then I will say a few words about . . . and finally . . . " is self-centered and mechanical: It does not tell a story. Instead, include your audience (perhaps with a collective we ) and show the logic of your structure in view of your main message.

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4.1 Oral versus Written Communication

Learning objective.

  • Explain how written communication is similar to oral communication, and how it is different.

The written word often stands in place of the spoken word. People often say “it was good to hear from you” when they receive an e-mail or a letter, when in fact they didn’t hear the message, they read it. Still, if they know you well, they may mentally “hear” your voice in your written words. Writing a message to friends or colleagues can be as natural as talking to them. Yet when we are asked to write something, we often feel anxious and view writing as a more effortful, exacting process than talking would be.

Oral and written forms of communication are similar in many ways. They both rely on the basic communication process, which consists of eight essential elements: source, receiver, message, channel, receiver, feedback, environment, context, and interference. Table 4.1 “Eight Essential Elements of Communication” summarizes these elements and provides examples of how each element might be applied in oral and written communication.

Table 4.1 Eight Essential Elements of Communication

As you can see from the applications in this example, at least two different kinds of interference have the potential to ruin a conference call, and the interference can exist regardless of whether the communication to plan the call is oral or written. Try switching the “Context” and “Interference” examples from Oral to Written, and you will see that mismatched expectations and time zone confusion can happen by phone or by e-mail. While this example has an unfavorable outcome, it points out a way in which oral and written communication processes are similar.

Another way in which oral and written forms of communication are similar is that they can be divided into verbal and nonverbal categories. Verbal communication involves the words you say, and nonverbal communication involves how you say them—your tone of voice, your facial expression, body language, and so forth. Written communication also involves verbal and nonverbal dimensions. The words you choose are the verbal dimension. How you portray or display them is the nonverbal dimension, which can include the medium (e-mail or a printed document), the typeface or font, or the appearance of your signature on a letter. In this sense, oral and written communication are similar in their approach even as they are quite different in their application.

The written word allows for a dynamic communication process between source and receiver, but is often asynchronous , meaning that it occurs at different times. When we communicate face-to-face, we get immediate feedback, but our written words stand in place of that interpersonal interaction and we lack that immediate response. Since we are often not physically present when someone reads what we have written, it is important that we anticipate the reader’s needs, interpretation, and likely response to our written messages.

Suppose you are asked to write a message telling clients about a new product or service your company is about to offer. If you were speaking to one of them in a relaxed setting over coffee, what would you say? What words would you choose to describe the product or service, and how it may fulfill the client’s needs? As the business communicator, you must focus on the words you use and how you use them. Short, simple sentences, in themselves composed of words, also communicate a business style. In your previous English classes you may have learned to write eloquently, but in a business context, your goal is clear, direct communication. One strategy to achieve this goal is to write with the same words and phrases you use when you talk. However, since written communication lacks the immediate feedback that is present in an oral conversation, you need to choose words and phrases even more carefully to promote accuracy, clarity, and understanding.

Key Takeaway

Written communication involves the same eight basic elements as oral communication, but it is often asynchronous.

  • Review the oral and written applications in Table 4.1 “Eight Essential Elements of Communication” and construct a different scenario for each. What could Jay and Heather do differently to make the conference call a success?
  • Visit a business Web site that has an “About Us” page. Read the “About Us” message and write a summary in your own words of what it tells you about the company. Compare your results with those of your classmates.
  • You are your own company. What words describe you? Design a logo, create a name, and present your descriptive words in a way that gets attention. Share and compare with classmates.

Business Communication for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Oral Communication: Definitions, Importance, Methods, Types, Advantages, and Disadvantages

  • Post author: Anuj Kumar
  • Post published: 18 October 2021
  • Post category: Communication / Journalism / Soft Skills
  • Post comments: 0 Comments

Table of Contents

  • 1 What is Oral Communication?
  • 2 Definitions of Oral Communication
  • 3.1 Clear Pronunciation
  • 3.2 Brevity
  • 3.3 Precision
  • 3.4 Conviction
  • 3.5 Logical Sequence
  • 3.6 Appropriate Word Choice
  • 3.7 Use natural voice
  • 3.8 Communicate With Right Person
  • 3.9 Do Not Get Guided by Assumptions
  • 3.10 Look for Feedback
  • 3.11 Allow to Ask Questions
  • 4.1 Face-to-Face Conversation
  • 4.2 Telephone
  • 4.3 Presentation
  • 4.4 Public Speech
  • 4.5 Interview
  • 4.6 Meeting
  • 5.1 Speak in a Clear, Confident Strong Voice
  • 5.2 Be Coherent
  • 5.3 Avoid Using Filler Words
  • 5.4 Be an Active Listener
  • 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Communication
  • 7.1 Quickness in Exchange of Ideas
  • 7.2 Immediate Feedback
  • 7.3 Flexibility
  • 7.4 Economic Sources
  • 7.5 Personal Touch
  • 7.6 Effective Source
  • 7.7 Saves Time and Increases Efficiency
  • 8.1 Unfit for Lengthy Message
  • 8.2 Unfit for Policy Matters
  • 8.3 Lack of Written Proof
  • 8.4 Expensive Method
  • 8.5 Lack of Clarity
  • 8.6 Misuse of Time
  • 8.7 Presence of Both the Parties Necessary
  • 9 Oral Mode is Used Where
  • 10.1 What is oral communication in one word?
  • 10.2 What is oral communication according to different authors?
  • 10.3 What is the importance of an oral communication essay?
  • 10.4 What are the methods of oral communication?
  • 10.5 What is oral communication according to the authors?
  • 10.6 What is the importance of oral communication?
  • 10.7 What are the six types of oral communication?
  • 10.8 What are the advantages of communication?
  • 10.9 What are the disadvantages of communication?
  • What is Oral Communication?

Oral communication implies communication through the mouth. It includes individuals conversing with each other, be it direct conversation or telephonic conversation. Speeches, presentations, and discussions are all forms of oral communication .

Oral communication is generally recommended when the communication matter is of a temporary kind or where a direct interaction is required. Face-to-face communication (meetings, lectures, conferences, interviews, etc.) is significant so as to build rapport and trust.

What is Oral Communication

In other words, Oral communication is the process of expressing information or ideas by talking. It is predominantly referred to as speech communication.

  • Definitions of Oral Communication

These are the following definitions of oral communication :

  • Importance of Oral Communication

The following are the importance of oral communication :

Clear Pronunciation

Logical sequence, appropriate word choice, use natural voice, communicate with right person, do not get guided by assumptions, look for feedback, allow to ask questions.

Importance of Oral Communication

The message should be pronounced clearly, otherwise, the receiver may not understand the words of the sender.

A brief message is considered the most effective factor since the receiver’s retention capacity is limited in oral communication . The sender should be as brief as possible.

The sender should ensure the exactness of the message. The only relevant issue should be included in the message and that too with accuracy.

The sender should believe in the facts that are being communicated to others. The oral presentation should evince the confidence of the sender.

The sender should present the message logically. The points to be spoken first and what should follow to convey the meaning and motives of the sender effectively to the receiver need to be looked into.

Words are symbols. They have no fixed or universal meanings. The meanings of words at that moment are in the mind of the sender. Therefore, the sender should select the words which are suitable and understandable to the other party and those which convey exactly the same meanings as the sender wanted.

A natural voice conveys integrity and conviction. It is advised to use a natural voice in oral communication .

It is essential to know with whom to communicate. If you communicate the right message to the wrong person, it may lead to a lot of problems. Be sure in recognizing the right person to communicate with.

Never assume that your listener has knowledge already of the subject matter. You may be wrong many times in such assumptions. You can be good only when you are confident in your message without any omission.

When communicating, if you are smart enough in collecting feedback verbally or non-verbally, you can quickly alter the message, if necessary.

It is important to give freedom to the receiver to rise questions whenever he feels ambiguity or confusion. In a way, the communicator should encourage the receiver to ask questions. Such questions are opportunities to clarify doubts.

Types of Oral Communication

These are the types of oral communication discussed below in detail:

Face-to-Face Conversation

Presentation, public speech.

Oral communication is best when it is face-to-face . A face-to-face setting is possible between two individuals or among a small group of people in an interview or in a small meeting; communication can flow both ways in these situations. There is always immediate feedback, which makes clarification possible.

Telephone talk depends entirely on the voice. It does not have the advantage of physical presence. Clarity of speech and skillful use of voice is important. There can be confusion between similar sounding words like pale and bale or between light and like.

Names and addresses communicated on the telephone are sometimes wrongly received. It is therefore customary to clarify spellings by saying C for Cuttack, B for Bal sore, and so on.

A presentation has a face-to-face setting. It is a formal and well-prepared talk on a specific topic, delivered to a knowledgeable and interested audience. Visual aids are used to enhance a presentation. The person who makes the presentation is expected to answer questions at the end.

It is the responsibility of the presenter to ensure that there is a clear understanding of all aspects of the topic among the audience.

A public speech or lecture, with or without microphones, has a face-to-face setting, but the distance between the speaker and audience is great; this distance increases as the audience gets larger, as in an open-air public meeting.

The purpose of a public speech may be to entertain, encourage and inspire. Much depends on the speaker’s skill in using gestures and using the microphone. Feedback is very little as the speaker can hardly see the facial expressions of people in the audience. A public speech is followed by applause rather than by questions from the audience.

An interview is a meeting in which a person or a panel of persons, who are the interviewers, ask questions from the interviewee. The purpose is, usually, to assess and judge whether it would be worthwhile to enter into a business relationship with the other.

Each side makes an assessment of the other. An interview is structured and is characterized by the question and answer type of communication .

Usually, a meeting involves many persons; there is a chairman or a leader who leads and guides the communication and maintains proper order. There is a fixed agenda, i.e., a list of issues to be discussed at the meeting.

Meetings are of many types, from the small committee meeting consisting of three or four persons to the large conference or the shareholders’ meeting. This type of oral communication is backed up by note-taking and writing up minutes.

  • Methods to Improve Oral Communication Skills

These are some methods to improve oral communication skills :

Speak in a Clear, Confident Strong Voice

Be coherent, avoid using filler words, be an active listener.

Methods to Improve Oral Communication Skills

one should speak in a confident, clear, and strong voice so that it is audible to everyone in the audience. Keep the pace of your speaking average, not very slow not very fast. While speaking, face the audience.

One should speak coherently with a concentration on your subject only. Try not to be distracted from your subject, try to prevent other thoughts at that time.

It is better to pause for a second rather than using filler words, such as “Yeah”, “So”, “Um”, and “Like” frequent use of filler words disturbs coherence and distracts the audience.

Verbal communication is a two-way process; you should, therefore, be an active listener too. Try to understand a question/query quickly, because it looks odd to ask to repeat the question.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Communication

These are the following advantages and disadvantages of oral communication :

Advantages of Oral Communication

Disadvantages of oral communication.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Communication

Following are the advantages of oral communication :

Quickness in Exchange of Ideas

Immediate feedback, flexibility, economic sources, personal touch, effective source, saves time and increases efficiency.

Advantages of Oral Communication

Quickness in Exchange of Ideas : The ideas can be conveyed to distant places quickly because this medium does not require the message to be written.

Immediate Feedback : Oral communication helps in understanding the extent to which the receiver has understood the message through his feelings during the course of the conversation.

Flexibility : Oral communication has an element of flexibility inherent in it. Flexibility means changing ideas according to the situation or changing ideas according to the interest of the receiver.

Economic Sources : It is an economic source of communication because the message is communicated only orally.

Personal Touch : Oral communication has a personal touch. Both sides can understand each other’s feelings, being face to face. The conversation takes place in a clean environment, which increases mutual confidence..

Effective Source : Oral Communication leaves much impression on the receiver. It is said that sometimes a thing can be communicated more effectively with the help of some sign. The use of signs or gesticulation can only be made in oral communication.

Saves Time and Increases Efficiency : This communication consumes less time and the superiors can utilize the time saved for some other more important work. As a result of this the efficiency of the sender increases.

Let’s discuss some disadvantages of oral communication :

Unfit for Lengthy Message

Unfit for policy matters, lack of written proof, expensive method, lack of clarity, misuse of time, presence of both the parties necessary.

Disadvantages of Oral Communication

Unfit for Lengthy Message : Oral communication is profitable in having a brief exchange of ideas only. It is not possible for the receiver to remember a long message.

Unfit for Policy Matters : Where policies, rules, or other important messages are to be communicated, oral communication has no importance.

Lack of Written Proof : In the case of oral communication no written proof is left for future reference. Therefore, sometimes difficulty has to be faced.

Expensive Method : When less important information is sent to distant places through telephone, etc. oral communication proves costly.

Lack of Clarity : This is possible when there is little time for conversation. Sometimes wrong can be uttered in a hurry, which can lead to adverse results.

Misuse of Time : Oral communication is considered a misuse of time when during meetings the conversation is lengthened unnecessarily. Parties involved in the communication waste their time in useless talks.

Presence of Both the Parties Necessary : In oral communication, it is essential for the sender and the receiver to be present face to face, it does not mean in the physical sense. But in written communication , one party is required.

  • Oral Mode is Used Where

These are the following points where we used oral mode :

  • Personal authentication is needed. e.g., between an officer and her personal secretary; a journalist and her source (“I heard it from a reliable source”)
  • Social or gregarious needs must be met. e.g.,’ speaking with a visiting delegation
  • Warmth and personal qualities are called for. e.g., group or team interaction
  • Exactitude and precision are not vitally important. e.g., brainstorming for ideas I
  • Situations demand maximum understanding. e.g., sorting out problems or differences between individuals, or between two groups such as administration and students.
  • An atmosphere of openness is desired. e.g., talks between management and. workers
  • Added impact is needed to get the receiver’s focus. e.g., a chairperson of an organization addressing the staff; a presidential or royal address to a nation
  • Decisions or information have to be communicated quickly. e.g., officers issuing officers during natural disasters such as floods or an earthquake
  • Confidential matters are to be discussed. e.g., exchange of positive or negative information about an organization or an individual. In the process of appointments or promotion or selection of individuals, a period of open discussion may precede the final decision that is recorded in writing.

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FAQ Related to Oral Communication

What is oral communication in one word.

Oral communication expresses ideas through the spoken word.

What is oral communication according to different authors?

Oral communication takes place when spoken words are used to transfer information and understanding from one person to another. BY S. K. Kapur

What is the importance of an oral communication essay?

The following are the importance of oral communication: Clear Pronunciation, Brevity, Precision, Conviction, Logical Sequence, Appropriate Word Choice, Use of natural voice, etc.

What are the methods of oral communication?

Following are some methods to improve oral communication skills: Speak in a Clear, Confident Strong Voice, Be Coherent, Avoid Using Filler Words, Be an Active Listener, etc.

What is oral communication according to the authors?

Oral communication expresses ideas through the spoken word. By  Bovee

What is the importance of oral communication?

Following are the importance of oral communication: 1. Clear Pronunciation 2. Brevity 3. Precision 4. Conviction 5. Logical Sequence 6. Appropriate Word Choice 7. Use a natural voice 8. Communicate With Right Person 9. Do Not Get Guided by Assumptions 10. Look for Feedback 11. Allow to Ask Questions.

What are the six types of oral communication?

These are the six types of oral communication: 1. Face-to-Face Conversation 2. Telephone 3. Presentation 4. Public Speech 5. Interview 6. Meeting.

What are the advantages of communication?

Advantages of Communication given below: 1. Quickness in Exchange of Ideas 2. Immediate Feedback 3. Flexibility 4. Economic Sources 5. Personal Touch 6. Effective Source 7. Saves Time and Increases Efficiency.

What are the disadvantages of communication?

Disadvantages of Communication: 1. Unfit for Lengthy Message 2. Unfit for Policy Matters 3. Lack of Written Proof 4. Expensive Method 5. Lack of Clarity 6. Misuse of Time 7. Presence of Both the Parties Necessary.

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Oral Communication

A guide to oral communication.

The first and most important step in preparing an oral presentation is understanding who will be in the audi­ence. By knowing your audience, you can tailor your content to their needs. Unless you engage the audience quickly, you will lose their attention. The first 30 seconds of your presentation are crucial to establishing credibility as a speaker and making a good impression. Here are some important questions you need to ask yourself about your audience:

Who will be in the audience?

What will the audience already know about the subject?

Will the audience understand the terms that I am using, or do I need to define them?

Will they be interested in it? Why should they be?

What will they expect from the presentation?

How much background information should I present so that they will understand the current situation?

Has anyone else talked to them about this subject, and if so, what did they say? Can I build on what has gone before?

Will they be receptive or hostile towards the subject? How will I deal with this?

Will they know anything about me? What will they need to know?

Should my presentation be formal or informal?

Organization

The next step of the process is creating an organizational structure for your informa­tion. Most oral presentations are similar to thesis papers in the fact that there needs to be some kind of organization to the information presented. First, express your topic in a single, clear statement, much like you would in a thesis statement.  From there, find a way to create structure in your information using some kind of order e.g. chronologi­cal, sequential, cause-effect, pyramid, etc. Finally, use transitions to move between ideas. Here are some questions to ask yourself during this stage:

Is my introduction short and attention getting?

Does my introduction present the topic thoroughly?

Does it introduce my organizational structure?

Is the body of my presentation consistent with my organizational structure?

Does it present relevant evidence? Does the body flow logically?

Does my conclusion summarize my main points?

Does it draw all of my arguments and evidence together?

Does the conclusion point forward or suggest work still to be done?

Body Language

As a speaker, body language is a very important part of your presentation. The messages you send through your body language affect how your audience perceives you, and can affect your credibility as a speaker.

Am I speaking slowly enough for the audience to understand what I am saying?

Thing to avoid:

  • Reading directly off of a paper or power point slides - become familiar with your information so that you do not have to frequently refer back to your notes.  
  • Memorizing an entire speech - you are likely to for­ get exact wording, and a memorized speech can sound stiff. Instead focus on your introduction, bullet points, specific quotes, and your con­clusion.  
  • Impromptu speaking - practice your speech beforehand!!  
  • Bad habits like crossing your arms, playing with your hair, or fiddling with your hands.  
  • Speaking too quickly - slow down, slow down! It may seem like you are speaking slowly, but you need to give the audience time to under­ stand what you have said.  
  • Staring at the ceiling or the floor - make eye contact with each member of your audience to make them feel welcome, and continue this throughout the presentation.  
  • Ask questions without giving your audience time to under­stand and answer. Do not move on until you have lis­tened to what your audience has to say.  
  • Frown. Try to keep a positive demeanor so that your audi­ence feels welcome and en­gaged.

Handout inspired by: Http://www.gu.edu.au/centre/gihe/gri ffi th_graduate/toolkit/oral/handO3.htm   Http://teaching teams.arizona.edu/docs/oralcommunication.pdf

Library & Information Science Education Network

What is Oral Communication?

Md. Ashikuzzaman

Introduction: Oral communication is the cornerstone of human interaction, encompassing the dynamic exchange of ideas, information, and emotions through spoken language. As a fundamental mode of expression, it underpins the fabric of society, enabling individuals to connect, collaborate, and share their thoughts with one another. From the earliest forms of storytelling passed down through generations to the modern-day realms of public speaking, interviews, and interpersonal dialogues, oral communication has been an intrinsic part of human civilization’s growth and progress. Its power lies not only in the words spoken but also in the nuances of voice modulation, facial expressions, and body language, all of which imbue messages with depth and meaning. Effective oral communication is not just a skill; it is an art that fosters understanding, builds relationships, and empowers individuals to engage confidently and persuasively in every aspect of their lives.

Meaning of Oral Communication

Oral communication refers to the process of transmitting information, ideas, or messages through spoken words, sounds, and vocal cues. It is a fundamental form of human communication and involves exchanging thoughts, feelings, and knowledge using verbal language. Oral communication can take place in various settings, such as face-to-face conversations, group discussions, presentations, interviews, speeches, phone calls, and video conferencing.

The effectiveness of oral communication relies on both the clarity of the speaker’s message and the listener’s ability to actively engage and comprehend the spoken information. In addition to spoken words, non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language, also play a crucial role in enhancing the meaning and impact of the message.

Oral communication is an integral part of everyday interactions, both in personal relationships and professional settings. Strong oral communication skills are essential for expressing ideas effectively, building relationships, resolving conflicts, collaborating with others, and succeeding in various aspects of life, including education, career, and social situations. Mastering oral communication empowers individuals to connect, persuade, and influence others in a profound and meaningful way.

Oral communication examples can be found in various aspects of daily life, professional settings, and social interactions. Here are some examples of oral communication in different contexts:

  • Casual Conversation: Everyday conversations between friends, family members, or colleagues involve oral communication. Whether discussing weekend plans, sharing personal experiences, or catching up on news, casual conversations are an essential form of oral communication.
  • Business Meetings: In the workplace, oral communication is prevalent during meetings. Participants discuss project updates, share ideas, propose solutions, and make decisions collaboratively. Effective oral communication in business meetings ensures clear understanding and fosters efficient teamwork.
  • Classroom Discussions: In educational settings, oral communication is integral to classroom discussions. Students engage in debates, ask questions, and express their thoughts on various topics, promoting active learning and critical thinking.
  • Public Speaking: Public speaking is a classic example of oral _ communication. Whether giving a motivational speech, delivering a presentation, or addressing a large audience, effective public speaking involves captivating listeners and conveying the intended message persuasively.
  • Job Interviews: During job interviews, candidates use oral communication to articulate their qualifications, skills, and experiences to potential employers. The ability to communicate confidently and clearly can significantly impact interview outcomes.
  • Customer Service Interactions: In customer service roles, oral communication is essential for resolving inquiries, addressing complaints, and providing assistance. Customer service representatives need to communicate effectively to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Negotiations: Negotiations in various contexts, such as business deals or conflict resolution, heavily rely on oral communication. Effective negotiators use persuasive language and active listening skills to reach mutually beneficial outcomes.
  • Phone Calls: Personal and professional phone calls are another form of oral communication. From catching up with loved ones to conducting business discussions, phone calls facilitate real-time conversations.
  • Conference Calls: In the age of remote work and virtual collaboration, conference calls are prevalent for group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and decision-making processes.
  • Social Media Live Streams: Social media platforms offer live streaming capabilities, allowing individuals and organizations to engage in real-time oral communication with their followers, answering questions or delivering announcements.
  • Family Gatherings: Oral communication is essential during family gatherings, where relatives share stories, experiences, and news, strengthening family bonds.
  • News Reporting and Broadcasting: Journalists and broadcasters use oral communication to convey news stories, keeping the public informed about current events.

These examples illustrate the diverse applications of oral _ communication in different contexts, highlighting its significance in fostering understanding, building relationships, and driving progress in various spheres of life.

Importance of Oral Communication

Oral communication holds immense importance in our lives, playing a central role in how we connect, share information, and build relationships with others. From casual conversations with friends to formal business meetings and public speeches, oral communication shapes our interactions on a daily basis. Expressing ideas and thoughts verbally is essential for effective knowledge transfer, learning, and understanding. Through oral communication, we can articulate complex concepts, share personal experiences, and engage in discussions that expand our horizons and foster intellectual growth. Moreover, it allows us to connect with others emotionally, as the tone, pitch, and emphasis in our voices can convey our feelings and intentions, leading to stronger bonds and empathy.

In professional settings, the importance of oral communication cannot be overstated. It is a critical skill in advancing one’s career, as it influences job interviews, negotiations, and presentations. The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively enhances a professional’s credibility and leadership potential. In team environments, oral communication is vital for effective collaboration and efficient workflow. It enables team members to share ideas, resolve conflicts, and make decisions collectively, fostering a harmonious and productive work environment. Furthermore, effective communication is essential in client interactions, sales pitches, and networking, as it facilitates trust and fosters long-lasting business relationships.

Beyond the realm of work, oral communication plays a significant role in transmitting culture and preserving our traditions. Oral storytelling has been a primary method of passing down historical narratives, myths, and cultural values from generation to generation. It serves as a living repository of our collective memory, reinforcing our sense of identity and belonging. In social interactions, oral communication enables us to engage with others, express empathy, and share in each other’s joys and sorrows. The art of conversation nurtures our social skills, ensuring that we can navigate various social settings with confidence and ease.

Effective oral communication is also a cornerstone of leadership and advocacy. Influential leaders throughout history have utilized persuasive speaking to inspire change, galvanize movements, and lead their communities to progress. Politicians, activists, and educators use oral communication to rally support for their causes and disseminate information that shapes public opinion. In this way, oral communication becomes a force for positive change, driving societal advancements and addressing critical issues in our communities.

Furthermore, oral communication facilitates real-time feedback, allowing us to gauge the understanding and engagement of our audience. As we speak, we can observe their reactions and adjust our message to ensure clarity and relevance. Active listening, an integral part of oral communication, fosters mutual respect and understanding, encouraging open dialogue and promoting an inclusive and tolerant society.

Advantages of Oral Communication

Oral _ communication offers numerous advantages in various aspects of life, both personally and professionally. Here are some key advantages of oral _ communication:

  • Immediate Feedback: When communicating orally, whether in a conversation, presentation, or public speech, speakers can receive instant feedback from their audience. This feedback is valuable as it allows speakers to gauge the audience’s comprehension, engagement, and emotional response to the message. Based on the feedback received, speakers can adjust their approach, rephrase points for clarity, or address any questions or concerns that arise, ensuring effective communication.
  • Clarity and Emphasis: Oral _ communication allows speakers to emphasize key points by using vocal variations like tone, pitch, and volume. These variations draw attention to essential information, making it easier for the audience to understand the central message. Moreover, verbal communication allows speakers to clarify points or elaborate on ideas, ensuring that the intended meaning is accurately conveyed.
  • Non-Verbal Cues: In face-to-face oral _ communication, non-verbal cues play a significant role in enhancing the message’s impact. Facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and body language can convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions, providing additional context to the spoken words. Non-verbal cues also help establish rapport and trust between communicators, fostering a deeper connection.
  • Spontaneity and Adaptability: Oral _ communication is well-suited for spontaneous interactions and on-the-spot decision-making. In conversations and discussions, participants can respond in real-time, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas. The flexibility of oral _ communication allows speakers to adapt their message based on the audience’s reactions, making the communication more relevant and relatable.
  • Building Rapport and Relationships: Face-to-face oral _ communication is particularly effective in building rapport and strengthening relationships. The presence of direct interaction fosters a sense of connection and humanizes the communication process. This personal touch encourages active listening and empathy, leading to more meaningful and authentic exchanges.
  • Real-Time Interaction: Oral _ communication facilitates immediate interaction, enabling real-time responses and feedback. This aspect is particularly valuable in group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and problem-solving activities, as participants can contribute and collaborate simultaneously.
  • Persuasion and Influence: Skilled oral _ communicators possess the ability to persuade and influence others effectively. By employing persuasive language, storytelling techniques, and emotional appeal, they can sway opinions, gain support, and inspire action, making oral communication a powerful tool in various professional contexts.
  • Personal Touch: Oral _ communication adds a personal touch to interactions, making the communication warmer and more engaging. The tone and inflection in the speaker’s voice can convey emotions and intentions, making the message more impactful and memorable.
  • Enhancing Public Speaking Skills: Engaging in regular oral _ communication, such as public speaking engagements or presentations, allows individuals to improve their public speaking skills over time. With practice, individuals can become more confident, articulate, and composed speakers, capable of delivering messages effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Conflict Resolution: Oral _ communication is essential in resolving conflicts and disagreements. By encouraging open dialogue, active listening, and empathetic understanding, parties involved in a conflict can express their concerns, find common ground, and work towards a resolution collaboratively.
  • Team Collaboration: Effective oral _ communication is vital for successful team collaboration. It allows team members to share information, exchange ideas, and contribute to discussions, fostering a cohesive and productive team environment.

Oral _ communication offers a rich and interactive form of human interaction. It leverages the power of language, non-verbal cues, and immediate feedback to facilitate meaningful connections, effective collaboration, and successful communication across various personal and professional settings. By honing their oral communication skills, individuals can enhance their ability to express ideas, build relationships, and make a positive impact in both their personal and professional lives.

Disadvantages/Limitations of Oral Communication

While oral _ communication offers many advantages, it also comes with some disadvantages and limitations. Understanding these drawbacks can help individuals become aware of potential challenges and work towards improving their communication effectiveness. Here are some disadvantages of oral communication:

  • Lack of Record: One of the primary limitations of oral _ communication is the absence of a tangible record. Unlike written communication, oral interactions do not leave behind a documented account of the conversation. This can lead to misunderstandings or discrepancies in recalling important details, making it challenging to refer back to specific information. To address this, individuals can follow up oral discussions with written summaries or use digital recording devices to maintain a record of crucial conversations.
  • Limited Reach: Oral _ communication is confined to those present during the interaction. It may not be practical for disseminating information to a wide audience, especially when dealing with remote or geographically dispersed individuals. To overcome this limitation, combining oral _ communication with written materials, such as emails, memos, or presentations, can ensure information reaches a broader audience.
  • Misinterpretation: The lack of written words or visual aids in oral communication can increase the risk of misinterpretation. Ambiguous language, cultural differences, or poor articulation can lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication. To mitigate this, speakers should strive for clarity, use visual aids when applicable, and encourage active listening to clarify any doubts or confusion.
  • Memory and Recall: Listeners may struggle to retain and recall all the details shared during an oral _ conversation, particularly in lengthy or information-heavy discussions. This can result in vital information being forgotten or misremembered. To address this limitation, speakers can reinforce key points, summarize important information, and provide written materials as supplementary resources.
  • Time Constraints: In time-sensitive situations, such as meetings or presentations, oral communication may have inherent time limitations. This can limit the depth of discussion or hinder the opportunity for thorough elaboration. Practicing effective time management and structuring communication points can help speakers optimize their message delivery within the given time frame.
  • Lack of Preparation: Spontaneous oral communication, such as impromptu speeches or unprepared responses, may lack structure and impact. To overcome this limitation, individuals can practice effective public speaking, enhance their subject knowledge, and prepare for anticipated discussions in advance.
  • Language Barriers: Language differences in multicultural settings can pose significant barriers to effective oral _ communication. Misunderstandings may arise due to language proficiency or unfamiliar expressions. Addressing this limitation involves employing simple and clear language, using visual aids, and encouraging open dialogue to ensure mutual understanding.
  • Noise and Distractions: Background noise or distractions can disrupt oral _ communication, making it challenging for listeners to focus on the message. Choosing appropriate environments and reducing distractions during conversations can enhance communication effectiveness.

While oral communication has its limitations, it remains an indispensable and powerful means of human interaction. By recognizing these disadvantages and adopting strategies to address them, individuals can enhance their oral communication skills, foster effective exchanges, and build stronger connections with others. Combining oral communication with other forms of communication, such as written or visual methods, can create a comprehensive and dynamic communication approach that leads to successful interactions in diverse personal and professional settings.

Elements of Oral Communication

Oral communication, as a dynamic and essential form of human interaction, comprises several interconnected elements that work together to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas through spoken words. These elements, namely the sender, message, channel, receiver, and feedback, form the fundamental structure of oral communication, influencing the effectiveness and impact of the interaction. Understanding and mastering these elements is crucial to becoming a skilled communicator, capable of expressing thoughts clearly, engaging with others empathetically, and fostering meaningful connections in various personal and professional contexts. In this exploration of the elements of oral communication, we will delve into the significance of each component and how they contribute to successful communication outcomes.

The five elements of oral communication are:

  • Sender: The sender is the person or entity that initiates the communication process by conveying a message to the receiver. They are responsible for formulating the message and choosing the appropriate means of delivery to effectively communicate their ideas, information, or emotions.
  • Message: The message is the content or information that the sender intends to communicate to the receiver. It can be conveyed through spoken words, gestures, facial expressions, or any other form of non-verbal communication. The clarity and effectiveness of the message are crucial for successful oral communication.
  • Channel: The channel refers to the medium through which the message is transmitted from the sender to the receiver. In oral communication, the primary channel is spoken language, but it can also involve non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Other channels may include telephone calls, video conferencing, or live streaming.
  • Receiver: The receiver is the person or audience who receives and interprets the message from the sender. They play a crucial role in the communication process as their understanding and response determine the success of the communication. Active listening and paying attention to non-verbal cues are vital for the effective reception of the message.
  • Feedback: Feedback is the response or reaction given by the receiver to the sender after receiving and interpreting the message. It helps the sender gauge the effectiveness of their communication and whether the message was understood as intended. Feedback can be verbal or non-verbal, and it facilitates a continuous and interactive communication process.

These five elements are interconnected and work together in the process of oral communication. The sender formulates a message and delivers it through a chosen channel, which is received and interpreted by the receiver. The receiver then provides feedback, allowing the sender to adjust their message if necessary. Effective oral communication relies on the seamless interaction and alignment of these elements to convey information accurately and foster understanding between communicators.

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Communication barriers in virtual classrooms, inclusive teaching: building a positive communication culture in the classroom, bridging the cultural gap: understanding the impact of cultural differences on classroom communication, lost in translation: how language barriers affect classroom communication, role of communication in professional development, audio-visual aids.

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What is Oral Communication? Advantages, Disadvantages, Imp

  • Post last modified: 4 June 2023
  • Reading time: 46 mins read
  • Post category: Business Communication

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What is Oral Communication?

Oral communication is transfer of information from sender to receiver by means of verbal and visual aid. Examples of oral communication include presentations, speeches, discussions, etc.

Though the message is conveyed through words, most of the times oral communication is effectively carried out with the help of non-verbal communication like body language and tone modulations. Oral communication is also at times mixed with visual aid to help establish the conveyed message in a clear manner.

Oral Communication

Table of Content

  • 1 What is Oral Communication?
  • 2 Oral Communication Definition
  • 3 Modes of Oral Communication
  • 4.1 Immediate Feedback
  • 4.2 Time Saving
  • 4.3 Economical
  • 4.4 Personal Touch
  • 4.5 Flexibility
  • 4.6 Secrecy
  • 4.7 Group Communication
  • 4.8 Effectiveness
  • 4.9 Persuasive power
  • 5.1 Poor Retention
  • 5.2 No Record
  • 5.3 Time Consuming
  • 5.4 Misunderstanding
  • 5.5 Lengthy Messages
  • 5.6 Lack of Responsibility
  • 5.7 Imprecise
  • 6.1 Clarity
  • 6.2 Brevity
  • 6.3 Precision
  • 6.4 Right words
  • 6.5 Avoid Hackneyed Phrases
  • 6.6 Understand the Listener
  • 6.7 Natural Voice
  • 6.8 Logical Sequence
  • 6.9 Conviction
  • 7.1 Importance for a scholar
  • 7.2 Importance for a professional
  • 7.3 Importance for business
  • 7.4 As a marketing tool
  • 8.1 Clarity
  • 8.2 Simplicity
  • 8.3 Source of information
  • 8.4 Adequacy
  • 8.5 Consistency
  • 8.6 Principle of time
  • 8.7 Balance between uniformly and adaptability
  • 8.8 Emotional Appeal
  • 8.9 Consultation
  • 8.10 Feedback
  • 8.11 Purpose
  • 8.12 Empathy
  • 8.13 Rehearsal
  • 8.14 Selection of main idea
  • 8.15 Introduction
  • 8.16 Easiness
  • 8.17 Researching the topic
  • 8.18 Summary
  • 10 Business Communication Notes
  • 11 Reference

Oral Communication Examples include usage of presentations in a seminar or meeting to put across the message in a clear manner. Oral communication can also be mixed with written communication methods to ensure that maximum effectiveness is achieved.

Oral Communication Definition

Oral communication takes place in face-to-face conversations, group discussions, telephone calls and other circumstances in which spoken word is used to express meaning. Ricky W. Griffin
Oral communication takes place when spoken words are used to transfer information and understanding form on person to another. S. K. Kapur

Modes of Oral Communication

Research studies have shown that 80% of communication by executives of a company is in the oral form. The modes of Oral Communication include:

• Telephone/Cellular phone • Messages • Intercom • Face-to-face discussion • Meetings/Conferences • Presentation • Dictaphone/Dictation • Conversation • Radio • Teleconferencing • Speeches • Brainstorming sessions • Grapevine • Interview

Advantages of Oral Communication

Advantages of oral communication are mentioned below:

Immediate Feedback

Time saving, personal touch, flexibility, group communication, effectiveness, persuasive power.

Advantages of Oral Communication

The biggest advantage of oral communication is that it provides immediate feedback to both the sender and the receiver. Each can therefore ask for clarification and elaboration on the spot.

The speaker can immediately understand the reaction of the audience or group, s/he is addressing while the hearers get a number of clues about how their behaviour is being perceived by the speaker.

Oral communication is very fast. It saves the time involved in writing the message and delivering it through a channel like the postal or courier services.

Oral communication saves the money spent on stationery and the channel of communication.

Oral communication builds up a healthy climate in the organization by bringing superiors and subordinates closer. It is also an effective tool for persuasion.

Oral communication provides an opportunity to the speaker to correct himself and make himself clear by changing his voice, pitch, tone, etc. A number of other factors like context, body language, etc. can be used to reinforce and modify what is spoken through the words.

Oral messages can be more easily kept confidential than written messages. All one has to do is to ensure that there is no one within the hearing or recording distance.

Oral communication is extremely useful for communicating with groups in meetings, conferences, etc. No classroom teaching would be possible without oral communication.

Because oral communication involves the real or virtual presence of both the parties, therefore, the message transfer is more effective and that helps in achieving the goal of the communication more efficiently.

Persuasion is the process of guiding people toward the adoption of an idea, attitude or action by rational means. It relies on “appeals” and convincing arguments. We live in a world where persuasive oral messages are around us.

Disadvantages of Oral Communication

Disadvantages of oral communication are explained below:

Poor Retention

Time consuming, misunderstanding, lengthy messages, lack of responsibility.

Disadvantages of Oral Communication

The listener cannot retain oral messages in his memory for a long time. The speaker himself may not recall what he actually said.

Oral communication does not provide any record for future reference. In the absence of a record, oral messages have no legal validity.

Oral communication may not always be time saving. Precisely because there is no binding medium like a page or a book, this form of communication is virtually endless. Sometimes meetings continue for a long time without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion.

Oral communications are likely to be misunderstood due to poor expression and noise. The speaker may not be able to make himself quite clear or the listener may be inattentive. This is likely to be truer when the two individuals are not on good terms with each other.

Oral communication is not suitable for transmitting lengthy messages. Some parts of vital importance may not receive adequate attention.

Oral messages are not recorded. Therefore, it becomes difficult to hold persons responsible for mistakes, inaccuracy or falsity in oral communication.

People usually take less care when speaking than when writing. Therefore, spoken words tend to be less precise than written words. Often the exact point the speaker is trying to make is lost in a mass of words.

How to Make Oral Communication Effective?

The following steps should be taken to make oral communication effective :

Right words

Avoid hackneyed phrases, understand the listener, natural voice, logical sequence.

How to Make Oral Communication Effective

The speaker should pronounce his words “clearly” and “correctly”. He must talk distinctly and slowly. When a person speaks fast or munches words the oral message is likely to be misunderstood.

The way a person speaks his dialogue exercises much influence on the audience. Clarity of expression is the aim at all times.

Oral communications often suffer from too much of talking. When a speaker keeps on talking for long, his message is lost in a sea of words and his listeners tend to become inattentive.

Therefore, the message must be kept as short as possible. However, the speaker should not appear unclear, abrupt or discourteous.

An oral message becomes more effective when it is precise and concise.

Example : It is better to say ‘cut down costs by 100 instead of saying ‘reduce costs’. The message should not be vague or incomplete. Words ought to mean clearly what they are intended to say.

The first caution is to ensure that you know the meaning of the words that you use. Some words have more than one meaning while some others carry different meanings for different persons. Be sure about what your words will convey to a trained reader. Example : City, town and metropolis are three different words and care should be exercised before using them. You will find that the word ‘metro’ has at least three different meanings in day-to-day usage. Find them out for yourself. Therefore, words should be chosen carefully and their meaning clarified in the context of usage. The speaker should not presume that the listener would mean the same thing from a word, which s/he means.

Speakers often use hackneyed phrases and clichés like ‘you know’, ‘I see’, ‘you see’, ‘what I mean’, ‘isn’t,’ etc. Such phrases interrupt the flow of speech and obstruct the quick grasp of meaning besides causing boredom. Speakers should ensure that they do not use these phrases unconsciously or consciously. Most of us use them as connectives, filling up a gap when we do not have the correct word/phrase. Keeping them consciously out of your usage would mean that you will have to remain silent for those gaps. But don’t worry. Once you stop using fillers like those, appropriate words will come to you with a little effort at articulation.

A good speaker must understand the listener before talking. People vary in terms of their education, culture, intelligence level, maturity, etc.

The speaker should use his natural way of speaking. In order to look sophisticated, some speakers use a foreign accent. This reduces the effectiveness of communication.

Before speaking, different ideas to be conveyed should be arranged in a logical order. It helps to make the speech forceful.

A speaker must have conviction in what he says. Careful understanding, the sincerity of speech, and intelligent planning are required to develop conviction in speech.

Importance of Oral Communication

The importance of oral communication can be discussed in the following points:

Importance for a scholar

Importance for a professional, importance for business, as a marketing tool.

Importance of Oral Communication

The art of oral presentation is of immense significance for an academician or a student who is needed to defend his/her thesis in a seminar or a conference.

At times, managers or executives in a company are required to prepare a report and then give an oral presentation on that report. Their performance can make or mar their career.

Oral communication are of huge significance in today’s business environment. It’s simply because nothing has more impact, or is quite as impressive, as a well-delivered oral presentation.

Properly executed and in the right context, they can inform, motivate and convince more effectively than any other single form of communication. As a result, employers place great value on presentation skills.

Ability to deliver oral presentation is one of the most effective tools of marketing. For instance, consider these two typical situations where oral presentation skill will be needed as a marketing strategy:

Go to Section:

What is Oral Communication | Oral Communication Definition | Modes of Oral Communication | Advantages of Oral Communication | Disadvantages of Oral Communication | How to Make Oral Communication Effective | Importance of Oral Communication | Principles of Oral Communication |

Principles of Oral Communication

The following are the main principles of oral communication :

Source of information

Consistency, principle of time, balance between uniformly and adaptability, emotional appeal, consultation, selection of main idea, introduction, researching the topic.

In oral communication the meaning of the words and the language should be clear so that the audience does not misunderstand it. One should avoid the use of technical, very difficult or literary words.

The communication should be simple so that every type of audience finds it easy to understand.

The sources of information used in the communication should be reliable and the audience should be informed about the source to increase their confidence.

The quantity, weightage, expansion and the subject matter should be decided in a wise manner, communication that are lengthy, too detailed and difficult are boring. Over abundance of information puts strain on the mental ability. Thinking and working of the audience.

The figures and information used in the communication should not be in conflict with the policies, objectives and programmes of the institutions.

The communication should not take more time that intended. Principle of time leaves a good impression on the audience.

On the one hand uniformity of message in the communication should be attempted and on the other due importance should be given to the changer in today’s fast business. In other words one should try to strike a balance between uniformity and changeability or adaptability of words. h. Principle of Audience Analysis

To develop a mutual understanding with the audience and to remove the unnecessary difficulty of meanings the presenter should keep in mind the age, education, ability, knowledge and organizational position of the audience.

In some communication there is a lack of logic and intellect therefore there should be an emotional appeal in the communication so that a positive response can be taken from the audience.

To make a communication effective the communicator should consult all the related people. This way one can get some new advice and ideas.

After communication the communicator should try to find the views, Ideas, opinions, objections and feelings of the audience. This develops an understanding between the two and the objective of communication is also fulfilled.

In the communicator mind the purpose of the communication should be absolutely clear and defined. Objectives could be one or more. The purpose of the communication could be to inform, encourage, sympathies and entertain.

The communicator should put himself in the place of audience while doing the communication. This brings about a similar opinion and creator mutual understanding.

Before communication one should rehearsal atleast thrice. This increases self confidence and makes the communication easier.

The main idea or should be decided before hand. This makes the communication easier and interesting.

It is said that first impression is the best impression. Thus, the communicator should introduce the communication with expertise, patience, cleverness and effectively that the audience can connect to it right till the end.

A friendly behaviour should be used with the audience. As a result he can say opinion with ease and the audience too will accept it.

Information, figures and other facts related to the communication should be collected so that some new ideas can be joined with the basic thought that is change should be acceptable.

At the end of the communication the main points should be revised which make the audience will remember the basic thought of the communication

PAIBOC Model

PAIBOC is an acronym devised by Kitty Locker and Stephen Kaczmarek. The PAIBOC model can be an instrumental tool for effective communication, specifically with speeches. PAIBOC refers to purpose, audience, information, benefits, objections and context. In an organisation, it is important to have a set process when initiating any business correspondence. PAIBOC is explained as follows:

It stands for purpose, which infers the purpose for initiating communication or writing a document. For example, the credit card division of a bank decides to send a formal e-mail to its credit card holders to make them understand the policy of moratorium period during Covid-19 Pandemic.

The purpose of the communication in this case is to educate its customers on the responsible use of credit cards and to use debt responsibly.

It stands for an audience, which explains who is the target audience or recipient of the communication. Having an insight into the target audience is cardinal for the success of communication. For instance, the target audience of communication via e-mail is the credit cardholders.

It stands for information, which infers what information the message should contain. The information that is shared relies on the audience. If the audience is not aware, then they need to be familiarised with facts.

For instance, the E-mail would involve information about the relaxation provided during the moratorium period; consequences of irresponsible use of credit; ways to manage credit/debt; and reasonable expectations of the use of credit.

It stands for benefits, what benefit both the sender and the receiver will derive from the exchange of communication.

For example, assessing how much interest they need to pay on the credit taken, how much interest customers have to pay during and after the moratorium period. In such a case, the bank can ensure that its customers are aware about the relaxation period and time limit to which they have to pay the bill.

It stands for objections, what objections can be raised by the receiver and how to overcome those objections tactfully. For instance, credit card holders can raise requests to extend the moratorium period in order to pay less interest on a credit card.

It stands for context, which refers to what is the relationship with the receiver. Context can also relate to morale in the organisation, the economy, the time of year and any special situation.

For instance, a formal e-mail can exchange important information with the customers and they will be more aware about the payment policy and procedure.

Oral Communication

Business Communication Notes

( Click on Topic to Read )

  • What is Business Communication?
  • What is Communication?
  • Types of Communication
  • 7 C of Communication
  • Barriers To Business Communication
  • Oral Communication

Types Of Non Verbal Communication

  • Written Communication
  • Soft Skills
  • Interpersonal vs Intrapersonal communication
  • Barriers to Communication

Organisational Communication

  • Horizontal Communication
  • Grapevine Communication
  • Downward Communication
  • Verbal Communication Skills
  • Upward Communication
  • Flow of Communication
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Public Speaking
  • Upward vs Downward Communication
  • Internal vs External Communication
  • Business Communication: “ K.K. Sinha, Golgotia Publishing Company
  • Business Communication: “M.K. Sehgal, Vandana Khetrapal, Excel Books
  • Essentials of Business Communication: Rajendra Pal, J.S Korlahalli, Sultan Chand & Sons

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In oral communication, spoken words are used. It includes face-to-face conversations, speech, telephonic conversation, video, radio, television, voice over internet.

Read Complete Article: Oral Communication

Business communication is the expression, channelling, receiving and interchanging of ideas in commerce and industry.

  • What is Written Communication?
  • What are Soft Skills?
  • Importance of Communication Skills
  • Listening in Communication
  • Causes of Miscommunication
  • What is Johari Window?
  • What is Presentation?

Communication Styles

Channels of communication, hofstede’s dimensions of cultural differences and benett’s stages of intercultural sensitivity.

  • Horizontal C ommunication
  • What is Emotional Intelligence?
  • What is Public Speaking?
  • What is Group Discussion?
  • What is Interview?
  • What is Negotiation?
  • What is Digital Communication?
  • What is Letter Writing?
  • Resume and Covering Letter
  • What is Report Writing?
  • What is Business Meeting?
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The Quintessence of Basic and Clinical Research and Scientific Publishing pp 791–796 Cite as

Strategies for the Preparation and Delivery of Oral Presentation

  • B. N. Srikumar 4 &
  • K. Gokulakrishnan 5  
  • First Online: 01 October 2023

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Communicating the research findings represents the culmination of the scientific endeavour. An oral presentation is one of the several forms of science communication and needs to be tailor-made depending upon the audience and ambience. While this might appear to be a daunting task to a novice, it is a fact that for most scientists, an oral presentation is an art that develops with practice. This chapter intends to provide pointers for developing the content required for a scientific presentation and strategies for its successful delivery. Although several kinds of presentations may appear different, the basic requirements and the challenges are mostly common. In this chapter, we discuss the strategies to unify the requisites for different presentations, preparing the content in general and specifically for a scientific presentation at a conference, and tips to deliver a good talk. Similar to other forms of scientific communication, the rewards of a successful oral presentation are multi-fold. First and foremost, it serves to disseminate the research findings, foster discussion through scrutiny and consequent hypothesis generation for further scientific advancement. It also provides an opportunity to network and can facilitate career growth. Therefore, oral presentation represents an important aspect of scientific communication at multiple levels and is successful when the preparation and delivery are well-planned and executed effectively.

  • Communication
  • Platform presentation
  • Oral presentation
  • Scientific meeting
  • Content delivery

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Nundy S, Kakar A, Bhutta ZA (2022) How to give an oral presentation? In: Nundy S et al (eds) How to practice academic medicine and publish from developing countries? Springer, Singapore, pp 357–366. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5248-6_38

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Srikumar, B.N., Gokulakrishnan, K. (2023). Strategies for the Preparation and Delivery of Oral Presentation. In: Jagadeesh, G., Balakumar, P., Senatore, F. (eds) The Quintessence of Basic and Clinical Research and Scientific Publishing. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1284-1_50

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Oral Communication - Meaning, Advantages and Limitations

Oral communication implies communication through mouth . It includes individuals conversing with each other, be it direct conversation or telephonic conversation. Speeches, presentations, discussions are all forms of oral communication.

Oral communication is generally recommended when the communication matter is of temporary kind or where a direct interaction is required. Face to face communication (meetings, lectures, conferences, interviews, etc.) is significant so as to build a rapport and trust.

Advantages of Oral Communication

Oral Communication

Disadvantages/Limitations of Oral Communication

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Advantages And Disadvantages of Oral Communication (+Examples)

Table of Contents

In this blog, we will explore the merits and demerits of oral communication in different contexts, ranging from personal interactions to professional settings. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of this form of communication is essential as it can impact relationships, decision-making processes, and overall effectiveness in conveying ideas.

What is Oral Communication?

The process of transmitting ideas or information verbally, from one person or group to another is called oral communication . The oral medium uses spoken words and is often carried out through face-to-face communication . It could occur among individuals, groups, or in mass. Oral business communication takes place in various ways like meetings, informal talks , telephone calls, etc. 

Advantages And Disadvantages of Oral Communication

Oral communication is a dynamic and interactive mode of information exchange, relying on spoken language and various forms of verbal interaction. 

Key advantages of the oral communication approach:

1/ Immediate Feedback : One of the most significant merits of oral communication is the ability to receive immediate feedback while communicating . In face-to-face or real-time interactions, both the sender and the receiver can quickly determine each other’s reactions, understand the message’s clarity, and address any misunderstandings promptly.

2/ Quick and Efficient : Oral communication is often faster and more efficient than written communication, particularly in one-on-one or small group settings. It enables rapid decision-making, problem-solving, and coordination among team members.

3/ Immediate Adaptability : During a conversation, if the speaker notices confusion or lack of understanding in the audience, they can quickly adjust their message, rephrase it, or provide further explanations to ensure better understanding.

4/ Facilitates Group Discussions : In a group environment, oral communication enables dynamic discussions, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative decision-making. The back-and-forth nature of oral communication encourages active participation from all involved.

5/ Real-Time Clarification : Another benefit of oral communication is in situations where information is complex or ambiguous, oral communication allows for immediate clarification. The audience can seek immediate responses to their queries, which reduces confusion and helps in making well-informed decisions.

6/ Contextual Understanding : In oral communication, participants can determine the context of the message more effectively, considering the environment, mood, and situational factors that might influence the message’s meaning.

7/ Effective Persuasion : Skilled speakers can use persuasive language and vocal techniques, to influence and convince their audience more effectively than written communication alone.

8/ Personal Touch : Oral communication, specifically face-to-face communication, adds a personal touch to interactions, making them feel more authentic and emotionally connected, which is especially crucial in personal relationships and customer service scenarios.

Related Reading : What are the advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face communication

9/ Immediate Conflict Resolution : In situations of conflict or disagreement, the advantage of spoken communication allows for direct discussion, leading to quicker resolution and reducing the chances of increased misunderstandings.

10/ Dynamic and Engaging Presentations : Oral communication is particularly well-suited for engaging presentations, as speakers can use visuals, demonstrations, and storytelling to captivate their audience.

11/ Real-Time Language Clarification : When using oral communication across language barriers , participants can seek immediate clarification or translation, reducing the risk of miscommunication due to language differences.

12/ Non-Verbal Cues : Beyond spoken words, the oral form of communication incorporates non-verbal cues like gestures, facial expressions, and body language, adding depth and context to the message. These non-verbal cues contribute significantly to the overall understanding of the message.

Related Reading : What are nonverbal communication skills Benefits and limitations of non-verbal communication

Disadvantages of oral communication 

While oral communication offers several advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges and drawbacks:

1/ Lack of Documentation : One of the significant limitations of oral communication compared to written communication is its lack of permanence. Information conveyed orally may be forgotten over time, leading to inaccuracies. In contrast, written communication provides a tangible record that can be referred back to for clarification reducing the chances of misinterpretation and ensuring accuracy.

2/ Limited Reach and Accessibility : Oral communication is limited by physical presence and real-time interaction. It may not be feasible to communicate with people who are geographically spread out or in different time zones. This limitation prevents effective communication in global or remote teams.

3/ Inefficient for Complex Information : Communicating complex or technical information solely through oral means can be challenging. It may be difficult to convey complex details without the support of visuals, charts, or written explanations, which can lead to incomplete understanding.

4/ Noise and Distractions : Oral communication can be affected by environmental factors such as background noise, interruptions, or distractions. These elements can hamper concentration and understanding, leading to ineffective communication.

5/ Emotional Influence : In oral communication, emotions can strongly influence the message’s delivery and reception. A speaker’s emotions may inadvertently impact the interpretation of the message, leading to biased understanding.

6/ Lack of Standardization : Oral communication can lack the standardization and consistency that written communication offers. The same message communicated orally by different individuals may vary in wording, tone, and emphasis, leading to confusion among recipients.

7/ Inability to Verify Information : Unlike written communication, which can be fact-checked and verified, oral communication may convey incorrect or inaccurate information without an easy way to verify its authenticity in real-time.

8/ Lack of Accessibility for People with Disabilities : Oral communication may not be accessible to individuals with hearing impairments or certain disabilities, excluding them from important interactions unless appropriate accommodations are made.

9/ Lack of Formality : Oral communication may lack the formality and structure associated with written communication, leading to a casual approach that can be unsuitable for conveying important business matters.

10/ Dependence on Speaking Skills : Effective oral communication requires good speaking skills. Individuals who are less confident may struggle to convey their ideas clearly, preventing effective communication.

11/ Risk of Information Leakage : One crucial disadvantage of oral communication in an organization is in situations where sensitive information is discussed verbally. There is a higher risk of unintentional information leakage to unauthorized individuals or competitors.

12/ Dependency on Active Listening : Effective oral communication requires active listening skills from all participants. If someone is not fully engaged or attentive, important information may be missed or misunderstood.

Summary for oral communication pros and cons: In conclusion, oral communication, guided by its principles , offers several advantages, such as immediate feedback, efficiency in small group settings, and adaptability. It adds a personal touch and is effective for dynamic presentations. However, it lacks documentation, has limited reach, and may be inefficient for complex information. Despite its benefits, the choice between oral and written communication should consider the context and objectives, as each method has its strengths and limitations.

Example of oral communication

In the following video Kara Ronin , shares three ways on how you can communicate orally with confidence during business meetings. 

Other examples of oral communication include face-to-face communication, public speaking, telephonic conversation, classroom lectures, etc.

Importance of Oral Communication

Oral communication is an integral aspect of human interaction, enabling us to connect, collaborate, and grow in various areas of life. Some key reasons why oral communication is crucial:

1/ Building relationships: Good oral communication helps build strong interpersonal relationships. It enables individuals to connect, empathize, and understand one another better, fostering trust and cooperation.

2/ Success in the workplace: In professional settings, oral communication is a fundamental skill. It enhances collaboration among team members, enables effective leadership, and supports clear instructions and expectations, leading to improved productivity and overall success.

3/ Problem-solving and decision-making: Effective oral communication facilitates group discussions and brainstorming sessions, enabling teams to identify and analyze problems, explore various solutions, and make informed decisions.

4/ Crisis management and emergency response: During critical situations, oral communication is crucial for sharing important information, coordinating actions, and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals.

5/ Personal and professional branding : How individuals communicate orally can significantly impact their personal and professional brand. Clear and effective formal communication can help create a positive image and reputation.

Advantages And Disadvantages of Written Communication

Advantages of written communication: .

1. Permanent Record: Written communication helps keep a permanent record of information or messages that can be referred to, in the future. It is also legally valid and can be used as evidence when needed. 

2. Lesser Chances of Misunderstanding: Since written communication includes written words, it can be as much detailed as needed for clarity and better understanding. In the case of lengthy messages or information, written communication proves to be much more efficient than other forms of communication.   

Disadvantages of written communication: 

1. Costly: Written communication often tends to be more costly than other means of communication in terms of time, money, as well as effort. One would need plenty of time to draft a formal message when executing written communication.  

2. Slow Feedback: Written communication includes slow feedback as it would take time and effort to draft a reply in written form. This may eventually lead to late decision-making in some cases.

Check out our detailed guide on: What are the advantages and disadvantages of written communication

Frequently Ask Questions

Q1. what are the 3 types of oral communication .

Ans: The 3 important types of oral communication are interpersonal communication, public communication, and mass communication. The term interpersonal is used when several people communicate among themselves, public communication is when an individual addresses a group of people, and mass communication refers to information being sent out to a mass of receivers from one source.  

Q2. What are the disadvantages of oral presentation?

Ans: The disadvantages of oral presentations include the lack of a permanent record, the potential for misinterpretation or confusion due to unclear messaging, subjective interpretation, and limited audience reach. Unlike written communication, oral presentations are not recorded for future reference, which can make it difficult to recall important details or decisions that were made during the presentation. 

Q3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of oral communication? 

Ans: One crucial advantage of oral communication is its immediacy, allowing for real-time feedback and instant clarification during conversations.  On the other hand, one major drawback of oral communication is its lack of permanence, which can lead to misunderstandings or discrepancies in the information conveyed. 

Q4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of verbal communication? 

Ans: The major advantage of verbal communication is that it allows for quick and rapid transmission of information and enables instant feedback from the person receiving the message. However, one limitation of verbal communication is its difficulty in conveying lengthy or complex messages accurately.

Q5. What are the 5 advantages of oral communication? 

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

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  • Acknowledgments

In the social and behavioral sciences, an oral presentation assignment involves an individual student or group of students verbally addressing an audience on a specific research-based topic, often utilizing slides to help audience members understand and retain what they both see and hear. The purpose is to inform, report, and explain the significance of research findings, and your critical analysis of those findings, within a specific period of time, often in the form of a reasoned and persuasive argument. Oral presentations are assigned to assess a student’s ability to organize and communicate relevant information  effectively to a particular audience. Giving an oral presentation is considered an important learning skill because the ability to speak persuasively in front of an audience is transferable to most professional workplace settings.

Oral Presentations. Learning Co-Op. University of Wollongong, Australia; Oral Presentations. Undergraduate Research Office, Michigan State University; Oral Presentations. Presentations Research Guide, East Carolina University Libraries; Tsang, Art. “Enhancing Learners’ Awareness of Oral Presentation (Delivery) Skills in the Context of Self-regulated Learning.” Active Learning in Higher Education 21 (2020): 39-50.

Preparing for Your Oral Presentation

In some classes, writing the research paper is only part of what is required in reporting the results your work. Your professor may also require you to give an oral presentation about your study. Here are some things to think about before you are scheduled to give a presentation.

1.  What should I say?

If your professor hasn't explicitly stated what the content of your presentation should focus on, think about what you want to achieve and what you consider to be the most important things that members of the audience should know about your research. Think about the following: Do I want to inform my audience, inspire them to think about my research, or convince them of a particular point of view? These questions will help frame how to approach your presentation topic.

2.  Oral communication is different from written communication

Your audience has just one chance to hear your talk; they can't "re-read" your words if they get confused. Focus on being clear, particularly if the audience can't ask questions during the talk. There are two well-known ways to communicate your points effectively, often applied in combination. The first is the K.I.S.S. method [Keep It Simple Stupid]. Focus your presentation on getting two to three key points across. The second approach is to repeat key insights: tell them what you're going to tell them [forecast], tell them [explain], and then tell them what you just told them [summarize].

3.  Think about your audience

Yes, you want to demonstrate to your professor that you have conducted a good study. But professors often ask students to give an oral presentation to practice the art of communicating and to learn to speak clearly and audibly about yourself and your research. Questions to think about include: What background knowledge do they have about my topic? Does the audience have any particular interests? How am I going to involve them in my presentation?

4.  Create effective notes

If you don't have notes to refer to as you speak, you run the risk of forgetting something important. Also, having no notes increases the chance you'll lose your train of thought and begin relying on reading from the presentation slides. Think about the best ways to create notes that can be easily referred to as you speak. This is important! Nothing is more distracting to an audience than the speaker fumbling around with notes as they try to speak. It gives the impression of being disorganized and unprepared.

NOTE:   A good strategy is to have a page of notes for each slide so that the act of referring to a new page helps remind you to move to the next slide. This also creates a natural pause that allows your audience to contemplate what you just presented.

Strategies for creating effective notes for yourself include the following:

  • Choose a large, readable font [at least 18 point in Ariel ]; avoid using fancy text fonts or cursive text.
  • Use bold text, underlining, or different-colored text to highlight elements of your speech that you want to emphasize. Don't over do it, though. Only highlight the most important elements of your presentation.
  • Leave adequate space on your notes to jot down additional thoughts or observations before and during your presentation. This is also helpful when writing down your thoughts in response to a question or to remember a multi-part question [remember to have a pen with you when you give your presentation].
  • Place a cue in the text of your notes to indicate when to move to the next slide, to click on a link, or to take some other action, such as, linking to a video. If appropriate, include a cue in your notes if there is a point during your presentation when you want the audience to refer to a handout.
  • Spell out challenging words phonetically and practice saying them ahead of time. This is particularly important for accurately pronouncing people’s names, technical or scientific terminology, words in a foreign language, or any unfamiliar words.

Creating and Using Overheads. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Kelly, Christine. Mastering the Art of Presenting. Inside Higher Education Career Advice; Giving an Oral Presentation. Academic Skills Centre. University of Canberra; Lucas, Stephen. The Art of Public Speaking . 12th edition. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015; Peery, Angela B. Creating Effective Presentations: Staff Development with Impact . Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Education, 2011; Peoples, Deborah Carter. Guidelines for Oral Presentations. Ohio Wesleyan University Libraries; Perret, Nellie. Oral Presentations. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Speeches. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Storz, Carl et al. Oral Presentation Skills. Institut national de télécommunications, EVRY FRANCE.

Organizing the Content

In the process of organizing the content of your presentation, begin by thinking about what you want to achieve and how are you going to involve your audience in the presentation.

  • Brainstorm your topic and write a rough outline. Don’t get carried away—remember you have a limited amount of time for your presentation.
  • Organize your material and draft what you want to say [see below].
  • Summarize your draft into key points to write on your presentation slides and/or note cards and/or handout.
  • Prepare your visual aids.
  • Rehearse your presentation and practice getting the presentation completed within the time limit given by your professor. Ask a friend to listen and time you.

GENERAL OUTLINE

I.  Introduction [may be written last]

  • Capture your listeners’ attention . Begin with a question, an amusing story, a provocative statement, a personal story, or anything that will engage your audience and make them think. For example, "As a first-gen student, my hardest adjustment to college was the amount of papers I had to write...."
  • State your purpose . For example, "I’m going to talk about..."; "This morning I want to explain…."
  • Present an outline of your talk . For example, “I will concentrate on the following points: First of all…Then…This will lead to…And finally…"

II.  The Body

  • Present your main points one by one in a logical order .
  • Pause at the end of each point . Give people time to take notes, or time to think about what you are saying.
  • Make it clear when you move to another point . For example, “The next point is that...”; “Of course, we must not forget that...”; “However, it's important to realize that....”
  • Use clear examples to illustrate your points and/or key findings .
  • If appropriate, consider using visual aids to make your presentation more interesting [e.g., a map, chart, picture, link to a video, etc.].

III.  The Conclusion

  • Leave your audience with a clear summary of everything that you have covered.
  • Summarize the main points again . For example, use phrases like: "So, in conclusion..."; "To recap the main issues...," "In summary, it is important to realize...."
  • Restate the purpose of your talk, and say that you have achieved your aim : "My intention was ..., and it should now be clear that...."
  • Don't let the talk just fizzle out . Make it obvious that you have reached the end of the presentation.
  • Thank the audience, and invite questions : "Thank you. Are there any questions?"

NOTE: When asking your audience if anyone has any questions, give people time to contemplate what you have said and to formulate a question. It may seem like an awkward pause to wait ten seconds or so for someone to raise their hand, but it's frustrating to have a question come to mind but be cutoff because the presenter rushed to end the talk.

ANOTHER NOTE: If your last slide includes any contact information or other important information, leave it up long enough to ensure audience members have time to write the information down. Nothing is more frustrating to an audience member than wanting to jot something down, but the presenter closes the slides immediately after finishing.

Creating and Using Overheads. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Giving an Oral Presentation. Academic Skills Centre. University of Canberra; Lucas, Stephen. The Art of Public Speaking . 12th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015; Peery, Angela B. Creating Effective Presentations: Staff Development with Impact . Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Education, 2011; Peoples, Deborah Carter. Guidelines for Oral Presentations. Ohio Wesleyan University Libraries; Perret, Nellie. Oral Presentations. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Speeches. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Storz, Carl et al. Oral Presentation Skills. Institut national de télécommunications, EVRY FRANCE.

Delivering Your Presentation

When delivering your presentation, keep in mind the following points to help you remain focused and ensure that everything goes as planned.

Pay Attention to Language!

  • Keep it simple . The aim is to communicate, not to show off your vocabulary. Using complex words or phrases increases the chance of stumbling over a word and losing your train of thought.
  • Emphasize the key points . Make sure people realize which are the key points of your study. Repeat them using different phrasing to help the audience remember them.
  • Check the pronunciation of difficult, unusual, or foreign words beforehand . Keep it simple, but if you have to use unfamiliar words, write them out phonetically in your notes and practice saying them. This is particularly important when pronouncing proper names. Give the definition of words that are unusual or are being used in a particular context [e.g., "By using the term affective response, I am referring to..."].

Use Your Voice to Communicate Clearly

  • Speak loud enough for everyone in the room to hear you . Projecting your voice may feel uncomfortably loud at first, but if people can't hear you, they won't try to listen. However, moderate your voice if you are talking in front of a microphone.
  • Speak slowly and clearly . Don’t rush! Speaking fast makes it harder for people to understand you and signals being nervous.
  • Avoid the use of "fillers." Linguists refer to utterances such as um, ah, you know, and like as fillers. They occur most often during transitions from one idea to another and, if expressed too much, are distracting to an audience. The better you know your presentation, the better you can control these verbal tics.
  • Vary your voice quality . If you always use the same volume and pitch [for example, all loud, or all soft, or in a monotone] during your presentation, your audience will stop listening. Use a higher pitch and volume in your voice when you begin a new point or when emphasizing the transition to a new point.
  • Speakers with accents need to slow down [so do most others]. Non-native speakers often speak English faster than we slow-mouthed native speakers, usually because most non-English languages flow more quickly than English. Slowing down helps the audience to comprehend what you are saying.
  • Slow down for key points . These are also moments in your presentation to consider using body language, such as hand gestures or leaving the podium to point to a slide, to help emphasize key points.
  • Use pauses . Don't be afraid of short periods of silence. They give you a chance to gather your thoughts, and your audience an opportunity to think about what you've just said.

Also Use Your Body Language to Communicate!

  • Stand straight and comfortably . Do not slouch or shuffle about. If you appear bored or uninterested in what your talking about, the audience will emulate this as well. Wear something comfortable. This is not the time to wear an itchy wool sweater or new high heel shoes for the first time.
  • Hold your head up . Look around and make eye contact with people in the audience [or at least pretend to]. Do not just look at your professor or your notes the whole time! Looking up at your your audience brings them into the conversation. If you don't include the audience, they won't listen to you.
  • When you are talking to your friends, you naturally use your hands, your facial expression, and your body to add to your communication . Do it in your presentation as well. It will make things far more interesting for the audience.
  • Don't turn your back on the audience and don't fidget! Neither moving around nor standing still is wrong. Practice either to make yourself comfortable. Even when pointing to a slide, don't turn your back; stand at the side and turn your head towards the audience as you speak.
  • Keep your hands out of your pocket . This is a natural habit when speaking. One hand in your pocket gives the impression of being relaxed, but both hands in pockets looks too casual and should be avoided.

Interact with the Audience

  • Be aware of how your audience is reacting to your presentation . Are they interested or bored? If they look confused, stop and ask them [e.g., "Is anything I've covered so far unclear?"]. Stop and explain a point again if needed.
  • Check after highlighting key points to ask if the audience is still with you . "Does that make sense?"; "Is that clear?" Don't do this often during the presentation but, if the audience looks disengaged, interrupting your talk to ask a quick question can re-focus their attention even if no one answers.
  • Do not apologize for anything . If you believe something will be hard to read or understand, don't use it. If you apologize for feeling awkward and nervous, you'll only succeed in drawing attention to the fact you are feeling awkward and nervous and your audience will begin looking for this, rather than focusing on what you are saying.
  • Be open to questions . If someone asks a question in the middle of your talk, answer it. If it disrupts your train of thought momentarily, that's ok because your audience will understand. Questions show that the audience is listening with interest and, therefore, should not be regarded as an attack on you, but as a collaborative search for deeper understanding. However, don't engage in an extended conversation with an audience member or the rest of the audience will begin to feel left out. If an audience member persists, kindly tell them that the issue can be addressed after you've completed the rest of your presentation and note to them that their issue may be addressed later in your presentation [it may not be, but at least saying so allows you to move on].
  • Be ready to get the discussion going after your presentation . Professors often want a brief discussion to take place after a presentation. Just in case nobody has anything to say or no one asks any questions, be prepared to ask your audience some provocative questions or bring up key issues for discussion.

Amirian, Seyed Mohammad Reza and Elaheh Tavakoli. “Academic Oral Presentation Self-Efficacy: A Cross-Sectional Interdisciplinary Comparative Study.” Higher Education Research and Development 35 (December 2016): 1095-1110; Balistreri, William F. “Giving an Effective Presentation.” Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 35 (July 2002): 1-4; Creating and Using Overheads. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Enfield, N. J. How We Talk: The Inner Workings of Conversation . New York: Basic Books, 2017; Giving an Oral Presentation. Academic Skills Centre. University of Canberra; Lucas, Stephen. The Art of Public Speaking . 12th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015; Peery, Angela B. Creating Effective Presentations: Staff Development with Impact . Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Education, 2011; Peoples, Deborah Carter. Guidelines for Oral Presentations. Ohio Wesleyan University Libraries; Perret, Nellie. Oral Presentations. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Speeches. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Storz, Carl et al. Oral Presentation Skills. Institut national de télécommunications, EVRY FRANCE.

Speaking Tip

Your First Words are Your Most Important Words!

Your introduction should begin with something that grabs the attention of your audience, such as, an interesting statistic, a brief narrative or story, or a bold assertion, and then clearly tell the audience in a well-crafted sentence what you plan to accomplish in your presentation. Your introductory statement should be constructed so as to invite the audience to pay close attention to your message and to give the audience a clear sense of the direction in which you are about to take them.

Lucas, Stephen. The Art of Public Speaking . 12th edition. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2015.

Another Speaking Tip

Talk to Your Audience, Don't Read to Them!

A presentation is not the same as reading a prepared speech or essay. If you read your presentation as if it were an essay, your audience will probably understand very little about what you say and will lose their concentration quickly. Use notes, cue cards, or presentation slides as prompts that highlight key points, and speak to your audience . Include everyone by looking at them and maintaining regular eye-contact [but don't stare or glare at people]. Limit reading text to quotes or to specific points you want to emphasize.

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Presentation Skills MCQs with Answers

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Presentation Skills MCQs

  • .A presentation is a form of oral communication in which person shares factual information with an audience that is__.

a) specific b) small c) large d) mixed

a) specific

  • The presenter acts as the:

a) delivery of the information b) medium of the information c) advocate of the information d) supporter of the information

c) advocate of the information

  • The three major element of presentation do not include?

a) an audience b) specific content c) a presenter d) visual aids

c) a presenter

  • Reading out a presentation is:

a) not allowed b) allowed c) helpful d) dull

a) not allowed

  • To select the content of your presentation you should know the audience need.

a) your purpose b) the time limit c) available material

b) the time limit

  • When giving a presentation in front of an audience you should do all of the following except for__?

a) speak loud and clear b) provide handout if needed c) dress professionally d) look at your screen not the audience

a) speak loud and clear

  • The key of success is__

a) practice b) preparation c) effort d) both a and b

d) both a and b

  • A good presenter should take a well__.

a) good physical appearance b) dressing well c) speak louder d)

a) good physical appearance

  • To become more affective you need to take control of

a) the material b) the audience c) your behavior d) all of the above

a) the material

  • ___of a presentation is the most important part

a) beginning b) middle c) end d) none of these

a) beginning

  • In beginning you should give firstly

a) your introduction b) summary of a topic c) asking irrelevant questions d) further information

a) your introduction

  • A good technique to get your audience attention

a) a statement made to surprise b) asking rhetorical questions c) asking introduction to the audience d) none of these

b) asking rhetorical questions

  • What should you give your objectives to the audience

a) aim b) goals c) purpose d) All of These

d) All of These

  • All your information should support your

a) purpose b) ideas c) topic d) merits

  • A good presenter should

a) sequencing your idea b) manage the time c) clear all the confusion d) all of these

d) all of these

  • Keeping the audience attention

a) emphasizing b) summarize the topic c) used bore words

a) emphasizing

  • A conclusion should be

a) short and easy b) lengthy c) difficult words d) specific key points

a) short and easy

  • Visual involves the audience

a) motivate b) attention c) reinforce idea d) all of these

  • How much of the language is made up of verbal language

a) 7% b) 6% c) 2% d) 15%

  • 38% message is communication with non verbal

a) vocal b) verbal c) body movement d) gesture

  • Body language is included in communication

a) 55% b) 35% c) 25% d) 45%

  • facial expression should be

a) aggressive b) shy c) naturally d) bored

c) naturally

  • A speaker looks into the eyes of the audience

a) confident b) impatient c) rude d) impolite

a) confident

  • The tone of the speaker should be

a) loud b) clear c) low d) soft

  • A speech must advance __

a) dishonesty b) negativity c) truth d) aggressiveness

  • Which of these doesn’t enhance listening skills?

a) attention b) frankness c) clear perception d) ignoring

d) ignoring

  • Using your whole body to communicate is called what?

a) miming b) sign language c) body language d) gesture

c) body language

  • Waving is what type of communication?

a) gesture b) body language c) sign language d) body position

  • positive gesture are body sihnals that make you look_

a) relaxed b) hurtful c) nervous d) arrogant

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    a presentation is a form of oral communication

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COMMENTS

  1. Types & Examples of Oral Communication

    Oral communication is communicating with spoken words. It's a verbal form of communication where you communicate your thoughts, present ideas and share information. Examples of oral communication are conversations with friends, family or colleagues, presentations and speeches. Oral communication helps to build trust and reliability.

  2. Oral Communication: Examples, Importance, Types & Features

    1/ Dynamic and interactive: Oral communication involves a two-way exchange of information between a speaker and a listener. It is an interactive process that allows instant feedback and clarification. 2/ Verbal and nonverbal cues: Oral communication includes the use of spoken words as well as nonverbal cues like facial expressions, tone of ...

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  4. The 6 types of presentation (And why you need them)

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  6. Chapter 3: Oral Presentations

    Generally, oral presentation is public speaking, either individually or as a group, the aim of which is to provide information, to entertain, to persuade the audience, or to educate. In an academic setting, oral presentations are often assessable tasks with a marking criteria. Therefore, students are being evaluated on two separate-but-related ...

  7. Oral Presentations

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  9. 14.3: Importance of Oral Presentations

    14.3: Importance of Oral Presentations. In the workplace, and during your university career, you will likely be asked to give oral presentations. An oral presentation is a key persuasive tool. If you work in marketing, for example, you will often be asked to "pitch" campaigns to clients. Even though these pitches could happen over email ...

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  11. 4.1 Oral versus Written Communication

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  12. What is Oral Communication? Definitions, Importance, Methods, Types

    It includes individuals conversing with each other, be it direct conversation or telephonic conversation. Speeches, presentations, and discussions are all forms of oral communication. Oral communication is generally recommended when the communication matter is of a temporary kind or where a direct interaction is required. Face-to-face ...

  13. How to Give an Oral Presentation?

    An oral presentation is a form of communication, where you impart and then exchange information with your audience. This can be either one-way, a didactic, or two-way called a Socratic or a Dialectic presentation. There are many forms of oral presentation and you...

  14. PDF How to Give an Oral Presentation? 38

    An oral presentation is a form of communication, where you impart and then exchange information with your audience. This can be either one-way, a didactic, or two-way called a Socratic or a Dialectic presentation. There are many forms of oral presentation and you should nd out where and when you are required to speak [1].

  15. PRESENTATION SKILLS Flashcards

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    Audience The first and most important step in preparing an oral presentation is understanding who will be in the audi­ence. By knowing your audience, you can tailor your content to their needs. Unless you engage the audience quickly, you will lose their attention. The first 30 seconds of your presentation are crucial to establishing credibility as a speaker and making a good impression.

  17. What is Oral Communication?

    Oral communication refers to the process of transmitting information, ideas, or messages through spoken words, sounds, and vocal cues. It is a fundamental form of human communication and involves exchanging thoughts, feelings, and knowledge using verbal language. Oral communication can take place in various settings, such as face-to-face ...

  18. What is Oral Communication? Advantages, Disadvantages, Imp

    What is Oral Communication? Oral communication is transfer of information from sender to receiver by means of verbal and visual aid. Examples of oral communication include presentations, speeches, discussions, etc. Though the message is conveyed through words, most of the times oral communication is effectively carried out with the help of non-verbal communication like body language and tone ...

  19. Strategies for the Preparation and Delivery of Oral Presentation

    An oral presentation is one of the several forms of science communication and needs to be tailor-made depending upon the audience and ambience. While this might appear to be a daunting task to a novice, it is a fact that for most scientists, an oral presentation is an art that develops with practice.

  20. Oral Communication

    Speeches, presentations, discussions are all forms of oral communication. Oral communication is generally recommended when the communication matter is of temporary kind or where a direct interaction is required. Face to face communication (meetings, lectures, conferences, interviews, etc.) is significant so as to build a rapport and trust ...

  21. Advantages And Disadvantages of Oral Communication (+Examples)

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  23. Presentation Skills MCQs with Answers

    Presentation Skills MCQs with Answers Presentation Skills MCQs .A presentation is a form of oral communication in which person shares factual information with an audience that is__. a) specific b) small c) large d) mixed Answer a) specific The presenter acts as the: a) delivery of the information b) medium of the information c) advocate […]