For Postgraduates

Presentation and Communication Skills

Build confidence and develop effective communication skills to prepare and deliver a presentation that makes an impact.

Presentation and Communication Skills image

Section overview

At the postgraduate level, presentations are often a part of the assessment method. In this section we will explore essential strategies and techniques for preparing and delivering an effective and professional presentation.

Developing Presentations

Define your purpose

When developing a presentation you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Full details of the assignment requirements will be included in your module handbook so make sure and read this carefully.

Depending on the assignment brief you may need to inform your audience, educate them or persuade them. You may need to work as part of a group or prepare and deliver an individual presentation. Whether the presentation will be delivered in person, live online or pre-recorded, the information here will help you plan and deliver your presentation.

Understand your audience

It is important you understand who you will be delivering the presentation to, as this will inform the language, depth of detail tone and pitch.

Consider these points:

  1. What do your audience already know.
  2. Are there biases or misconceptions within the audience.
  3. Will you audience understand cultural references, idiomatic words, or phrases.
  4. Will the size of the audience impact activities you plan to incorporate.
  5. Could some of your audience have visual or hearing impairments and what accessibility features can you incorporate to be inclusive.

Planning, Preparation, and Practice!

Once you know what is expected of you and the requirements of the assignment, you can begin to Plan, Prepare and Practice.

Lets consider each of these steps.

Planning Stage

Planning is key to success as it keeps you focused and helps you decide what information is relevant and needs to be included.

Research your topic

When researching your topic you need to think critically, just like you would for any other assignment type. You will need to critically evaluate and synthesis evidence and include relevant literature to support your content.

You want focused key messages and not to overload the audience with irrelevant information or detail. When selecting the main points to include in the presentation, consult your assignment brief and assessment rubric to ensure you have selected points that align with your overall purpose.

Pitching your presentation at the right level involves tailoring your content to their level of expertise and communicating using appropriate terminology. For an experienced audience, you do not want to over-simplify and for a novice, you do not want to overload them with complex details.

Evaluating the Evidence

Aims of the guide:

How to access the guide

Use the back and next buttons at the bottom right of the screen below to navigate through the guide. Alternatively, use the contents button to jump to a specific page.

Accessibility options are available at the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.

Preparation Stage

Once you have conducted your research, gathered relevant information and planned what you would like to include, you can start preparing the presentation.

Our brains are better at remembering information that has been delivered alongside a related image or infographic. Although, when considering what visual aids to include, remember you want to create a picture that coveys the purpose and is impactful but does not distract from the point.

  • Tips for preparing PowerPoint slides
    • Avoid Small Text: Use larger text for accessibility reasons (Arial font, size 22 for content and size 40 for headings)
    • Avoid Bad Use Of Colour: Red can strain the eye and reduce readability
    • Keep It Simple: Avoid cluttering slides with too much text or graphics. You can elaborate verbally during the presentation
    • Use High Quality Images: Stock images are available in PowerPoint or develop infographics using platforms such as canva
    • Allow White Space: Leave white space on your slides to enhance readability
    • Use Visual Hierarch: Emphasise important points with larger font size, bold text or place content strategically on the slide
    • Use Visual Aids: Enhance your presentation by making your slides engaging, using a variety of visual aids such as figures, tables, pictures and images.
    • Limit Animations: Avoid excessive animations that may distract from your message.
    • Proofread: Check all text for errors and ensure that visuals are correctly formatted

    Consider these suggestions in combination with other accessibility guidance

    • Other appropriate fonts include: Comic Sans, Verdana, Century Gothic and Open sans
    • Use bold for emphasis rather than underline or italics
    • Avoid using uppercase letters for emphasis, as lower case letters are easier to read
    • Ensure hyperlinks look different to normal text
    • Use single colour background and avoid white, instead choose an off white background
    • Avoid backgrounds that have a pattern or  picture and then text on top
    • Aligh text to the left, without justification
    • Do not use column, like you would see in newspapers
    • Avoid double negative

    Further Information

  • Tips for preparing a Poster Presentation
    • Use a template relevant to your research group, school or faculty
    • Ensure you use the correct template for your faculty and decide whether it needs to be landscape or portrait
    • Use grid lines for formatting, especially if the poster is to be printed A0 size
    • Include tables, figures or infographics
    • Use a high resolution image, especially if the poster is to be printed
    • Limit text and consider using bullet points in some sections
    • Contact a printing company early, as you will have to factor in printing time within your timeframe
    • Use Ulster's colour pallet

    Marketing and Communications have developed a range of  academic and creative poster templates. Unless advised otherwise, it is a good idea to use one of these templates.

    Access the templates in the Communications Toolkit Brand Assets

    Here is an example academic poster for the Ulster Business School (landscape)

    Here is an example academic poster for Life and Health Sciences (Portrait)

  • Tips for Recording a Presentation

    Depending on the assignment you may be required to develop a PowerPoint presentation and record this or present live to an online audience via MS Teams or Collaborate.

    Here are some tips for recording your presentation

    Following guidelines: Check the module handbook for instructions relating to how you should record the presentation. Do you need to use Powerpoint or Panopto to include closed captions.

    Create a Script or Outline: Develop a script or an outline to guide your presentation. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you cover all the key points concisely.

    Choose a Suitable Location: Select a quiet, well-lit location to record the presentation. If you have access to headphones, they will ensure optimal audio quality. Consider using a neutral background or virtual backgrounds for a polished look. MS Teams Backgrounds are available to download from  Marketing and Communications Brand Assets, if you are presenting via MS Teams.

    Manage Time Effectively: Be mindful of your allotted time and pace your presentation accordingly. When under pressure we often speed up, so be aware of this and practice the pace at which you speak.  You want to avoid rushing through the content, as this can detract from the effectiveness of your recording. In some instances there could be a penalty for exceeding the allocated time limit.

    Practice and Self-Critique: The importance of practicing the presentation by speaking aloud can not be underestimated. Record yourself presenting, then watch back the recording. Critically evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement in your delivery style, and overall effectiveness at addressing your assignment brief.

    PowerPoint has an inbuilt facility that enables you to record you presenting. You can record each slide individually or you can record the presentation in one take. The individual slide option can be useful, in case you tumble over your words and need to re-record a slide.

    Once you are happy with how you have presented each slide, you can export the presentation to a video.

    You can then upload this to Panopto to add closed captions and provide a script.

  • Templates and Resources

    Check out these link for information, guideance and resources to assist you when preparing your presentation and then practicing for delivery.

    Adobe Express have editable flyer templates that are free to use.

    Canva is an online graphic design tool with some free resources.

    Venngage has a range of poster, and presentation templates as well as diagrams that could be used in conjunction with UU branded slides.

    Slidesgo have PowerPoint templates that include diagrams that could be used in conjunction with UU branded slides.

    Pixabay have a range of royalty free images to supplement presentations

    TED Talks and much more on delivering an amazing presentation

Ulster University Resources

Practice

The importance of practicing your presentation can not be under estimated. If it is an oral presentation, you need to rehearse by reading out loud and ideally rehearse in front of a friend or family member.

Practicing presentations  is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Confidence Building: Regular practice helps boost your confidence in delivering the presentation, reducing nervousness and anxiety.
  2. Refinement of Content: Practicing allows you to refine and improve your content, ensuring clarity, relevance, and effectiveness in conveying your message.
  3. Polishing Delivery: It helps in perfecting your delivery style, including pacing, tone of voice, body language, and eye contact, making your presentation engaging and impactful.
  4. Time Management: Practice enables you to manage your time effectively during the actual presentation, ensuring that you stay within the allocated time frame.
  5. Anticipating Challenges: Through practice, you can anticipate potential challenges or questions from the audience and prepare appropriate responses or clarifications in advance.
  6. Memorisation: Practice helps in memorising key points or sections of your presentation, reducing the need to rely heavily on notes and enhancing your credibility as a speaker.

Overall, practicing your presentation will enhances your overall performance and maximises the impact of your message.

Using notes

Using notes

To use notes or not to use notes!

At a postgraduate level you should try and avoid using cue cards or large amounts of text in the presenter notes section of each slide.

Cue cards can become a distraction rather than an aid, especially if you forget which card corresponds with which slide.

Presenter notes can be useful if used sparingly , but not something you want to rely on. Consider whether the point can be included on the slide.

If you have rehearsed the presentation, you will know your content inside out.

Have confidence in your ability, your slides are your visual prompt for what you want to say.

Effective Communication

In a world with ever-growing diversity, effective communication can be much more challenging for some people. Communication can provoke stress and anxiety and for some it can lead to sensory overload, which can be exhausting.

It is important we all understand each others individual needs and preferences, so consider these tips for effective communication:

  1. Be Patient and Empathetic: Understand that neurodiverse individuals may process information differently and may need more time to respond. Be patient and avoid rushing them during conversations.
  2. Be Clear and Concrete: Use clear and concise language, avoiding abstract or ambiguous terms. Provide concrete examples or visual aids to enhance understanding.
  3. Give Time for Processing: Allow neurodiverse individuals time to process information and formulate their responses. Avoid interrupting or finishing their sentences.
  4. Be Direct and Explicit: Clearly state your message and intentions without relying on implied or indirect communication. Neurodiverse individuals may appreciate directness and clarity.
  5. Provide Visual Support: Incorporate visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, or written instructions, to support verbal communication. Visuals can enhance comprehension and retention of information.
  6. Offer Choices: Provide options and choices whenever possible, allowing neurodiverse individuals to have a sense of control and autonomy in communication.
  7. Be Mindful of Sensory Sensitivities: Be aware of sensory sensitivities that neurodiverse individuals may experience, such as sensitivity to noise, light, or touch. Create an environment that minimises sensory distractions and discomfort.
  8. Use Positive Reinforcement: Offer praise and positive reinforcement for effective communication and contributions. Positive feedback can boost confidence and motivation.
  9. Respect Individual Differences: Recognse that neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of strengths, challenges, and communication styles. Respect and accommodate individual differences and preferences.
  10. Seek Feedback and Clarification: Encourage open communication and be receptive to feedback. If uncertain about the individual's needs or preferences, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Pillars of Communication
ListeningPeopleMessageContext

Active listening is crucial in postgraduate presentations. It involves not only hearing but also understanding and engaging with your audience's feedback and questions.

Understanding your audience and having an awareness of their prior knowledge is beneficial.

Tailoring your content and delivery style to suit your audience ensures your message is received well.

The message is core to your presentation and it should be clear, concise and well structured.

Remember draw the audience in early in the presentation. Make it clear why they should listen.

Being aware of and adapting to the context can enhance the effectiveness of your communication.

For instance, the formality of your language and presentation style should match the expectations of the academic setting.

These four pillars of communication are fundamental elements that need to be considered when you are preparing your content and presenting the information to your audience.

By mastering these pillars of communication, listening, understanding people, crafting your message, and adapting to the context, you will be able to deliver an impactful and professional presentation.

Lets Evaluate a Presentation

View this presentation and identify what aspects were "good" and "bad".

Here are some points to consider:

  • Presentation structure
  • Visual aids
  • Use of notes
  • Communication
view presentation

On the day

Body Language

Body Language

Body language is crucial when presenting because it enhances communication, engages the audience, and reinforces your message.

Here are some things you should and should not do.

Do

  • Have open body language
  • Smile appropriately
  • Maye eye contact
  • Use movements to enhance your message

Do Not

  • Have closed body language
  • Use distracting gestures
  • Look at your feet
  • Move around too much