Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations

Oral Presentation Tips

URCC Symposium Oral Presentation Format

Each student presenter is assigned a 15-minute presentation block with this structure:

1. Oral presentation with slides: 10 minutes
2. Q&A (Question and Answer) period: 4 minutes
3. Transition to the next speaker: 1 minute

Oral Presentations: Advice from Jennifer Cleary, Senior Lecturer in Theater Arts

Here are five key skills you can practice:

1. Preparation: refer to outlined notes without directly reading from them (no shame in having notes). Practice out loud. Do not just prepare on paper - speak!!!
2. Breathing: Practice focused breathing to manage the anxiety and nerves that may come with speaking for any audience.
3. Energy: Lift up the audience with increased energy - have more energy than your audience, especially if you are on Zoom and cannot see them all.
4. Authenticity: Be yourself and show your own personality throughout the presentation - don't try to imitate any other speakers.
5. Connection: it's a human conversation with your audience - remember this.

For in-depth instruction and explanation, view Professor Cleary's videos on best practices for oral presentations:

Speech Process and Structure

Speaking and Nervousness

Hooks, Transitions and Conclusion

Nonverbal Communication and Video Aids

Paralanguage and Everything Else