Presentation Checklist
Content
- Introduced self or team
- Gave overview of presentation
- Defined problem
- Presented benefits of solution early
- Emphasized key points
- Coherent pattern of organization
- Sufficient detail to support claims
- Analyzed data/results
- Planned a conclusion (not just "I guess that’s it.")
- Used humor appropriately
Delivery
- Avoided fillers: "uhm" "you know"
- Spoke loudly enough to be heard in the room
- Pronounced words clearly
- Spoke without noticeable pauses in mid-sentence
- Used falling intonation at the end of sentences (avoided upward "questioning" intonation that seems uncertain)
- Varied pace of delivery
- Varied pitch for emphasis
- Looked at entire audience
- Spoke key points (such as conclusion) without reading
- Did not read to audience much from screen
- Used concept-related gestures to show relationships
- Avoided nervous hand movements
- Stood straight
- Planted feet
- Smiled
Visuals
- Used persuasive slide titles ("Tiptronic Boosts Performance") rather than low content phrases ("Performance")
- Appropriate number of words and images on slides (not overloaded)
- Used font sizes that could be read easily
- Diagrams focused on critical elements, not excessive in detail
- "Detail" or "excerpt" diagrams to identify key components or decisions
- Comparisons that made analysis or design choices clear and easy to evaluate
- Background that did not interfere with diagrams or text
- Used sufficient "white" space to make organization of information clear
- Images that suited purpose
- Color choices that were easy to view
Questions and Answers
- Answered questions without merely denying the need to consider the issue
- Appeared open and confident during Q&A (no cover-up gestures)
- Prepared additional slides in anticipation of questions
- Challenged definitions or criteria presented in questions that were not relevant
- Began answers with general statement of overall answer to question then added details
- Did not evaluate questions ("That’s a good question.")
- Stepped toward questioner or at least held position
- Addressed response to everyone not just person who asked question