[Fresia]

I have to give an oral presentation with a small group (4 of us) for a class, each of has to present a section. Supposedly we are not to use notes but we are to prepare a PowerPoint presentation to go with it so I know I can use this as a guide. I also have two weeks and hopefully will be enough time even with my memory issues. It has been over a decade since I have given a presentation or even prepared one for that matter. I am starting to research the materials we need this week and the group meets next week. It will be the week after next.

Fortunately I am good with PowerPoint for that part of the presentation. I know to keep the slides with brief bullets, large fonts, consistent pages and coloring but eye catching, to use graphics and images and talk surrounding it.

As far as speaking goes, ANY pointers are appreciated: on how to remember the speech, presenting, any tricks. So nervous about this part.

Thank you for your help!!!

[Elli-Beth]

I write an outline of my points (not a word-for-word script, although I do include word-for-word key phrases) that aren't obviously on each slide,and then practice practice practice until I can hit my main points without looking at the outline.

Also, if I seem to be stuck on a specific slide, sometimes I include a few initials standing for key points in tiny font in the corner of my slide, to help me remember. I don't rely on it a lot, but just having it there is a comfort. When asked what's it's for, I casually and truthfully answer that its a memory device so I don't leave out anything that may be important to the audience.

[Travelinglady]

Is it possible to make your power point stuff an actual outline of your talk, with subheadings and so forth? I'm thinking of something like: I. Heredity As A Possible Factor; A. Examples From the Literature; 1. Story of the 2-Headed Boy; 2. .....Definitely any mnemonic techniques such as acronyms and acrostics can help.

Also, I agree that practice is important, but try not to worry if you don't end up presenting it word for word, as long as you get the information correct. Of course, try to use voice inflection and make it interesting. Concentrate on the fact that you are telling the folks interesting stuff, just like you would be telling friends, except likely in a more organized way!

Hello, Fresia. Change the doubtful to something more positive. I always knew I was going to be a bit nervous. I also learned if I knew the material, I would be fine.

You can do this.

[Umbral_Seraph]

I always seem zone out a bit. :-P

Powerpoints really help to jog your memory.

[Fresia]

THANK Y'ALL for the encouragement and the suggestions. I am going to work on it this weekend to get going, prepared and practice will be my motto and that I CAN do this! I used to this for my job, I can do this again.

I have been freaking out b/c at the end of my last job as a trainer/educator (which I loved) in corporate/medical, my BP was bad. The trainees noticed how "off" of a person I was to say the least, in the last few months before I resigned. Lately symptoms have returned and I have even been considering withdrawing from school because of it. I am working with doc and T in the process, yet it seemed a curious coincidence. Hopefully meds will level out in the next week/two that it will not be as evident. Normally I can stay under the radar by not having to give presentations or do any public speaking. It is why I had to change careers.

Still freaking out but the positive is starting to come back to me with your help. Thanks again.