Choose the correct verb from the in the box below and put it into the sentence. Make sure the verb agrees with the subject.

leave see draw how look

represent find note indicate notice

1. I’ll … the slide up while I talk.

2. If you … closely at the diagram, you’ll see that there are seven switches.

3. You can … the figures on my next slide.

4. The vertical axis … average annual yield.

5. I’d like … your attention to the second graph.

6. This diagram … a plan of a new farm.

7. Let me … the relevant slide.

8. It’s interesting to…. that crop quality has increased dramatically.

9. Each line … the progress of a different product.

10. As you may … the yields peaked last year.

Text 3: Suggestions for delivering your presentations

Your speech is more than just the words you use. HOW you say something is just as important as WHAT you say. Good delivery involves several important aspects. The following basic techniques for delivering a speech will help you to improve your own individual style of public speaking.

1. Stage fright: First, let’s face one problem about speaking in public which concerns most beginning students-nervousness. Most people are nervous about public speaking. The good news is that you can learn to control your nervousness rather than let it get you down. How will you be able to reduce your nervousness? The best is to be really well prepared. If you know that your topic is interesting, and that your material is well organized, you have already reduced a major worry!

2. Eye contact: You should not look at the floor or out the window because this will give the audience the idea that you are not interested in your topic or in them. The idea is to give the impression that you are talking to each individual in your audience. You will find that if you look directly at your audience, their nods, gestures, and smiles will let you know that they understand you. This positive feedback will make you feel better and less nervous.

3. Speak with enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is being lively and showing your own personal concern for your subject and your audience. If you are truly interested in your topic, your delivery is certain to be enthusiastic and lively.

4. Vary your speaking rate: Your words should not be too fast or too slow. If you speak too slowly you will bore your audience. If you speak too rapidly you will be difficult to understand. Adapt your rate to the context of your speech. For example, if you are explaining complex information, slow down. If you are enthusiastic, you should speed up. This change of pace is very important.

5. Make it easy for people to understand: Speak clearly, without gabbling. Use short sentences and straight forward language. Use the sorts of words and phrases you use for speaking, not those you would use in writing (the large difference between the two explains why it is so difficult to follow a speaker who is reading).

6. Try to be interesting: Use visual aids to sustain interest, and vary your pace. Relevant jokes can be effective if used sparingly. Avoid jokes completely if you have any doubts about your skill in telling them.

7. Use detail sparingly: If detail is important, have a written handout for distribution before or after (not during) your presentation. Handouts distributed during your talk will lose you your audience.

8. Keep any notes brief: It is reassuring to have notes, especially if you are nervous. But keep them brief, and number them clearly so that if you do drop them in your anxiety, or they mysteriously rearrange themselves, you can reorder them easily. Cards are easiest to handle. Mark the point at which you will be using visual aids to what is appropriate.

9. Avoid over-running the stated time: Not keeping to your allotted time is a sure sign of ineffectiveness. Audiences plan their time, and do not like to have these plans disrupted.

10. Practice: You know now the basic principles of an effective delivery and should realize that the actual delivery of your presentation is just as important as having a well-organized and developed speech. However, studying this information won’t guarantee an effective speech presentation. You must rehearse and practice the speech you have prepared. For best results, you should begin practicing days before your actual presentation.