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Academic Presentation Skills and Tools

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Understanding your audience

What is their demographic profile?

  • Age, sex, occupation, education level, socio-economic status, etc.

Why are they here?

  • Self-improvement, coursework, optional or mandatory training, entertainment, desperation, etc.

What will your audience expect?

  • an undergraduate discussion group may expect an opportunity to share and clarify ideas;
  • conference participants will expect evidence of solid research;
  • workshop participants may expect practical advice;
  • wedding guests may expect entertainment and creation of "atmosphere"

How much does your audience …

  • already know about your topic?
  • need to know about your topic?
  • want to know about your topic?

How big is your audience?

  • The size of the class may determine the format of the presentation.