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1.3. Presentation skill levels

There are always three speeches,
for every one you actually gave.
The one you practiced, the one you
gave, and the one you wish you
gave.

VERBAL LEVEL
VOCAL LEVEL
NON-VERBAL LEVEL
TECHNICAL LEVEL

The relationship between verbal, vocal and nonverbal

presentation skills:

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1.3.1. Verbal behaviour

The goal of the presentation is to convey a message to

another person.
Verbal behaviour means WORDS we use in presenting.
Use in your speech:
- Examples
- Definitions CONNECTORS!
- Invite questions
- Repeat and paraphrase

1.3.2. Vocal behaviour

The speech can vary in:

- pitch (how high or low the tone of voice is)
- pace (speed of speaking)
- volume ( how loudly or softly we speak).
Voice powerful means of persuasion
Silent pauses instead of fillers

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1.3.3. Nonverbal behaviour

Its not what you say, but how you say it.
Body language: eye contact, facial expressions, smile,
posture, movements, gestures
Why is it useful?
- It is natural and a part of communication
- to clarify meaning;
- it is very visual
- to vent nervousness
- to maintain interest
- to emphasize.
The golden rule is "Be natural and relaxed!"

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Positive body language

eye contact the hands

- to keep audiences'
attention
-facial expressions
should be natural and
friendly:
-raise eyebrows to show
surprise
-open eyes wide
-squint your eyes
-curl your eyebrows
- possibilities to
emphasise, enumerate,
express sincerity or
reflexion
-open arms to include or
welcome ideas
- wide open palms:
sincerity and openness

body movement posture

- to indicate a change of - stand straight but relaxed
focus (do not slouch or lean
- keep audience's attention sideways)
- move forward to emphasize - lean forward to emphasize
-move to side to indicate a - be natural
transition gesture - no hands in pockets
- up and down head motions
are movements to indicate
importance or
acknowledgement
- pen or pointer to indicate
part, place (on a
transparency)

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Negative body posture

- failing to make eye contact
- do not look at your notes all the time
- looking at the screen/board means your back is
turned to the audience cutting contact
- don't stare, or look blankly into people's eyes
- avoid swaying back and forth like a pendulum
- avoid leaning against walls
- be aware of your nervous tics
- do not fold your arms like a barrier
- while one hand in a pocket gives a very relaxed
pose, both hands in pockets looks too casual and
should be avoided.

Exercises:
What are three presentation skill levels?

What does the each skill level refer to?

Give some examples of good and bad body language!

Have a look at the following presentations and discuss

their weaknesses and strengths!