MGMT2100 Chap.5 Persuasive Presentations and Impromptu Speaking
Persuasive Presentations and Impromptu Speaking
The lecture opens with a rule that also governs the assessed presentation: a presentation is not a speech. This chapter covers what effective presenters do, from planning and timing to tailoring for the audience, and the structure of introduction, body and conclusion in proportions of ten, eighty and ten percent.
It applies that structure to the two-minute limit of the Week 9 and 10 task, which is marked on presentation skills rather than content. It then turns to first impressions, nonverbal confidence, nervousness, audience interaction and answering questions, and to the PREP formula for speaking without preparation.
What this chapter covers
- 01
A presentation is not a speech
- 02
Planning, timing and practice
- 03
Introduction, body and conclusion
- 04
First impressions and nonverbal confidence
- 05
Managing nervousness
- 06
Audience interaction and difficult questions
- 07
Impromptu speaking with PREP
Worked example · free
Budget the seconds of a two-minute presentation
- 1Convert the limit: two minutes is 120 seconds.
- 2Introduction 10% of 120 = 12 seconds; body 80% of 120 = 96 seconds; conclusion 10% of 120 = 12 seconds; check 12 + 96 + 12 = 120.
- 1Place a title or introduction slide in the first 12 seconds, two content slides across the 96-second body, and a conclusion or references slide in the last 12 seconds.
Key terms
- Impromptu presentation
- A presentation that is unexpected and delivered without preparation.
- PREP formula
- A structure for impromptu speaking: point, reason, example, then the point restated.
- Connecting phrases
- Words such as 'in addition' or 'furthermore' that link the main ideas of a presentation body.
Persuasive Presentations and Impromptu Speaking FAQ
How is the Week 9 and 10 presentation marked?
It is marked on presentation skills, not on content. It lasts two minutes at most, is given in your registered tutorial, and notes are not recommended. Four slides are suggested, slides are uploaded to Canvas by the Friday of Week 8, and there are no extensions because the task is presented live.
How should I handle a question I already answered in the talk?
Answer it anyway, however irritating, because someone may have missed it. Stay calm and professional, avoid embarrassing the person asking, and if you need time, ask for the question to be repeated. Anticipating likely questions beforehand helps you appear informed and confident.
What does PREP stand for and when should I use it?
Point, reason, example, point. Use it whenever you must speak without warning: an impromptu question in a tutorial, an unexpected interview question or a contribution in a meeting. The tutorial notes that it gives instant structure, keeps the message concise and reduces anxiety.
Why does the lecture stress first impressions?
First impressions are weighted more heavily than the information that follows, according to the source the lecture cites, and attention can be won or lost early. Posture, a clear and varied voice and a confident opening therefore matter as much as the slides themselves.
How can I manage nerves before presenting?
The lecture treats nervousness as natural and suggests using it rather than fighting it. Aim for a quick early win, such as a confident first line, or simulate the situation beforehand by rehearsing in the room or in front of friends. Visualising success and positive self-talk, credited to Anna Bass, also help.
What should the conclusion of a presentation do?
It should summarise the main points, signal clearly that you are finishing with a phrase such as 'to sum up' or 'finally', and end with a thank you to the audience. In a two-minute task that takes about twelve seconds, so rehearse it until it never gets cut.
Exam move
Treat presentation skills as something to rehearse rather than read about. Record yourself giving a two-minute talk on any workplace topic, time each segment against the 12, 96 and 12 second budget, and check posture, eye contact and vocal variety on playback. Practise PREP with a partner who gives you a random question and one minute to answer. Prepare answers to two likely questions for every talk.
For the exam, memorise the structure proportions, the elements of each segment, the nonverbal factors and the advice on questions, so you can evaluate a described presentation and recommend specific improvements.
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