Page 392 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Making Public Presentations of the Group’s Output 375

You can also memorize your presentation. This way you may not leave anything
out and can maintain eye contact with the audience. However, you still must prac-
tice enough with the material so that you won’t panic if you forget something. Also,
you want your delivery to appear spontaneous and not robot- like. Remember that
eye contact alone won’t guarantee that you come across as interested in your mate-
rial. You must be comfortable enough with your material that your delivery sounds
conversational.
If you deliver material off- the-cuff, then you are using an impromptu style.
You speak from your knowledge and expertise with minimal notes or specific
preparation. Forum discussions often involve impromptu responses from group
members as they answer questions from the audience. In addition, panel presenta-
tions may also be impromptu because the panelists are responding to moderator
questions and may or may not have notes. Panelists are there because of their
expertise, which is the basis for their responses. However, impromptu deliveries
can sound incoherent if the speaker meanders from point to point. Even though
there is no specific preparation for impromptu speeches, you can review for the
presentation. In addition, good impromptu speakers have experience with this
kind of speaking.
One of the most common kinds of speeches is one delivered extemporaneously.
This is the kind of speech your instructor probably has in mind for classroom pre-
sentations. Instead of writing out a manuscript, you make an outline of the points
you want to cover and use as few notes as possible. Experienced speakers can
engage in a conversation with the audience, be flexible enough to alter the presenta-
tion, and yet deliver an effective presentation.
Once you have selected the method of delivery, practice your speech out
loud. Going over the speech only in your head takes less time than actually say-
ing it out loud. You also need to hear what the speech sounds like— something
said easily in your head may be a tongue twister when you try to say it out loud.
A colleague of ours was rather embarrassed when he wanted to say “needy
student” but instead said, “nudey student.” If this is a group presentation, then it
will require both individual and group practice. Find the time to practice
together, concentrating on transitions between speakers, how you will act while
others are speaking, what members can do to help if someone forgets to say
something, and so on. Showing continuity and togetherness during a group
presentation is challenging and needs to be rehearsed. Also, plan for any spur- of-
the- moment equipment failure! Anticipate problems and be ready to proceed
anyway. Finally, have a Plan B in the event that a group member does not show
up for your presentation.

Be a Good Listener
Public speaking events are not only about speaking— they are also about listening. Be
respectful and engaged audience members when other presenters or groups are giving
their presentations so the environment is comfortable for everyone.

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