Individual Researched Presentation Tips

As part of your GCSE English Language assessment, you will be required to deliver an individual oral presentation in front of your teacher and classmates. The aim is to present information in a clear, structured, and engaging way, ensuring not only the content is well-organised but also that your delivery is effective. Your presentation will typically last no more than 10 minutes, which includes time at the end for questions from the audience. Proper preparation and research are key to feeling confident and delivering an impressive performance.

Research Skills

Before delivering your presentation, you will need to complete thorough research on your chosen topic. This will help you gather relevant information, facts, and ideas to support your points. Research skills are invaluable, not only for this specific task but also for other academic exams, and they are essential to ensure you approach your presentation in a thoughtful and organised way.

Things to Do

• Be prepared: Have all the materials you need before starting your research, such as a notepad, pen, highlighters, and possibly a laptop or computer.
• Clarify your topic: Make sure you’re certain about the topic you're going to present before you begin gathering information. This will save time and prevent confusion later on.
• Use structured headings: Create headings or subheadings under which you can organise your notes. For example, if your presentation is on climate change, your headings might include 'Causes', 'Impacts', 'Solutions', and 'Global Efforts'.
• Utilise multiple sources: You can use a combination of libraries, books, and reliable online resources. When using the internet, cross-check your sources to verify the information’s accuracy.
• Save your work: If you’re using a computer, make sure to save your research regularly, to avoid losing your work.
• Be selective in your note-taking: Don’t just jot down everything you read; focus on key facts, statistics, or quotes that are directly relevant to your topic.
• Keep track of your sources: Always note where the information comes from, such as the website or book title, so you can refer back to it if necessary.

Things Not to Do

• Avoid excessive information: Don’t print off large amounts of information from the internet thinking you’ve done enough research. Instead, focus on quality, not quantity.
• Don’t simply copy and paste: Instead of copying passages from books or websites, highlight relevant sections and then summarise them in your own words. This will help you engage with the material more deeply.
• Be cautious about internet sources: Some websites may not be reliable. Only use trusted sources like Revision World.

Standard English and Vocabulary

In your presentation, you will be expected to use Standard English, which means avoiding informal language, slang, and contractions. Standard English ensures clarity and professionalism, which is essential when speaking in front of an audience.

Avoid Informal Language

• Slang terms: Words like “mate” (use “friend” instead), “innit?” (use “isn’t it?”), “ta” (use “thank you”), and “yeah” (use “yes”) should be avoided.
• Contractions: Avoid using informal contractions such as “ain’t” (use “is not”) or “en’t” (use “is not”).

It may feel uncomfortable at first to refrain from using everyday casual language, but practice will help you become more accustomed to using Standard English naturally during your presentation.

Vocabulary

It’s essential to choose your words carefully to ensure your presentation is engaging. A wide range of vocabulary can help you sound more professional and articulate. For example, if your presentation is about the effects of social media on teenagers, you might use terms like:

• "Cyberbullying"
• "Mental health"
• "Peer pressure"
• "Online identity"

Incorporating specific terminology will demonstrate that you have a good understanding of your topic and will allow your audience to learn new things. Don't be afraid to use slightly more advanced vocabulary, but make sure you are comfortable with the words you choose. If you’re unsure of a word’s meaning, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to confirm its correct usage.

Planning and Structuring Your Presentation

Effective communication relies heavily on organisation. When preparing for your presentation, it’s crucial to structure your ideas in a clear and logical sequence. The more thought you put into the structure, the easier it will be for your audience to follow.

Before Your Presentation

• Choose an interesting angle: Think about how you can approach your topic in a way that will keep the audience engaged. Find an angle that makes the topic relevant and intriguing.
• Plan your presentation: Break down your research into key points and decide the most effective order in which to present them.
• Prepare cue cards: Write down key points on cue cards to keep you on track during your presentation, but avoid reading from them verbatim.
• Practice: Rehearse your presentation several times to ensure you are comfortable with your material. The more you practise, the more confident you will be.

During Your Presentation

• Stay focused: Stick to the topic and the structure you’ve planned. Avoid deviating from your main points.
• Engage with your audience: Be mindful of how the audience is responding. If they seem disengaged, try to develop an idea further; if they seem overwhelmed, consider simplifying your explanations.

Suggested Structure

1. Introduction:
   • Start by introducing your topic and explaining why it is significant to you.
   • Include a few engaging facts or anecdotes to grab the audience's attention.
2. Main Body:
   • Present the main points of your topic. Aim to cover at least five points, backing them up with facts, statistics, and evidence from your research.
   • Try to make your presentation interesting by incorporating anecdotes or real-life examples.
3. Conclusion:
   • Summarise the main points of your presentation briefly.
   • Thank your audience for their attention and ask if they have any questions.

Sentence Starters

To help transition smoothly between points, consider using sentence starters like:

• "It is also worth noting that..."
• "Another important aspect of this topic is..."
• "One common misconception is..."
• "In addition to this, it is interesting to consider..."
• "Let me finish by highlighting..."

Enhancing Your Presentation

While the focus of your presentation should be on your spoken words, visual aids can enhance the overall impact. You can use tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides to present key facts, statistics, and images that complement your speech. However, avoid reading directly from your slides as this can make the presentation feel less engaging. Instead, use visuals to support and reinforce what you're saying.

For example, if your presentation is about endangered species, you could display images of these animals on your slides. Alternatively, bringing in a related object, such as a fossil or a sports item if you’re discussing the history of a sport, can make your talk more tangible and engaging.

Body Language and Delivery

Your body language plays an important role in how your presentation is received. Here are some key tips:

• Eye contact: Make regular eye contact with the audience to engage them and convey confidence.
• Movement: Keep your movements deliberate and avoid fidgeting. Stand still to maintain focus, but use appropriate gestures to emphasise key points.
• Fluency: Aim for a smooth, natural delivery. Avoid speaking in long pauses or rushing through your points.
• Answering Questions: After your presentation, be prepared for questions. Answer clearly, with enough detail to demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

Top Tips

• Research thoroughly and organise your notes before the presentation.
• Practice your presentation multiple times to feel confident and familiar with the material.
• Your presentation should last no more than 10 minutes, including time for questions.
• Use visual aids, props, and examples to make your presentation more engaging.
• Speak clearly using Standard English.
• Maintain strong body language—stand tall, avoid shuffling, and make eye contact.

By following these steps and practising your delivery, you'll be well-prepared to deliver an effective and memorable presentation.