A studentÕs presentation skills determine how the audience receives the Exhibition. The studentÕs ability to communicate information in a professional tone and to create a learning environment where ideas and questions are exchanged makes for a successful Exhibition.

Below are some tips to consider when speaking to an audience:


• Have a definite start and a definite end.
  An introduction that is straightforward and spells out the thesis statement lets the audience know that the Exhibition has started. Similarly, a concluding statement, followed by a pause and a request for questions or comments tells them the main body of the presentation is completed and the Exhibition has entered the questions and answers phase. When there are no more apparent questions, the student should ask if there are any final questions, and if not, thank the audience. At that point, the Exhibition is over.
• Start on time; finish on time.
  If a student does not start on time, it is implied that the audienceÕs time is not valued. Looking for equipment or setting up displays should be done before the start time, not after. If an Exhibition runs long, a student risks losing his or her audience by oneÕs and twoÕs as they leave for other Exhibitions. If the questions and answers are running long, the student should take control by stating that there is time for only one more question in the last remaining minutes. A student should not wait for the teacher to end the studentÕs Exhibition.
• Be specific.
  Vagueness implies that the student has not come to the Exhibition prepared. He or she is telling the audience that the research is incomplete. Students should tell what they know, but not what they donÕt know; for example, a student should not tell the audience that he or she was going to do something but never got around to it, or that he or she forgot to look something up. The audience will feel as though their time is being wasted.
• Practice the art of persuasion.
  When arguing a thesis, a student needs to combine a credible point of view with a logical sequence of evidence. A good presenter appeals to the audience rationally and emotionally, presents information clearly and dynamically, and speaks with confidence and conviction. If a student is prepared, all the above points become much easier to achieve. Public speaking is hard enough; public speaking without facts or an organized plan is next to impossible.
• Be professional.
  Students who make eye contact, speak clearly, and look professional impress the audience. A slouchy presenter bores the audience. If a student fidgets, becomes disorganized, uses slang or curses, or speaks parenthetically to a friend in the front row, he or she creates distractions and diverts attention away from the Exhibition and, in the process, loses the interest of the audience.
• Know the equipment.
  Students who use audio or video clips should cue them up in advance so they are ready to play when needed. Students should know how to operate all of the equipmentÑthe rehearsal is designed specifically with that in mind.
• Take pride in the Exhibition.
  Students should be proud of their Exhibition. They are interested in their subject, they have found an intellectually challenging way of answering the Essential Question, and they have completed the necessary work. If the student lets this feeling show during the presentation, the audience will want to hear what he or she has to say.