Below you will find resources to assist you in developing and delivering an engaging and memorable presentation. Even if you are a seasoned speaker, we think you will find it beneficial to take a few moments to review the contents of this page.
Resources for the Hybrid, Virtual, or In-Person Presentations
Hybrid
- How to Nail a Hybrid Presentation
These authors offer seven strategies for presenters to more effectively engage all participants – virtual or in-person – in a hybrid session. - Developing Your Presentation
These tips and tools for developing slides benefit both in-person and the virtual presenter: Designing a Slide Presentation (PDF) or view the Slide Design video. - How Do I Look?
Use these tips to help you look your best whether your in-person or virtual.
Virtual
- Designing and Developing your Virtual Presentation: Use this video as inspiration for designing and structuring virtual presentations. This presentation discusses how to develop goals and learning objectives, the importance of creating an outline, and tips for engaging your audience.
- Virtual Speaker Best Practices: This video helps speakers prepare for a virtual presentation. This presentation discusses best practices for setting up your internet access and equipment, considerations when thinking about your physical environment, and tips as you practice your delivery.
- Synchronous Video-Zoom: The pro-level version of Zoom is supported for VTC faculty by Virginia Tech. You’ll need your Virginia Tech PID to log in. If you do not have one, you can use this resource to request your Virginia Tech PID needed for unlimited Zoom access. Note: a free version of Zoom is available to all.
In-Person
- Writing Learning Objectives
“After participating in this session, the participant should be able to…” - 10 Ways to Interact with Audience Members While You Present
Positive Ways to interact with your audience to encourage engagement and participation. - Stage Presence
Instantly Improve Your Stage Presence and Overcome Anxiety - Presentation Websites
//space above DEI section to direct anchorAdding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to your Presentations
In preparation for your session, we ask that presenters consider how they may address issues pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity, as well as how these issues may impact the program and different groups of attendees. Below are some ways to think about framing your presentation with this in mind:
- Provide culturally responsive perspectives within your presentation by considering the different identities of learners – How are your examples and presentation reflective of diverse experiences? Will learners see their communities represented?
- Include diverse viewpoints represented in the learning environment and in the audience (including bias and positionality in the world, and how these factors influence professional interactions)
- Create an inclusive environment by acknowledging diverse cultures and examples within your presentation, as well as providing accessible options to learners (non-primary English speakers, captions, etc). Our office offers several resources that can help to support the accessibility of presentations.
- Emphasize health disparities research by pulling from relevant references/resources if they are available within the topic area of your presentation.
Books/Articles
Gay, G. (2018). Culturally Responsive Teaching: Theory, Research, and Practice (3rd. ed). New York, NY:College Press.
Ladson-Billings, G. (2014). Culturally Relevant Pedagogy 2.0: The Remix. Harvard Educational Review, 84(1), 74-84. doi.org/10.17763/haer.84.1.p2rj13148548475
Accessibility in your Presentations
All presentations are asked to include culturally responsive perspectives in recognition of the diverse and unique backgrounds of our participants. Here are some guiding thoughts as you think about this for your presentation:
- Are the goals of the program achievable by different groups (e.g., accessibility, accommodations)
- How can the goals of the session be used as a tool to advance equity?
- Consider how equity shows up at all levels of your presentation (development, presentation, evaluation)
The following accessibility resources will make content more accessible to a wider range of people.
PowerPoint Accessibility Checker
Step-by-step Instructions and Best Practices for Making Your PowerPoint accessible to People with Disabilities
Word Accessibility Checker
Make your Word Documents Accessible to People with Disabilities
VTCSOM Commitment to Accessibility in the digital environment
VTCSOM presentation on accessibility
VTCSOM accessible PowerPoint template
Virginia Tech accessible PowerPoint template
Virginia Tech sponsored Accessibility Professional Certification Grants