A) Planning of a seminar :-

– A seminar has a beginning, a middle and an end.

Beginning/Introduction:-

– Explain why it is an issue or a problem and why it is important.

– Briefly summarize any necessary background information, specialist terminology.

– Give the audience an idea of what you intend to discuss with a clear statement of the Objectives.

The body of the seminar:-

– Focus clearly on your topic

– Do not present information you don’t intend to discuss

– Build up your story slowly and logically

– Aim to keep the audience with you

Conclusions:-

Finally, discuss the implications of the information you have presented, your own ideas and what you think it all means.

B) Preparation:-

– Make sure the audience can read what you are presenting. Font size should be at least 15 points.

– Do not put too much information onto an overhead or slide, and do not include unnecessary information.

– Arrange the information so that it is easy to follow

– Look at the overhead/slide when it appears on the screen. Check that the audience can see what you want to see.

 – Do not block the screen by standing in the line of vision.

 – Give people time to read your overhead or slide.

– Explain the details or a figure or table.

–  Make sure every visual aid has a purpose, and help the audience recognize that purpose.

C) Types of Delivery:-

a) Manual method:read directly from prepared text, not recommended for a seminar.

b) Memory method: Memorize the entire presentation; not recommended because of the danger of memory loss!

c) Impromptu method: no preparation, make it up as you go along; not recommended because you are wasting everyone’s time

d) Extemporaneous method: using an outline, or key phrases or brief notes; recommended because it has the advantages of good eye contact, naturalness of language, rhythm, pace and voice modulation.

D) Timing a seminar:-

– Speed up your presentation to keep to time, and

– Leave out the conclusion because you ran out of time.

E) Communicating :-

– Remember that your audience is there to listen to you and to understand your message. Don’t ignore them.

F) Handling Questions :-

– Listen carefully

– Ask the questions to repeal if it is not clear; don’t guess

– Be honest. If you don’t know the answer, say no. Don’t waffle

– Take your time to compose a good answer. You can do so provided you are well prepared and understand your topic