Assess Your Current Presentation Skills
To become a more effective presenter, examine your current skills. The following evaluation helps you determine the areas to focus on to increase your competency. It also functions as a useful checklist. Read each statement below and on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is 'never' and 5 is 'always', choose a rating that best describes you. Image shown here is the courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos. NetThe rest of the images shown in this quiz are the courtesy of Britannica ImageQuest and FreeDigitalPhotos. Net
You May Get
A good speaker
A potential speaker
A speaker who needs to work harder
A shy, nervous or fearful speaker
- 1.
I thoroughly analyse my audience, especially their needs.- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 2.
I determine some basic objectives before planning a presentation.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 3.
I write down some main ideas first, in order to build a presentation around them.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 4.
I review the main ideas in my presentation to check for relevance and coherence.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 5.
I develop an introduction that will catch the attention of my audience and provide the necessary background information.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 6.
My conclusion refers back to the introduction and, if appropriate, contains a call-to-action statement.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 7.
The visuals and graphics I use are carefully prepared, easy-to-read and match what I say.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 8.
The number of visuals and graphics I use will enhance, not detract, from my presentation.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 9.
I use both energy and composure in delivering a presentation.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 10.
I ensure the benefits suggested to my audience are clear and compelling.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 11.
I communicate ideas with enthusiasm and use an appropriate tone.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 12.
I rehearse so there is a minimum focus on notes and maximum attention paid to my audience.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 13.
My notes contain only “key words” so I avoid reading from a manuscript or cue cards.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 14.
My presentations are rehearsed standing up and using my visuals.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 15.
I prepare answers to anticipated questions and practise responding to them.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 16.
I arrange seating (if appropriate) and check the audio-visual equipment in advance of the presentation.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 17.
I maintain good eye contact with the audience at all times.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 18.
My gestures are natural and match what I am saying. They are not constrained by anxiety, e.g., jerky hand movements, constant shifting of feet.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 19.
My voice is strong, clear and modulated, and not a monotone.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
- 20.
I speak at a good pace so I engage my audience’s attention throughout.
- A.
5 (Always)
- B.
4
- C.
3
- D.
2
- E.
1 (Never)
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