When you have to get up and speak

The need for more effective presentations has prompted one large corporation to offer a two-day course for all its new technical employees. Communication techniques are presented with emphasis on knowing the audience and tailoring the presentation accordingly. Suggestions are offered for typical problems such as (1) handling nervousness, (2) organizing the speech, (3) deciding whether to use visual aids, (4) avoiding distracting mannerisms, and (5) dealing with questions at the end. After attending a lecture, participants prepare and deliver a three-minute speech that is recorded on video tape and played back for critiquing.