The nature of oral presentations: a survey of scientific, technical, and managerial presentations

This presentation focuses on the nature of oral presentations given (and produced) by scientific, technical, and managerial professionals currently working in business and industry. The research findings we present are survey-based; they reflect responses to a variety of "issues" concerning technical/ professional presentations, including these general categories: (1) frequency, (2) target audience(s), (3) objectives, (4) types, (5) length, (6) data/information base, (7) visuals, (8) equipment, (9) obstacles, and (10) training. An examination of our survey results indicates that presentations are frequently used in business and industry and are delivered to a wide range of managerial audiences within organizations. Primary objectives of presenters surveyed are to inform ("sharing information\´\´) and instruct/train.