This week’s readings were all about oral presentations. They have been really helpful considering my group and I are giving our presentation next week. I have learned that in most businesses and organizations decisions are usually made during face-to-face meetings. So being able to present this document my group made to the class will help us out a great deal when we have to actually present to our client. I have never given a presentation in front of anything but a class so far. This made reading tips for giving oral presentations a great resource to go to while I prepare. It gave some tips I have never thought of before. One of these tips was the environment. It tells you to check the overhead projector or computer equipment to make sure it’s working before you start the presentation. This is a really good tip because technology never usually works the way you want it and you need to be prepared for the worst. There was also a section about informal oral presentations. This reading gave some keys to good oral communication. Key 1 was audience analysis which explained how being able to manage the distance between speaker and listeners is very important. There was also a table in this section about how to dress for an informal or formal meeting. It explained how it all depends on the image, speech, materials, and delivery. I think this will be very helpful when I get out into the work place. Key 2 was talk structure which was about how you need to make the talk understandable and memorable. Key 3 was supporting material which was all about using supportive material in your presentation such as handouts and overheads. Key 4 which is the last was about delivery. It said to rehearse a lot and to encourage as much interaction with the listeners. I will keep all of these things in mind when my group and I start to prepare for our presentation.