Presentation - IV

If I am to speak ten minutes, I need a week for preparation; if fifteen minutes, three days; if half an hour, two days; if an hour, I am ready now. ~ Woodrow Wilson

Presentation is nothing but the sophisticated, prepared and focused manifestation of communication. So before trying to learn the types of presentation, let us see what Communication means and what the types of Communication are.

Wikipedia offers the apt definition of communication –
Communication is a process of transferring information from one entity to another. Communication processes are sign-mediated interactions between at least two agents which share a repertoire of signs and semiotic rules. Communication is commonly defined as "the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs". Although there is such a thing as one-way communication, communication can be perceived better as a two-way process in which there is an exchange and progression of thoughts, feelings or ideas (energy) towards a mutually accepted goal or direction (information)

Now for the types of communication, let us consider FOUR basic types –

1. Verbal Communication
Verbal communication includes sounds, words, language and speaking. Speaking is an effective way of communicating and is again classified into two types viz. interpersonal communication and public speaking – which is more relevant to presentation.
Good verbal communication is an inseparable part of business communication. Fluent verbal communication is essential to deal with people in business meetings. Also, in business presentation self-confidence plays a vital role which when clubbed with fluent communication skills can lead to success.
Public speaking is another verbal communication in which you have to address a group of people. Preparing for an effective speech before you start is important. There are many public speaking techniques and these techniques must be practiced for an effective speech.

2. Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication involves physical ways of communication, like, tone of the voice, touch, smell and body motion. Creative and aesthetic non-verbal communication includes singing, music, dancing and sculpturing. Symbols and sign language are also included in non-verbal communication. Body language is a non-verbal way of communication. Body posture and physical contact convey a lot of information. Body posture matters a lot when you are communicating verbally to someone. Folded arms and crossed legs are some of the signals conveyed by a body posture. Physical contact, like, shaking hands, pushing, patting and touching expresses the feeling of intimacy. Facial expressions, gestures and eye contact are all different ways of communication.

3. Written Communication
Written communication is writing the words which you want to communicate. Good written communication is essential for business purposes. The written communication can be edited and amended many times before it is communicated to the second party to whom the communication is intended. This is one of the main advantages of using writing as the major means of communication in business activity. Written communication is used not only in business but also for informal communication purposes.

4. Visual communication
The last type of communication is the visual communication. Visual communication is visual display of information, like, topography, photography, signs, symbols and designs. Of all the types this type of communication has a major part in any presentation. Apart from Presentation Television and video clips are the electronic forms of visual communication.

Today I will conclude on the note that Presentation is nothing but a developed and finished form of Visual Communication that can include Text, Tables, Graphs, Charts, Pictures, Graphics, Drawings, Designs, Signs, Symbols and even audio and video.