Giving Professional Presentations in the Behavioral Sciences and Related Fields: A Practical Guide for Novice, the Nervous and the Nonchalant

The prospect of public speaking is daunting and often frightening for many people. Despite this, most students and professionals must make public presentations in one capacity or another over the course of their careers. What makes dealing with their fear difficult is that most have never been taught how to give a professional presentation. The purpose of this book is to provide some guidance in the "how to's" of giving professional presentations in the behavioral sciences and related professions. The book is written specifically for students and professionals who have little or no experience giving presentations and for those who are particularly anxious about public speaking. It gives concrete advice about designing, delivering, and defending presentations. This advice includes recognizing the appropriate goals of the presentation, using the appropriate fonts, projecting one's voice, and dealing with stage fright. Also included is a chapter on giving persuasive presentations, drawing on recent socialpsychological research on social influence and persuasion.