September 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 42

FUTURE LEADERS

end...only leaving about an hour to
fill with content. Because most of us
are conducting secondary research
(compiling research already done
by others), looking for information
directly related to the learning outcomes helps make the best use of
time and energy.

Prepare material carefully
and logically
A well-organized presentation will
be easier for the audience to follow
and help them remember the information (and it's easier for you to
present!). Here are some things to
consider when putting all the pieces
together:
8VHFXUUHQWDQGUHOLDEOHGDWD Be
careful to use data that is as current
as possible and from reliable sources.
Also realize that new data isn't published on every topic every year.
9LVXDO DLGV Your presentation
is not the time to demonstrate that
you know how to make the software perform every trick in the
book. A few well-placed effects can
help make your key points stand
out without being distracting. Visuals should be an aid to the presentation, not the primary feature. Don't
put everything you're going to say
on the visuals - that will cause
people to read the slides instead of
listening to you. Visual aids should
also be designed with easy-to-read
text, and graphs and charts that
don't require detailed explanation.
Fonts should be large and in colors
that contrast nicely with the background. Speaking of backgrounds,
keep it simple.
/HVVLVPRUH One of the requirements of CEU approval is an outline
including the expected amount of
time spent on each topic. I like to
create my draft outline as I'm pre-

See us in Houston at booth #821.
40

Parks & Recreation

| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3 | W W W. N R PA . O R G

paring my material, and I use it as
a tool to ensure that I'm not trying
to put too much information into the
session. Everything should tie back
to a learning outcome.
.QRZ\RXUDXGLHQFHThe goal of
a professional presentation is to share
information about a topic in a way
that is easy for the audience to understand. Your vocabulary, diagrams,
charts, etc. should be determined not
by what you know, but whom you're
presenting it to. The presentation is
about sharing what you've learned,
not just showing off that you learned
it! Try to avoid technical jargon as
much as possible.
3UDFWLFH This is an absolute
must. You should practice the timing
of your presentation at least a few
times before " the day. " It's also helpful to get set up in your presentation
environment early so you can do a
quick run through to test everything.

Be personable
Greet people as they come in.
Use (short, appropriate) personal
stories in the presentation and to
answer questions. Thank the audience for coming and let them know
how to contact you if they have
more questions.

Answer questions
Do not get in arguments with
audience members over content.
Additionally, if you are asked a
question you're not sure of the answer, admit it and offer to follow up
with an answer afterward.
And last, have fun!

Christian Moore, CPRP, is Director of
Cathedral Oaks Retreat Center in Weimar,
Texas, and Chair Elect of NRPA's Young
Professional Network (christian@
umccathedraloaks.com).

September 2013 - Parks & Recreation

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