Giving Effective Presentations
PowerPoint Presentations
As an adjuct to the medical interview, presentations involve having the candidate deliver a presentation either pre-prepared or ‘blind’.
A degree of prior notice should really be given to applicants of this consultant interview method to allow them to mentally prepare for the task at hand. By asking applicants to organise and deliver their presentation, and in some cases to take/lead discourses subsequently, panel members might ascertain the student’s skills of written and spoken presentation, analysis and coherent thinking, evidence of their professional/academic knowledge and values.
Presentations may also be applied to evaluate an applicant’s degree of comprehension of a specified topic matter as well as the power to supply information delivered at a level that is proper for the selection panel.
Practise using an OHP, flip chart or other visual aids at home. Practice in front of your mother, father, brother, sister, friend, spouse, anybody and enquire from them how your presentation is received.
An OHP slide with too much data on it might be unhelpful and distracting for the panel, specially if they cannot read it.
Do not use a script. Use bullet points for your main topics and expand your dialogue with small index cards with written notes on them to remind yourself of what you plan to say.
Plan your presentation in a systematic and structured format. Presentations are time bound so ensure you do not go over your time, as you will lose valuable marks.
