How to Prepare for an Oral Report

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

An editor has suggested that this article be merged with: "How to Do an Oral Speech on Time" Per the merge policy, if these topics are determined to be similar but distinct, then the articles will remain separate. Please comment on the discussion page. Notice added on 2008-04-30.

Spending long hours working on an oral report can be tedious. We have to research for accuracy, plan the layout, memorize what we are going to say. This might be worth it, but then when it does not turn out as good as you expected, is very disappointing.

Steps

1. Research your topic. If your topic is quite boring, search for some interesting facts about it that will wow your classmates.
   
2. Take notes. Don't be afraid to jot down details. Be sure to use better words than "nice" or "big." Rather opt for words such as "gigantic" or "fantastic."
   
3. Add a little something to it. Why not add pictures or make a life size model from the topic. Drawing a time line, especially if it's a history report, can also work.
   
4. Look over your written report, Add details where needed and exchanging words with those that would fit the report better.
   
5. Practice! Practice! Practice! Look at yourself in the mirror and talk as if you're in front of people. Make sure that you're not leaning or fumbling around when you talk. With a bit more practice, you will be able to ace that report and look good at the same time.

Tips

• Try not to act too enthusiastic about the topic. This makes you look cheesy.
  
• Ask your crowd if they have any questions, and always be prepared to answer them!
  
• Make sure that what you brought in as a demonstration, is colorful and eye-catching.

Warnings

• When you take notes, be 100% sure that you aren't plagiarizing, copying word for word as written.
  
• Make the speech short and to the point. Long drawn out reports are marked as boring and are similar to listening to lectures. Keep it short and simple.

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Prepare for an Oral Report. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.