Oral Presentation Guidelines: Patent Presentations

TO: TCC 315

FROM: Gorman, Richards, and Scherer

RE: ORAL PRESENTATION GUIDELINES: Patent Presentations

DATE: 10 February 1996

Patent presentations should be a total of 15 minutes. Use of graphics is encouraged. Your goal is to sell your idea -- convince us to accept your patent!

1. Organization of Presentation
   • use an outline of what you plan to say rather than writing it verbatim
   • Introduction -- include an agenda
     • gain attention
     • provide smooth transition to body
2. The Presentation
   • use effective language -- avoid using lingo
     • clear, simple, direct, active
   • avoid the following common pitfalls
     • mumbling
     • rapid speech
     • lack of organization
     • lack of enthusiasm
     • lack of concern for audience
     • mannerisms
     • going over time -- make sure you pace your presentation.
   • make frequent eye contact
   • don't play musical speakers - limit number of speakers
   • only one person (speaker) should be standing
3. Visual Aids
   • assure that they can be seen by everyone -- make sure the font is readable
   • pause when shifting visual aids
   • use aids that are easily understood
   • remove aid as soon as you have fully explained it
   • use visual aids sparingly and to support important points only
   • design of aid
     • visible
     • clear -- label graphics with titles, legends, etc.
     • simple -- otherwise client will read slide, rather than listen to presentation
     • use to reinforce points, not to make them
     • avoid detailed information
     • use visible page numbers

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This page was last edited: Tuesday, May 13, 1997