International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)

Faculty of Management Sciences

Oral Communication And Presentation Skills

Report
BSAF (F23) (17A)

Submitted by:
1. Azwa 1062/FMS/BSAF/F23
2. Aymen Mazhar 1092/FMS/BSAF/F23
3. Barira Liaqat 1077/FMS/BSAF/F23
4. Amna Mushtaq 1086/FMS/BSAF/F23
5. Laiba Hussain 1084/FMS/BSAF/F23
6. Emaan Fatima 1103/FMS/BSAF/F23

Submitted to:
Dr Kiran Kiyani
REPORT ORAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESENTATION SKILLS

VERBAL AND NON VERBAL SUPPORT IN PRESENTATIONS

Introduction

Presentations have become an essential skill for

students and professionals alike, especially in
academic settings such as classroom assignments,
group projects, and seminars. They are a way to
share ideas, explain concepts, and communicate
information effectively to an audience. For
students, learning how to deliver a good
presentation is crucial for academic success and
for building confidence in public speaking.

In any presentation, communication plays a key role, and it is divided into two main types:
verbal and non-verbal. Verbal communication involves the use of spoken words to explain ideas
and deliver the main message, while non-verbal communication includes facial expressions,
gestures, posture, and other visual cues that support and enhance what is being said. Both are
equally important for making a presentation clear, engaging, and memorable.

The purpose of this report is to explore the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication
in presentations. It will explain how each type contributes to the success of a presentation,
discuss challenges that students might face, and provide practical strategies to improve these
skills. This will help students develop a better understanding of how to present effectively in
academic and professional settings.

Importance of Communication in Presentations

● Impact on Audience Understanding and Engagement:

○ Clear communication ensures the audience understands the message.

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○ Engages the audience, making the presentation memorable and impactful.

○ Poor communication leads to confusion, misinterpretation, or lack of interest.
● Role of Verbal Communication:
○ Conveys the core message using spoken words.
○ Helps explain complex ideas logically and persuasively.
○ Builds connection through storytelling, rhetorical techniques, or examples.
● Role of Non-Verbal Communication:
○ Reinforces the verbal message and adds emotional depth.
○ Uses gestures, facial expressions, and body language to maintain attention.
○ Establishes credibility and conveys confidence or enthusiasm.
● Combined Effect:
○ Verbal and non-verbal communication work together for a cohesive presentation.
○ Makes the message engaging, impactful, and easier to remember.

Verbal Support in Presentations

Definition and Significance

Verbal communication involves the use of spoken words

to deliver the primary message in a presentation. It is the
foundation of effective communication, allowing the
presenter to explain ideas, share knowledge, and
persuade the audience. Clear and purposeful verbal
communication ensures the message is understood,
engaging, and memorable.

Elements of Verbal Communication

1. Voice Tone
○ Sets the mood and conveys emotions.
○ A calm, confident tone builds credibility, while an enthusiastic tone engages the
audience.

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2. Pitch and Volume

○ Pitch variations keep the audience interested and emphasize key points.
○ Appropriate volume ensures the message is audible without being overwhelming.
3. Language and Word Choice
○ Professional yet simple language makes the content relatable and easy to
understand.
○ Avoiding jargon ensures accessibility for all audience members.
4. Structuring Content Logically
○ A clear introduction, body, and conclusion help the audience follow the flow of
the presentation.
○ Logical transitions between ideas make the presentation seamless and coherent.
5. Techniques for Effective Delivery
○ Storytelling: Engages the audience by
presenting ideas in a narrative format.
○ Emphasizing Keywords: Highlights
important points to ensure they stand
out.
○ Rhetorical Questions: Stimulates
thought and encourages audience
interaction.

Non-Verbal Support in Presentations

Definition and Significance

Non-verbal communication involves physical cues

such as gestures, expressions, and visual aids that
enhance the delivery of a presentation. It adds
depth to verbal communication, helping to convey
emotions, establish credibility, and engage the
audience more effectively. Non-verbal cues often

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communicate messages that words alone cannot express.

Elements of Non-Verbal Communication

1. Body Language
○ Gestures and posture convey confidence and professionalism.
○ Open, relaxed posture builds trust, while excessive fidgeting can signal
nervousness.
2. Facial Expressions
○ Reflect emotions such as enthusiasm, sincerity, or empathy.
○ Smiling and appropriate expressions help create a connection with the audience.
3. Eye Contact
○ Engages the audience and makes them feel included.
○ Sustained eye contact establishes trust and shows attentiveness.
4. Proxemics
○ Refers to the use of space and movement during a presentation.
○ Moving purposefully rather than pacing aimlessly helps maintain audience focus.
5. Appearance
○ Professional attire enhances credibility and reflects respect for the audience.
○ Dressing appropriately for
the setting ensures a positive
first impression.
6. Effective Use of Visual Aids
○ Slides, charts, and props
support the verbal message
and make complex ideas
clearer.
○ Visual aids should be
well-designed, relevant, and
not overly distracting.

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Relationship Between Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Verbal and non-verbal communication are interconnected and work together to create a cohesive
and effective presentation. The relationship between the two can be summarized as follows:

Complementing Verbal Cues with Matching Non-Verbal Signals

● Non-verbal communication enhances verbal messages by adding emotion, emphasis, and

clarity.
● Matching gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice with spoken words reinforces the
intended message.
○ For example, smiling while discussing a positive outcome strengthens the impact
of the words.
● Non-verbal cues help emphasize key points and make the presentation more engaging.

Avoiding Contradictory Messages

● Inconsistencies between verbal and non-verbal communication can confuse the audience
or reduce credibility.
○ Example: A presenter saying they are confident while exhibiting nervous gestures
or avoiding eye contact sends a mixed message.
● Alignment between what is said and how it is expressed ensures clarity and trust.
○ For instance, maintaining eye contact and using steady body language while
discussing critical points signals confidence and sincerity.

Table: Comparison of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication in Presentations

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Aspect Verbal Communication Non-Verbal Communication

Definition Use of words, tone, and speech to Use of gestures, facial expressions,
convey the message. posture, and visual cues to support
the message.

Key Elements Voice tone, pitch, volume, Body language, facial expressions,
language, and word choice. eye contact, proxemics, and
appearance.

Purpose To deliver the main message and To enhance the verbal message and
provide clarity. add emotional or contextual
meaning.

Impact Directly explains ideas and Reinforces, complements, or

concepts. sometimes contradicts the verbal
message.

Examples Explaining a concept clearly, Smiling to show confidence, using

emphasizing keywords, using open gestures to engage, maintaining
rhetorical questions. eye contact.

Common Monotone delivery, overuse of Nervous body language, lack of eye

Challenges jargon, or poorly structured speech. contact, or distracting gestures.

Improvement Rehearsing content, varying tone Practicing gestures, maintaining

Strategies and volume, using engaging good posture, and recording practice
language. sessions.

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Challenges in Using Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Effective communication in presentations can be hindered by several challenges, including

cultural, personal, and structural barriers. Understanding these challenges is crucial for
overcoming them and ensuring clear and impactful presentations.

1.
Miscommunication Due to Cultural Differences

● Gestures, expressions, and even tone of voice can have different meanings across
cultures.
○ For example, a thumbs-up may be positive in some cultures but offensive in
others.
● Lack of cultural awareness can lead to unintentional misunderstandings or alienation of
the audience.

2. Common Barriers

● Stage Fright:
○ Nervousness can lead to shaky voice, poor posture, or lack of eye contact.
○ Anxiety may also cause presenters to forget content or rush through the
presentation.
● Over-Reliance on Notes:
○ Excessive reading from notes can make the delivery monotonous and reduce
audience engagement.

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○ It limits eye contact and diminishes the natural flow of communication.

3. Misinterpreted Gestures or Poorly Structured Verbal Content

● Misinterpreted Gestures:
○ Unclear or conflicting gestures (e.g., crossing arms while speaking positively) can
confuse the audience.
○ Overuse of gestures may distract rather than enhance the message.
● Poorly Structured Verbal Content:
○ Disorganized ideas or overly complex language can make it hard for the audience
to follow.
○ Failing to emphasize key points reduces the effectiveness of the message.

Strategies for Effective Integration

To successfully integrate both verbal and

non-verbal communication in presentations, it
is essential to prepare, practice, and adapt.
Here are some key strategies to help presenters
deliver a cohesive and impactful message:

1. Preparing and Rehearsing

● Plan and Structure: Organize content logically to ensure a smooth flow of ideas.
● Practice Delivery: Rehearse the presentation multiple times, focusing on both verbal
clarity and non-verbal cues.
● Incorporate Non-Verbal Cues: During rehearsals, practice using appropriate gestures,
facial expressions, and eye contact to reinforce the message.

2. Recording Presentations for Self-Assessment

● Self-Review: Record practice sessions to evaluate how well both verbal and non-verbal
communication are working together.

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● Identify Areas of Improvement: Analyze body language, tone of voice, and the clarity
of the verbal content. Make adjustments to improve delivery.
● Track Progress: Use recordings to monitor improvements over time and refine
presentation techniques.

3. Asking Peers for Feedback

● Peer Feedback: Ask friends, classmates, or colleagues for constructive feedback on both
verbal and non-verbal aspects of the presentation.
● Objective Insights: Peers can offer valuable perspectives on what works well and what
needs improvement, especially with non-verbal cues that may not be obvious to the
presenter.

4. Adapting Presentation Style to the Audience's Reactions

● Observe Audience Cues: Pay attention to the audience's body language and engagement
levels (e.g., nodding, eye contact, or distraction).
● Adjust Accordingly: If the audience seems disengaged, change your tone, introduce
more visual aids, or increase interaction.
● Flexibility: Being able to adapt based on the audience’s reactions ensures that both verbal
and non-verbal cues align with their expectations and interests.

Case Studies/Examples

Example 1: A Well-Structured
Presentation (Success)

Context: A finance student delivering a

presentation on "Investment Strategies
for Beginners" to a class of peers and
professors.

Key Elements of Success:

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● Verbal Communication:
○ The presenter used clear, simple language that was easy for the audience to
understand.
○ Key points were emphasized with pauses and rhetorical questions to keep the
audience engaged.
○ The content was logically structured, with a strong introduction, clear explanation
of different strategies, and a well-rounded conclusion.
● Non-Verbal Communication:
○ The presenter maintained steady eye contact, creating a connection with the
audience and demonstrating confidence.
○ Gestures were used to emphasize key points (e.g., outlining the strategies with
hand movements).
○ The presenter maintained an open posture, and their facial expressions conveyed
enthusiasm about the topic.
● Visual Aids:
○ Well-designed slides were used to illustrate key concepts, such as charts showing
investment growth over time. The visual aids reinforced the verbal message and
made complex ideas easier to grasp.
● Outcome:
○ The presentation was well-received, with high levels of engagement and positive
feedback from both the professor and peers. The message was clear, and the
non-verbal cues added depth to the verbal delivery.

Example 2: Common Pitfalls in Presentations (Failure and Lessons Learned)

Context: A student delivering a group presentation on "Corporate Taxation" to a class.

Key Issues:

● Verbal Communication:

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○ The presenter relied too heavily on reading directly from the slides and notes,
leading to a monotonous tone and lack of audience engagement.
○ Complex jargon was used without explanation, making it difficult for the
audience to understand.
● Non-Verbal Communication:
○ The presenter avoided eye contact and had a closed posture, which conveyed
nervousness and a lack of confidence.
○ Gestures were minimal, and facial expressions did not match the topic’s
seriousness, which detracted from the presentation’s credibility.
● Visual Aids:
○ The slides were overcrowded with text, making them hard to read and follow.
● Outcome:
○ The audience struggled to engage with the content, and the presentation lacked
impact. Feedback pointed out that the speaker's non-verbal cues contradicted the
seriousness of the topic, and the over-reliance on notes made the delivery feel
disjointed.

Lessons Learned:

● Improvement in Verbal Delivery: Practicing without reading directly from slides or

notes improves fluency and makes the presentation feel more natural.
● Non-Verbal Cues: Eye contact, appropriate gestures, and confident body language can
significantly boost audience engagement and credibility.
● Slide Design: Visual aids should be simple, concise, and support the message rather than
overwhelm it.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, verbal and non-verbal communication are both integral to delivering an effective
and engaging presentation. Verbal communication helps convey the main message clearly
through spoken words, while non-verbal communication, such as body language, facial

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expressions, and visual aids, reinforces the message and adds emotional depth. The successful
integration of these two communication types can significantly enhance audience understanding,
retention, and engagement.

Key Points Recap:

● Verbal Communication: The use of tone, pitch, volume, and word choice can greatly
influence the delivery and clarity of the message. Structuring content logically and
utilizing techniques such as storytelling can further strengthen the presentation.
● Non-Verbal Communication: Body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and
appropriate use of space contribute to building trust and maintaining audience interest.
Professional appearance and effective use of visual aids also support the message.
● Integration: Verbal and non-verbal cues must align to avoid contradictions and ensure a
cohesive delivery.
● Challenges: Cultural differences, stage fright, and poor preparation can hinder effective
communication.
● Strategies for Success: Preparation, practice, self-assessment, peer feedback, and
adapting to the audience are essential to refining both verbal and non-verbal
communication.

Recommendations:

1. Practice Consistently: Regular practice, especially in front of a mirror or by recording

presentations, can help build confidence and improve verbal and non-verbal delivery.
2. Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from peers and mentors to identify areas of
improvement and refine presentation techniques.
3. Adapt to the Audience: Pay attention to the audience’s reactions and adjust your
delivery to maintain engagement and clarity.
4. Be Mindful of Non-Verbal Cues: Ensure that your body language, facial expressions,
and gestures are consistent with the message you are conveying.

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5. Improve Visual Aids: Use simple, clear, and relevant visual aids that complement your
verbal message without overwhelming the audience.

By continuously practicing and being mindful of both verbal and non-verbal communication,
students can enhance their presentation skills, ensuring that they communicate their ideas
effectively and confidently in both academic and professional settings.

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References

1. Books
○ Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2019). Business Communication: Process and
Product (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
○ Hamilton, C., & Gifford, M. (2017). Public Speaking for Success (4th ed.).
Pearson Education.
2. Credible Online Sources
○ MindTools. (n.d.). Effective Presentation Skills. Retrieved from
https://www.mindtools.com
○ Harvard Business Review. (2019). The Secret to Giving Great Presentations.
Retrieved from https://hbr.org
○ Toastmasters International. (n.d.). Public Speaking and Communication.
Retrieved from https://www.toastmasters.org

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