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Presentation Definition: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of contents, unraveling the presentation definition.

Presentation – a word frequently used in English, Spanish, Latin, French, and Arabic contexts, but what does it exactly mean? In this article, we delve into the definition of presentation , exploring its various facets and applications in different fields.

The Essence of Presentation: A Definition

What is a presentation.

A presentation is the act of presenting information or ideas to a group of people in a structured and deliberate manner, often with the aid of visual aids like PowerPoint, Keynote, or multimedia tools.

Presentations are a ubiquitous part of the professional, educational, and social landscape. The act of presenting, essentially communicating information and ideas to a group of people, has evolved significantly over time. This article explores the definition of a presentation, its various formats, the skills required to make it effective, and the nuances of a great presentation, all while weaving in an eclectic mix of keywords.

Historical Roots: From Latin to Modern Day

The Evolution from ‘Praesentātiō’ to ‘Presentation’

In its essence, a presentation is the act of presenting or displaying information or ideas to an audience. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the action or process of presenting something to someone.” In Latin, the term stems from ‘praesentātiō’, denoting the action of placing before or showing. This definition has broadened in modern English to encompass various methods of showcasing information, whether it’s a business pitch, an academic lecture, or introducing a new product.

The term has its origins in Latin (‘praesentātiō’), evolving through various languages like French and British English, symbolizing the act of presenting, displaying, or giving something to others.

Types and Formats of Presentations

Diverse Formats for Different Needs

Presentations can vary in formats – from formal PowerPoint presentations to informal Prez (an informal abbreviation of presentation) discussions, each tailored to suit specific requirements.

Enhancing Presentation Skills: A Guide

Mastering the Art of Presentation

Presentations come in various formats, from the traditional speech to more contemporary multimedia showcases. PowerPoint, a widely used tool, allows the integration of text, images, and graphs to create visually appealing slides. Similarly, Apple’s Keynote offers tools for creating impactful multimedia presentations. The inclusion of visual aids, like graphs and charts, enhances comprehension and retention. For those interested in learning Spanish, Arabic, or French, incorporating these languages in presentations can broaden audience reach.

Effective presentation skills involve a blend of clear communication, eye contact , engaging visual aids , and a confident delivery. These skills are crucial in both business and educational settings.

Presentation in the Digital Age: Multimedia and Keynote

Embracing Technology for Impactful Presentations

In the era of digital communication, tools like multimedia presentations and Apple’s Keynote software have become indispensable for creating dynamic and interactive presentations.

The Art of Visual Aids: Graphs and More

Using Graphs and Visuals Effectively

Effective presentations often include graphs and other visual aids to convey complex information in an easily digestible format, enhancing the audience’s understanding.

Presentation in Different Languages

A Multilingual Perspective

The concept of presentation transcends languages, from English to Arabic , each offering unique nuances in the art of presenting.

Presentation in Literature and Culture

Presentation Copy and Beyond

The term also appears in literary contexts, such as a “presentation copy” of a book, and in cultural scenarios like a “breech presentation” in childbirth, where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet first.

Effective Presentation: Tips and Techniques

Crafting an Impactful Presentation

An effective presentation is more than just delivering facts; it involves engaging storytelling, structured key points , and the ability to connect with the audience.

To deliver an effective presentation, certain skills are paramount. English, being a global lingua franca, is often the preferred language for presentations. However, the ability to present in multiple languages, like Spanish or French, can be a significant advantage.

Eye contact is a crucial skill, establishing a connection with the audience and making the presentation more engaging. Additionally, the ability to read the room and adjust the presentation accordingly is vital.

Incorporating Quizzes and Group Activities

Interactive elements like quizzes can transform a presentation from a monologue into a dynamic group activity. They encourage participation and can be especially effective in educational settings. Quizzes can also be used in business presentations to gauge audience understanding or to introduce a new product.

Presentation in Educational Contexts

Learning Through Presentations

In educational settings, presentations are used as a tool for teaching and assessment, often involving quizzes and interactive sessions to enhance learning.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Exploring Synonyms and the Thesaurus

The thesaurus offers a range of synonyms for ‘presentation,’ such as exhibition, demonstration, and display, each with slightly different connotations.

The Thesaurus and Vocabulary Expansion

Utilizing a thesaurus can enrich presentation language, offering synonyms and example sentences to clarify points. The ‘word of the day’ concept, often found in English learning resources, can be an interesting addition to presentations, especially in multilingual contexts.

Historical and Specialized Types of Presentations

The term ‘presentation’ also has specialized meanings. In historical contexts, a ‘presentation copy’ refers to a book or manuscript gifted by the author. In obstetrics, ‘breech presentation’ denotes a situation where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet or buttocks first. Understanding these specialized definitions enriches the overall grasp of the term.

Presentation in Business: Introducing a New Product

The Role of Presentation in Business

In business contexts, presentations are crucial for scenarios like introducing a new product , persuading investors, or communicating with stakeholders.

Word of the Day: Presentation

Expanding Vocabulary with ‘Presentation’

In language learning, ‘presentation’ can be a word of the day , helping learners understand its usage through example sentences and pronunciation (notated as /ˌprez.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/ in English).

Key Points and Summarization

An effective presentation distills complex information into key points, making it easier for the audience to remember the most important takeaways. Summarization skills are critical in achieving this clarity.

Cultural Influences and Adaptations

The concept of presentations varies across cultures. In Arabic-speaking countries, the style of presentation might differ significantly from that in English-speaking contexts. The benefice of understanding cultural nuances cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of a presentation.

The Role of Technology

Technology, particularly multimedia, plays a pivotal role in modern presentations. From PowerPoint slides to advanced software like Keynote, the use of technology has revolutionized the way information is presented. The integration of videos, sound, and interactive elements makes presentations more engaging and memorable.

Eye Contact and Body Language

In delivering a presentation, non-verbal cues like eye contact and body language are as important as the spoken content. Maintaining eye contact with the audience establishes a connection and keeps them engaged. Similarly, confident body language can convey authority and enthusiasm.

The Art of Storytelling

A great presentation often resembles storytelling. It’s not just about relaying facts; it’s about weaving a narrative that resonates with the audience. This involves understanding the audience’s needs and interests and tailoring the content accordingly.

Innovation and New Products

Presentations are often the first introduction of a new product to the market. The effectiveness of these presentations can make or break the product’s success. Highlighting the unique features and benefits in a clear, compelling manner is crucial.

The Power of Presentation

Presentations are a powerful tool for communication and education. Whether in a formal business setting or an informal educational environment, mastering the art of presentation can lead to more effective and impactful communication.

1. Oxford English Dictionary

2. Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

3. Apple Keynote User Guide

4. Presentation Techniques in Educational Literature

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## Frequently Asked Questions About Presentations

### What is in a presentation?

A presentation typically includes a combination of spoken words and visual aids such as PowerPoint slides, graphs, or multimedia elements. It’s an organized way to convey information or ideas to a group of people.

### What is meant by giving a presentation?

Giving a presentation refers to the act of presenting information or ideas to an audience. This act, known in various languages including English, Spanish, and French as ‘presentation’ (or ‘praesentātiō’ in Latin), involves communication skills, visual aids, and sometimes interactive elements like quizzes.

### What makes a good presentation?

A good presentation effectively communicates key points, engages the audience through eye contact and clear speech (often practiced as a ‘word of the day’ in English classes), uses visual aids like graphs, and is well-structured. Effective presentation skills are crucial for this.

### What are the types of presentation?

There are various types of presentations, including formal business presentations (often using PowerPoint or Keynote), educational lectures, sales pitches for a new product, and informal talks. Each type uses different formats and approaches.

### What are the 4 parts of a presentation?

The four main parts of a presentation are the introduction, the main body, the conclusion, and the Q&A session. Each part plays a vital role in delivering an effective presentation.

### What are the three things that a good presentation should do?

A good presentation should inform, engage, and persuade or inspire the audience. It’s about more than just delivering facts; it’s an act of communication that can change perspectives or encourage action.

### How is a presentation linked with multimedia?

Presentations often use multimedia elements like videos, audio clips, and animated graphs to enhance the viewer’s understanding and engagement. Multimedia tools like PowerPoint and Keynote are widely used in creating dynamic presentations.

### How long should a presentation be?

The length of a presentation can vary, but it’s typically between 15 to 30 minutes. The duration depends on the context and the amount of information to be covered. It’s important to keep presentations concise to maintain the audience’s attention.

These answers incorporate various aspects of presentations, including their definition, formats, and the skills required, in multiple languages and contexts, as seen in resources like Oxford dictionaries and thesaurus.

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Information

Us english pronunciations, key to pronunciation.

Pronunciation Model

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence petal /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but petally /ˈpɛdl̩.i// .

Other symbols

The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that the syllable is pronounced with primary stress. The symbol ˌ indicates secondary stress. Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within is optional.

The principles underpinning the OED ’s U.S. English pronunciations are those of Professor William Kretzschmar, co-editor of  The Oxford Dictionary of Pronunciation for Current English  (Upton, Kretzschmar & Konopka 2001, hereafter  CDP ), who also directly consulted on many  OED  entries.  CDP  and its descendant, the  Routledge Dictionary of Pronunciation for Current English  (Upton & Kretzschmar 2017, hereafter  RDP ) continue to be key sources for U.S. English, along with American sources such as Merriam-Webster, and the U.S. pronunciations in the pronouncing dictionaries of Wells (2008) and Jones  et al . (2011). As with most  OED  pronunciation models, consideration is also given to the  Varieties of English  descriptions of relevant phonologies, in this case primarily the description of ‘Standard American English’ (Kretzschmar 2008), which sets the context of colonial settlement, expansion and urbanization spreading west, and the effect of demographic shifts in the 20 th  century.

A generally agreed standard for spoken U.S. English does not exist in quite the same way as ‘Received Pronunciation’ does for British English. Kretzschmar views ‘General American’ as an erroneous term, with educationally-determined standards of pronunciation varying considerably between different regions of the USA. However, he considers the trend among ‘younger educated speakers’ towards the suppression of strongly region-marked features in more formal contexts, and this is the focus of the U.S. model in  RDP  and similarly  OED . It is beyond our scope to explore the full range of regional U.S. accents and what is included or excluded in relation to each, but several key features are detailed below. ‘[Standard American English] can best be characterized as what is left over after speakers suppress the regional and social features that have risen to salience and become noticeable’ (Kretzschmar 2008, p.43). Salience in this respect is subjective and variable, resulting in ‘a linguistic continuum for American English in which no region or social group has pride of place’ (though a key exception is noted regarding Southern American English).

Subtle developments to the evolving  OED  U.S. English model build on Kretzschmar’s CDP / RDP  approach, influenced both by the specific lexicographical demands and remit of the  OED , and the nature of the natural language evidence that editors can now access, particularly in relation to many of the exceptionally low-frequency or more specialist terms. For example, the  CDP / RDP  difference between the vowels of north and force ( /nɔrθ/ , /fɔ(ə)rs/ ) are being merged to /ɔr/ in  OED , given the evident variability. (Some entries may legitimately have a weakly diphthongized vowel, but the contrasts are not deemed sufficiently salient or reliable to warrant inclusion).

Only the ‘unmarked’ pronunciation of Kretzschmar’s 2008 description is included for lot and palm words, although the patterning and stability of low back vowels is notoriously variable. Following  CDP ’s treatment, these historical /ɑ/ sets have only /ɑ/ , whereas the historical /ɔ/ sets ( cloth , thought ) are given both.  OED ’s general pattern of listing /ɔ/ before /ɑ/ variants is for lexicographical consistency and – like all variant pronunciation listings in  OED  – the order should not be interpreted as a reflection of frequency or popularity.

Although some U.S. English speakers will distinguish between them, words such as  marry ,  merry  and  Mary  are shown in their homophonous form /ˈmɛri/ , the former shown as the carry set in the table above.

The strut vowel is typically not as open as its British English counterpart, nor does it share its slightly dropped back quality, leading to  CDP / RDP ’s use of /ə/ . As a stressed vowel, this includes a range of qualities including those more similar to British English /ʌ/ , but highlights the general quality difference. Kretzschmar (2008 p.46) mentions the variety of postvocalic /r/ ‘ranging from fully constricted [r] to different levels of constriction (so-called “ r -colouring) to compensatory lengthening of the vowel to vocalization of the  r  to create a diphthong’, but resolves for nurse words the unmarked quality of a stressed rhotic schwa; /ər/ in  OED .

Vowel length (as shown in, e.g., British English fleece ) is considered environmentally conditioned and not marked. Potential diphthongal glide weakening in price and choice words is not indicated, but in  OED  as in  RDP  the loss of schwa glide in near and square words is shown in a slightly different pattern versus the 2008 description (which only discussed endings creating intervocalic /r/ ), such that near and square words are shown only with the glide when the vowel falls in the final syllable of the entry (hence /ˈskwɛrˌdæns/ and /ˈskwɛrɪŋ/ but /ˌəʊvərˈskwɛ(ə)r/ ). An equivalent approach is taken with the cure set.

Historical [o] in words such as  hoarse , still retained by some speakers, is commonly not distinguished from  horse  [ɔ] and so both are represented by /ɔ/ .

Weak vowels, e.g., the final vowels in words such as added and beautiful, are typically not as high as in British English. Weak vowels in words such as added tend towards schwa except where the most recent preceding vowel ended high and front ( /i, ɪ, eɪ, aɪ, ɔɪ/ ), in which case /ɪ/ might be found, or more often a quality on the ɪ-ə continuum represented with /ᵻ/ . The occurrence of /ᵿ/ in British English for a vowel on the ʊ-ə continuum is less commonly used in U.S. English. The first vowel in words such as beside are given extremes of /ə/ and /i/ , but an intermediate quality close to /ɪ/ is a feasible unshown variant.

Two nasalized vowels are recognized, /æ̃/ in words such as gratin and /ɑ̃/ in salon .

As in  CDP / RDP,   OED  demonstrates the rhoticity of U.S. English with ‘r’ following a vowel rather than with the International Phonetic Alphabet’s rhoticity diacritic (e.g., showing rhotic schwa/diphthongal glide as /ɚ/ ). Words such as  hammer  and  pair  are therefore /ˈhæmər/ and /pɛ(ə)r/ rather than /ˈhæmɚ/ and /pɛɚ/ . This ‘plus-r’ sequence approach simplifies the range of symbols users are required to understand as well as making broader equivalences between different instances of r-colouring and enabling r-colouring and syllabic /r/ possibilities to be combined. /r/ covers a wide range of qualities including trilled, tapped, bunched and alveolar articulations.

Intervocalic (between-vowel) /t/ is usually tapped (or ‘flapped’) and often with voicing, explained by Kretzschmar (2008) as resulting in the same forms for  latter  and  ladder  (note also that for many U.S. English speakers /d/ can also be tapped). Both are transcribed in  CDP  as /ˈlædər/ . Prevocalic voicing of /t/ is also noted by Kretzschmar in -kt-, -pt-, and -ft- sequences, but these are not routinely shown in  OED .

Post-initial /j/ in cure is shown unbracketed, but /j/ is bracketed in words such as  news  where it often does not occur.

Consonant clusters may also be simplified to a greater extent than in British English, including in contexts such as  fact  ( /fæk(t)/ ), and is consistently shown in /nt/ when between vowels with no intervening stress marker (e.g. in  hunter  /ˈhən(t)ər/ but not in  centile  ( /ˈsɛnˌtaɪl/ ).

The stronger preservation of secondary stress compared with British English results in most syllables with full vowels having at least a secondary stress mark. There is also a general pattern for words with several weak vowels in British English having at least one of those as a strong vowel (e.g.  contributory  U.S. /kənˈtrɪbjəˌtɔri/ versus British English /kənˈtrɪbjʊt(ə)ri/ , /ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːt(ə)ri/ ). British and U.S. Englishes are also known for differences in preferred stress placement, with U.S. English often showing preference for primary stress at the beginning of words.

Jones, D. 2011. Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary. 18th edn. Edited by P. Roach, J. Setter, & J. Esling. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Kretzschmar, W. 2008. Standard American English Pronunciation . In: E.W. Schneider, ed. Varieties of English 2: the Americas and the Caribbean. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter, pp.37-51.

Merriam-Webster. 2020. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary [Online Resource]. Accessed 17/06/20 at https://www.merriam-webster.com/

Upton, C. & Kretzschmar, W. 2017. The Routledge Dictionary of Pronunciation for Current English. Abingdon: Routledge.

Upton, C., Kretzschmar, W. & Konopka, R. 2001. Oxford Dictionary of Pronunciation for Current English. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Wells, J. C. 2008. Longman Pronouncing Dictionary. 3rd edn. Harlow: Pearson Education.

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• Andrew J. W. Laird
• https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.013.6034
• Published online: 07 March 2016

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The Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins (2 ed.)  

Edited by: julia cresswell.

"A treasure (from the Greek ‘thesauros’, treasure, store or storehouse) trove (past participle of an Anglo-Norman verb meaning ‘to find’) of verbal wonders" – William Hartston, Daily Express

Combining both accessibility and authority, The Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins describes the origins and development of over 3,000 words and phrases in the English language. The book draws on Oxford's unrivalled dictionary research programme and language monitoring, and relates the fascinating stories behind many of our most curious terms and expressions in order to offer the reader a much more explicit account than can be found in a general English dictionary.

Organized A-Z, the entries include first known use along with examples that illustrate the many faces of the particular word or phrase, from ‘handsome’ to ‘bachelor’ and ‘cute’ to ‘baby’, from ‘pagan’ to ‘palaver’ and ‘toff’ to ‘torpedo’. Also featured are almost 20 special entries that cover expressions common in English but drawn from other languages, such as ‘coffee’, ‘sugar’, and ‘candy’ from Arabic or ‘booze’, ‘brandy’, and ‘gin’ (Dutch).

This absorbing volume is useful for language students and enthusiasts, but also an intriguing read for any person interested in the development of the English language and of language development in general. Includes an extended introduction on the history of the English language.

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Definition of representation noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

representation

• the negative representation of single mothers in the media
• The snake swallowing its tail is a representation of infinity.
• The film offers a realistic representation of life in rural Spain.
• There are many ways of generating a two-dimensional representation of an object.
• a book showing graphic representations of the periodic table
• a realistic cinematic representation of the Depression
• artistic representations of the parent/​child relationship
• contemporary media representations of youth
• the written representation of a spoken text
• a form of representation
• a means of representation

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

• The green movement lacks effective representation in Parliament.
• The accused was not allowed legal representation.
• workers that seek union representation
• shareholder representation on the boards of directors
• representation from all parties
• representation for employees
• representation by a lawyer
• direct representation in Parliament
• Whether guilty or innocent, we are still entitled to legal representation.
• They had a strong representation in government.
• The task force had broad representation with members drawn from different departments.
• The party has increased its representation in Parliament.
• Textile workers wanted collective representation.
• He claims that their electoral system ensures fair representation of all parties.
• be entitled to
• representation by
• representation for
• representation from
• a system of representation
• We have made representations to the prime minister, but without success.
• representation to

Other results

Nearby words.

Oxford English Dictionary

Jul 17, 2014

231 likes | 873 Views

Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford dictionary of English language is one of the most famous academic dictionaries of English language edited by the publishing house “Oxford University Press”.

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• oxford english dictionary
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Presentation Transcript

Oxford dictionary of English language is one of the most famous academic dictionaries of English language edited by the publishing house “Oxford University Press”.

The dictionary was created by London philology society in 1857 year. The plan was formulated in 1859 year. James Marry has been the editor.

The 1st of February in 1884. The dictionary was published for the 1st time named “New English dictionary on Historical Principles”.The publication consisted of : 10 volumes, and published up to 1928.

In 1933 the dictionary was reedited and consisted of 12 volumes.In 1989 the 2nd publication began in 20 volumes.

Oxford dictionary contains all the words with detailed, information. Then you can find the change of the meanings, spelling, pronunciation, usage in different historical periods.Oxford dictionary:500 000 words2 000 000 quotations

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