Accessibility Guide: Presentation Skills

The goal of presenting any information is understanding from your audience. To this end, it is important that participants see, hear or feel the information being presented.

Many of these recommendations equally benefit non-disabled participants in addition to those with disabilities.

Don’t assume people can hear

Keep hands away from your mouth
Talk only when facing the audience (not to the board on the wall you are writing on)
Use microphone or amplifier when available; people don’t always want to identify that they can’t hear
Stand in the light so you can be seen

Don’t assume people can see

Explain graphics or props: Alhough some presenters would disagree, it is recommended that you read all of your graphics and explain images or props. (This includes reading the text of your PowerPoint presentations.)
Provide handouts ahead of time
Pass around props if you’re able, instead of just holding them up to see.
Have people identify themselves before speaking

Working with interpreters:

Don’t stand in front of the interpreter
Allow time for interpretation by not talking over each other (if a panel discussion)
For more information, see Accessibility Guide Interpreters

General Rules:

Ask the participants to wait until acknowledged before speaking to ensure that only one person speaks at a time
Repeat all questions, comments and answers

For More Information:

Etiquette

Interpreters

Power Point

If you have suggestions for improving this website or have difficulty accessing any of its content, please contact: Webmaster.BRS@Maine.gov