From ‘Um’ to ‘Wow’: Transforming Student Presentations

Kimmy Nguyen
2 days ago
3 min read

Written by Sarah Abdulameer, PharmD^;Prit Gor B.S., PharmD^;Kris Denzel Tupas, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP

Introduction

Research and projects are essential not only for a student pharmacist’s education but also for the advancement of the healthcare field. To communicate ideas, methods, protocols, and results effectively, students must develop strong presentation skills.

Pharmacy school offers many opportunities to practice. From the first year of pharmacy (P1) through the fourth year of pharmacy (P4), students deliver journal clubs, topic discussions, patient case presentations, poster presentations, and more. Beyond the classroom, there are opportunities for students to give presentations during internships, work, or get involved in professional organizations. Each of these experiences helps sharpen communication skills and can open doors to future employment and career opportunities.

Both slide design and verbal communication are central to creating an effective presentation.

“One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I had was delivering a one-hour continuing education (CE) presentation to an audience of pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. Volunteering for this opportunity took courage, but it became a moment of growth, learning, and confidence-building.

I reached out to my mentor early, and together we set clear deadlines and a plan. I began working in March, submitted the final draft in August, and presented in September. Starting early was a game-changer—it gave me time to revise, rehearse, and polish my delivery.

I practiced alone, with family, classmates, my mentor, and other faculty members. I also recorded myself and sent the video to faculty for feedback. Despite the preparation, I was nervous when I picked up the mic. But after a few deep breaths and a confident introduction, the presentation flowed better than I expected.

By the end, I felt proud and empowered. I realized I would not only do it again—I would welcome the opportunity. That moment confirmed how impactful strong presentation skills can be.”

- Sarah Abdulameer

Given the importance of presentation skills and effective communication in the field of pharmacy, slide design plays a key role in delivering clear, engaging presentations.

Slide Layout and Design

When designing slides, keep them clear and simple. Choose lighter backgrounds with darker text for readability and avoid combinations that make words difficult to see. Use consistent colors, fonts, and layouts throughout.

Avoid too many animations or distracting transitions.
Choose colorblind-friendly palettes to ensure accessibility for all audiences.
Use tables, graphs, or images to explain data and mechanisms.
Favor bullet points or SmartArt instead of long paragraphs.

Following these slide design practices helps create presentations that are visually appealing, easy to read, and easier for audiences to understand.

Key Principles of Effective Slide Design

Slide design is important, but verbal delivery is just as important. Let us now delve into the significance of scripting and verbal communication.

Verbal Communication

Strong delivery is just as important as well-designed slides. To improve verbal communication:

Script Development
- Use slide bullet points as the framework for your script.
- Avoid reading directly from slides.
- Explain data in graphs and tables rather than showing them without context.
- Use transitions when moving between topics.
- Limit each slide to one main idea.
Practice
- Rehearse at least three times alone.
- Rehearse three times with different people (family, classmates, mentors).
- Gather feedback from multiple perspectives.
Delivery Style
- Speak with confidence and enthusiasm.
- Ask questions to engage your audience.
- Be comfortable saying, “I do not know,” to avoid misinformation—this demonstrates professionalism and honesty.
- Maintain open posture, avoid fidgeting, and make eye contact.
- Watch your pace, use pauses, and time yourself.

A helpful tool for delivery is the SCORE model:

The “SCORE” Model for Verbal Communication(1) (click to enlarge)

Conclusion

By combining effective verbal communication with thoughtful slide design, student pharmacists can elevate their presentation skills, paving the way for professional growth and new opportunities in their careers.

Overall, presentation skills are a crucial aspect of student pharmacists’ skill sets and professional development. By considering verbal communication and slide design, an effective presentation can open doors to career opportunities and future success. Consistent practice and constructive feedback are essential for strengthening presentation skills, fostering professional growth, and enhancing patient care.

1. Ideas on Stage. The Business Presentation Revolution Programme. Ideas on Stage; n.d. Accessed March 15, 2024. https://www.ideasonstage.com/guides/bpr-programme.pdf.