ORAL COMMUNICATION IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY - RESULTS OF A SURVEY ON SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, AND MANAGERIAL PRESENTATIONS

This research project focuses on the nature of oral presentations give n (and produced) by scientific, technical, and managerial professional s working in business and industry. Our findings are survey-based; the y reflect responses to a range of ''issues'' about technical/professio nal presentations, including these: 1) frequency; 2) target audience(s ); 3) objectives; 4) types; 5) lengths; 6) data/information base; 7) u se of visuals; 8) equipment; 9) obstacles; and 10) training. Our resul ts indicate that presentations are frequently used in business, indust ry, and government and involve a wide variety of managerial audiences within organizations. Primary objectives of presenters surveyed are to inform (''sharing information'') and instruct/train.