This literature review aims to investigate the theories behind oral presentations and strategies in dealing with the difficulties during an oral presentation

What are oral presentation skills?
Most researchers avoid defining oral presentations skills, instead they start focusing on the importance of them in academic life and job market. In the field of second language acquisition and EAP, several definitions of oral presentation skills can be found. Most researches consider them as a way of communication. Jane King (2002) claims that oral presentation is an effective
communicative activity. By citing Rajoo (2011), Swadjati (2016) supports his opinion and adds some points about its function such as delivering some thoughts, information, and messages to the audience and sharing some important ideas to the public. Although, there are no exact concepts about academic oral presentations, some researchers highlight its structured features such as planning and organization. It can be considered as the ability to transpose the structure of the written research to an oral performance in a logical and planned way (Levrai and Bolster, 2015) or sharing person’s knowledge in a constructive way both for their audience and themselves with structured planning and organization (Zivkovic, 2014). Contradicting all ideas, Miles (2009) thinks that they are limited in use to presentations only and not transferable to oral communication or conversation. Therefore, he concludes his explanation by claiming that they can be defined as Power point skills since they are not normally used in conversation.
However, Miles (2009) tries to explain what makes oral presentations effective and lists the clarity of speech, correct language and audience appeal as main factors. Oral presentation can be productive when it is presented in a logical and well-structured way and demonstrate understanding of the topic rather than linguistic concerns (Alexander et al., 2008, as cited in Levrai and Bolster, 2015). Shivers and Shoolbred (2007) lists the characteristics of effective oral presentaions: careful planning and preparation, good time management, relevant and interesting content, clear structure, good communication skills, appropriate use of technologies, clear supporting documentation, suitable audience participation (p.67).
Among the researchers, only Levrai and Bolster (2015) state the features that make oral presentations academic. As they contribute or promote further discussion (Zappa Hollman, 2007, as cited in Levrai and Bolster, 2015), academic oral presentations are described as clear articulation of concepts based on and citing sources or research evidence and lead the audience to logical and solid conclusions, while Lazaraton (2014) highlights academic presentations’ descriptive, persuasive and timing features (p.118).