Would you put an overview slide e.g. that says...

Backgorund Research
Method
Results
Implications

at the beginnning of a presentation - that's a seminar presentation to 'important' people? - I feel a bit silly saying "this is what I'm going to talk about" rather than just talking about it.

No, I think I'd just get on and talk about it.

Other than an initial title slide I wouldn't bother with an overview and if you feel silly saying "this is what I'm going to talk about" then you should bother with it.

Thank you - I've not included it. I don't think I will have to present anyway, but the bloke who might be presenting his own presentation might not be able to because of civil service and purdah?? - cos we haven't got a government yet, so I was told "a backup is always useful" :-s

um....I always include a slide like this.  We've always been told (and I agree) that the best way to do a presentation is firstly, tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you've told them. So basically a slide to say briefly here's what I'm going to be talking about, here's all the stuff, and then a final slide to summarise everything. I prefer hearing these slides in a talk too, because then you know the structure of the talk and it's easier to focus on what the presenter is saying then.
Sorry if I've made it awkward!

When you put it that way it does make sense....

should be grand so then sneaks! good luck in case you do have to do it tomorrow! :)

I've put a sort of overview slide at the beginning of the presentation I'm doing this week, just so they know where I'm coming from.