Building the Presentation
•
Start with a clear objective
in mind.
•
Know as much about your
audience and their expec
tations as possible.
•
Identify your purpose:
-
to inform, educate, instruct
-
to convince, stimulate,
motivate.
•
Identify the three or four
main points of the presen
tation.
•
Decide what stories or
examples you can use to
illus
trate these points.
•
Develop visuals to support
your points.
•
Avoid data dump. Generally,
you will present the con
cepts, reasons, or bottom
line. Leave the details and
deep scope of information to
documents you hand
out.
•
Create an opening to inform
everyone about your
purpose.
•
Develop a strong summary to
finish with.
Preparation
•
Rehearse until you feel
comfortable with your mes
sage.
-
One run-through for
continuity
-
Additional run-throughs for
content, flow, and familiarity
-
Consider tape recording a
practice run-through.
•
Assemble brief notes and use
them in rehearsing.
-
Keep notes to a minimum.
-
Make sure the print is big
enough to easily read.
-
Number the pages to keep
them organized.
•
Memorize the words you will
be saying during the
first sentence or two.
•
Check your materials and
practice using training aids
in advance.
•
Be prepared and anticipate
questions and answers.
•
Focus on what you want the
attendees to learn and
the benefits they will gain.
•
Know your subject so well
that the only thing you will
be anxious about is how you
will deliver the message.
•
Anticipate potential
problems, and be ready to
resolve
them if they should occur.
Continued