12 Steps for Making a Good Presentation

1. THINK ABOUT YOUR TOPIC

A. Define your presentation idea--what are you trying to do.

B. Relate to the program theme--use logo of the meeting in your title graphic--possibly from

the letterhead of the invitation.

C. Use an intriguing title.

2. PURPOSE

A. What are your objectives (What does the audience get for listening)?

B. Is your presentation important (Vital to listeners)?

C. Present new information.

3. AUDIENCE

A. Analyze--call in advance--visit with before beginning talk.

B. What are their needs?

C. Commonalities?

D. Differences?

E. Size? (Do you have enough handouts?)

F. What presentation strategy do you need for this audience?

4. CONTENT

A. Have an introduction, a body, and a closing.

B. Use some form of notes, but don't read from them.

5. SELECT MEDIA

A. Use a variety--for example, play a short sound bite.

B. Factors to consider:

1. Nature of message

2. Size of audience

3. Presentation environment

4. Equipment available

5. Production support

C. Use media effectively, correctly, be comfortable with it.

6. SCHEDULE EQUIPMENT

A. Advise the host of equipment needs. Call in advance.

B. Ask someone else locally if the host doesn't have what you need.

7. PRODUCE MEDIA

A. Design materials

B. Produce for clarity, simplicity, visibility, and your ability to control the presentation.

C. Keep the quality high--nothing else is acceptable.

8. REHEARSE

A. Practice--in the hotel room if necessary.

B. Handle the materials until you are comfortable with them.

C. Focus on the delivery of content.

D. Simulate the situation.

E. Timing--both the pace and the relation of visuals to the verbal presentation.

9. CHECK

A. Arrive early

B. Check room conditions:

1. Lighting--unscrew the light that floods your screen.

2. Outlets

3. Seating--move a row of seats if the audience is too far or too near.

4. Move projector correct distance from the screen--don't settle for the status quo and

project a two-foot image on an eight-foot screen.

5. Check the equipment to make sure it is operating correctly--make friends with

equipment people.

10. PRESENT

A. Establish rapport by sharing something you have in common with the audience.

B. Enjoy yourself.

C. End on time.

11. REVIEW

A. Mentally evaluate.

B. Was your purpose achieved?

C. Was the audience positive?

D. Was your content organized?

E. Were you proud of your media? Yourself?

12. REVISE

A. Immediately.

B. Note points to remember for the next time.