2. Organize Your Presentation

17.               Before organizing your message, you have to organize yourself.  If you want to increase your stress, internal pressure and anxiety, try “winging” a presentation.

You can organize yourself by having a good outline, generating effective handouts and being comfortable with the environment where you will present.

18.               Preparing a presentation is like building a house.  You need to begin with a good foundation.  The foundation for any presentation should be clearly defined with written objectives. 

These objectives should be achievable in the real world…not the ideal world.

19.               When creating your objectives for a presentation, remember to start with an action word such as: motivate, inspire, clarify, communicate, educate, inform, share, brainstorm, develop, etc.

20.               The most effective presentations are practical.  Most people are not interested in abstract knowledge.  They want practical knowledge and equally practical applications.

21.               It is best to narrow your presentation to three to four major points.  Most people can remember only three or four highlights.  This is not an absolute, but if you focus your energy and time on accomplishing your three or four major points, you have a better chance of concluding your presentation with all objectives completed.

22.                State your three or four major points in a positive, proactive manner.  People are often defensive when problems are presented, while audiences are generally more enthusiastic when they hear about opportunities.

            Examples:

“We can improve customer satisfaction” instead of “We are losing customers”.

“We can increase profits” instead of “We are losing money.”

“We can retain our valuable employees” instead of “We are losing our best employees.”

23.               Complete an outline.  The following outline for a 60-minute presentation provides a quick and simple method of identifying and quantifying a lot of information in a small amount of space and time.  It is a great way to organize your thoughts and focus.

24.                 Equipment check!  Determine the audiovisual aids you will need.  Then check to make sure the equipment is available and working properly.  Don’t sabotage your presentation by using audiovisual equipment that is broken or that you don’t know how to operate properly.

25.                 Make the AV tech your new best friend.  The success of most presentations is greatly enhanced by appropriate audiovisuals.  Meet the AV tech early enough to rehearse your presentation in the actual setting where you will be presenting.

26.              Memorize the beginning of your presentation.  Nervousness is most intense at the beginning of a presentation.  Attack your nerves by having your introduction totally under control.

27.              Wear clothing that makes you feel confident and self-assured.  Pick your favorite shoes, outfit and accessories that you enjoy wearing the most (keeping in mind what is appropriate for your audience.)

28.              Rehearse in front of someone – an associate, spouse or friend.  If no one is available, get your video camera ready and check yourself out.

29.              Take control of the environment before you begin.  Know the space where you are presenting so your comfort level is maximized and unforeseen surprises are avoided.

30.              Here are six tips to take control of the environment:

1.      Move your computer, flip chart, podium, etc. to the exact location you want it . . . your comfort zone.

2.      Mentally rehearse and practice the transition between you and the previous presenter.

3.      Place the projector where you can move around it without walking in front of it.

4.      Do a physical walk-through of the environment where you will be presenting.  Become comfortable with lights, outlets, thermostats and walking space.

5.      Before you talk, stand where you are going to stand, sit where you are going to sit, be where you are going to be.

6.      Check out lighting both in the room and through the windows.  Be sure light does not negatively affect your show.

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