One Great Presentation

Every Presentation Is an Opportunity 

Fundamental Knowledge

• Know your goal.

  Every presentation has a purpose, often to cause some change. Thus, build a presentation that takes people to that goal. Similarly, avoid including other goals. For example, at a social event, your goal is to commend and inspire instead of to complain. In a sales presentation, your goal is to close a sale based on benefits, instead of brag about features. At a technical meeting, your goal is to gain a decision (e.g., for continued funding) instead of show off.

• Know who will attend.

  The people in your audience determine what you say and how you say it. Interview key participants to learn: What do they already know? What are their expectations? What are their hopes and fears? What do they need to know so they can make a decision after your presentation? What have others told them? What questions might they have for you?

• Know what to say.

  Write out your presentation, or at least draft an outline. Memorize key parts of your presentation, including the opening and the conclusion. Contact key participants for suggestions and background information to help plan appropriate remarks. A prepared presentation always makes a better impression on the audience. And yes, they can tell the difference.

• Know what to do.

  Rehearse your presentation before friends, colleagues, or a coach. Use a clock to make sure your presentation fits in the allotted time. Check the room and any supporting equipment before the presentation. Practice the entire presentation in the meeting room to become familiar with the surroundings. Plan shorter and longer versions of your presentation in case the schedule changes.

• Know that you can.

  Imagine yourself speaking eloquently to a room full of receptive listeners. Know that your audience supports you. Know that everyone wants you to do well. Work through the first four tips so that you can speak with the confidence that comes from knowing you are prepared.

Some People Deserve to Be Afraid 

Fear of Speaking

1. Expect Magic

   Show up believing that a logical, coherent, interesting presentation will appear once you start talking. Avoid any preparation. Just let the words flow.

   Result: They feel insulted that you're wasting their time.

   What to do: Prepare.

   Identify the goal for your talk. Design a presentation that achieves that goal. Talk with key members of the audience about their expectations. Rehearse.

2. Memorize It

   Write a script. Commit every word to memory. Then worry about forgetting a word.

   Result: You sound like a robot. And if you forget a word, the whole thing can fall apart. I've seen this happen, and it's painful.

   What to do: First, write an outline. Then practice without looking at the outline until you sound conversational.

3. Ignore Them

   Start by talking about yourself, then tell more about yourself, and close with telling about yourself.

   Result: The audience waits politely for you to finish.

   What to do: Talk about them. Make them the center and the stars in your presentation. Show that you care about them.