Top Ten Keys to Delivering Exceptional Presentations Every Time
In a time when we are called upon to make a presentation, here are some key elements to a really great one. Avoid the jitters by doing it right the first time.
1. Start preparing early. Begin at least a month before you are to give the presentation.
2. Jot down rough ideas for presentation as they occur to you. Keep a pen and note-book handy so you don't forget any good ideas that come to you. I even keep a pen and notebook on my bed stand. Some of the best ideas I've had have been during the time when I am just dozing off - and my mind is wandering free - full of creative ideas.
3. Write down an outline. List what you want to cover. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just get the essential concepts down on paper. You can revise and expand on the outline as you go.
4. Make a list of things you will need. Props, audio visuals, handouts, equipment and other things you will need for a really great job. Keep this list handy so you can add to it as ideas come.
5. Pick out five or six humorous stories or anecdotes. You can insert these in your presentation. All audiences love humor. Whether you are giving an annual update to a group of shareholders or participating in a weekly meeting - a little levity or wit will warm your audience to you like nothing else.
6. Write out a script. The script is the next step using the outline you created and the ideas you have been jotting down. Don't worry that your script is not perfect. You can change it as you go along - and you are not going to use it in your final presentation. It is only a tool you will use to commit the presentation to memory.
7. Read the script silently at least 10 times. Read it to yourself, with feeling. Imagine yourself giving the speech.
8. Read it out loud ten more times.
9. Now try to give the presentation without looking at your script. If you get hung up, glance down and continue, then go from memory again.
10. Develop a presentation map and rehearse the presentation. A presentation map is merely a graphic representation of your presentation. Just draw any kind of picture or diagram which covers your presentation. Now, using the presentation map, rehearse the presentation as many times as it takes to get it down pat.
1. Start preparing early. Begin at least a month before you are to give the presentation.
2. Jot down rough ideas for presentation as they occur to you. Keep a pen and note-book handy so you don't forget any good ideas that come to you. I even keep a pen and notebook on my bed stand. Some of the best ideas I've had have been during the time when I am just dozing off - and my mind is wandering free - full of creative ideas.
3. Write down an outline. List what you want to cover. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just get the essential concepts down on paper. You can revise and expand on the outline as you go.
4. Make a list of things you will need. Props, audio visuals, handouts, equipment and other things you will need for a really great job. Keep this list handy so you can add to it as ideas come.
5. Pick out five or six humorous stories or anecdotes. You can insert these in your presentation. All audiences love humor. Whether you are giving an annual update to a group of shareholders or participating in a weekly meeting - a little levity or wit will warm your audience to you like nothing else.
6. Write out a script. The script is the next step using the outline you created and the ideas you have been jotting down. Don't worry that your script is not perfect. You can change it as you go along - and you are not going to use it in your final presentation. It is only a tool you will use to commit the presentation to memory.
7. Read the script silently at least 10 times. Read it to yourself, with feeling. Imagine yourself giving the speech.
8. Read it out loud ten more times.
9. Now try to give the presentation without looking at your script. If you get hung up, glance down and continue, then go from memory again.
10. Develop a presentation map and rehearse the presentation. A presentation map is merely a graphic representation of your presentation. Just draw any kind of picture or diagram which covers your presentation. Now, using the presentation map, rehearse the presentation as many times as it takes to get it down pat.
Labels: Presentations
posted by BNINorthWest at
7:35 PM
2 Comments:
These are such good hints! Thanks, Peggy
Peggy,
Larry has done a really good job of putting some very useful information in the Leadership Team Blog. You should mention the topics in your newsletter blog! OR just send out a separate email and tell our members what they can find on our Leadership Blog! As Larry would say, "Advertise, advertise, advertise!" We need to advertise that this information is available to our members and how to obtain it!
You guys are doing a fabulous job! Keep up the great work!
Michelle
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