How to Make an Effective Presentation

Research and Presentation

Planning in Advance — Research, Analysis, Options

� What is the purpose of the presentation?

� What are the results that you want to achieve?

� Who is your audience? How much time will they have to listen to you?

� What will be the environment of the presentation?

� What is the most appropriate means to convey your message?

Understanding the purpose of your presentation is one part of determining how you should put your presentation together.

Who is your audience and what will the environment be for your

presentation?� How many people will

be in the audience?

� How much time will you have to make your presentation?

� How large will your graphics need to be in order for the people to be able to see them?

� Will the room have a wall to place your graphic materials, or a screen to use for a slide or viewgraph presentation?

What is the most effective means to convey your message?

Physical presence

You should make an effort to make them feel comfortable with you.

Your appearance, your gestures, the body language sends an immediate message.

First impressions tend to set the stage for the acceptance of your message.

Organization of your presentation

The outline will enable you to create a logical order for your presentation.

Organize your presentation by Organize your presentation by creating an outline.creating an outline.

Introduction

� A statement of the purpose of your presentation. (What you are going to tell them.)

� A description of how you will be making your presentation. (The organization of your presentation.)

� A brief statement of the message you are trying to convey.

Passing out material before and during your presentation should be cautioned as it can be very distracting.

Body of your Presentation

The most important idea should be presented first and all others should be used to support the main idea.

It is here where your ideas, concepts, recommendations are described.

Graphic materials are extremely helpful in conveying your message and should be used where appropriate.

If you use graphics, make sure that they are:

— BIG

— BOLD

— BEAUTIFUL

Summary and Closing

� A short statement summarizing your message and making your message clear.

� A short statement going back to the purpose of your presentation and identifying what you are requesting or expecting your audience to do.

Prepare and Rehearse

Preparation is much more than half the battle in making a winning

presentation.