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Making Effective Presentation Reference Material

Planning of the Presentation
Formulate Your Objectives: The starting point in planning any presentation is to formulate a precise
objective. This should take the form of a simple, concise statement of intent. Focus is the key. If you do
not focus upon your objective, it is unlikely that the audience will.
Identify the Audience: The next task is to consider the audience to determine how best to achieve your
objectives in the context of these people. Essentially this is done by identifying. Their aims and objectives
while attending your presentation.
Structure: All presentations should have a definite structure or format; a talk without a structure is a
woolly mess. If you do not order your thoughts into a structured manner, the audience will not be able to
follow them.
Sequential Argument: One of the simplest structures is that of sequential argument which consists of a
series of linked statements ultimately leading to a conclusion. However, this simplicity can only be
achieved by careful and deliberate delineation between each section.

Preparing the Presentation
Beginning
a. Tell them what you are going to tell them
b. Getting attention
c. Statement of topic
d. Building rapport
e. Audience needs
Middle Tell them"
a. Points to be made
b. Support material, examples, references, visual aids
c. Possible audience objections/queries
End "Tell them what youve told them"
a. Reiterate the theme
b. Summary of points

Effective Delivery
Whatever you say and whatever you show; it is you, yourself which will remain the focus of the
audience's attention. With taking certain cautions and paying a little attention to some specific areas, you
can achieve a charismatic effectiveness in your delivery


Body Language
Do not stand in front of the screen
when the projector is on
Smile
Dress for success
Knees unlocked, head up and
shoulders released down
Make eye contact
Breathe and relax
Do not lock your arms
Do not stand still Move
Connect with an audience
Close positively

Appearance --The 'must' rules
Look at the whole picture and check
every element of your appearance
Starting at your head and ending at
your feet
Hair Style
Make Up
The outfit




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Six Essential Rules for Presentation
Use Visual Aids where you can
Use large , bold letters for headlines
Not more than 2 different types of fonts in the presentation
Arial, Times New Roman are preferable
Charts, Graphs, pictures, etc to be used
Transition effects: Blinds, Boxes, Checkerboards, Dissolves & Wipes

Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse
If you fail to prepare, you are prepared to fail
Rehearse against the clock
Plan to rehearse your presentation loud at least 4 times
Memorize your script
Video or tape record yourself and listen/watch

Dos and Donts
If you have handouts, do not read straight from them
Do not put both hands in your pockets for long periods of time
Speak to the audienceNOT to the visual aids
Speak clearly and loudly enough for all to hear
Learn the name of each participant as quickly as possible
Circulate around the room as you speak
List and discuss your objectives at the beginning of the presentation
Get to the presentation before your audience arrives; be the last one to leave
Presentation Planning Checklist
Pre Presentation Check
Check the audience seating arrangement. If it is unacceptable to you, modify it to suit your needs
Check the podium or stage. Decide how you are going to arrange your workspace to make your talk
run smoothly
Visualize yourself speaking & make sure you know all your participants name
If you plan to use the chalkboard at any point, make sure chalk and erasers are available


Checklist before Delivering a Presentation
Presentation
Does your introduction grab participants attention and explain your objectives?
Do you follow this by clearly defining the points of the presentation?
Do the main points need support from visual aids?
Is the conclusion strong?
Have your tied the conclusion to the introduction?
Delivery
Are you knowledgeable about the topic covered in your presentation?
Do you have your notes in order?
Appearance
Make sure you are dressed and groomed appropriately and in keeping with the audiences
expectations
Practice your speech standing (or sitting, if applicable), paying close attention to your body
language, even your posture, both of which will be assessed by the audience.
Visual Aids
Are the visual aids easy to read and easy to understand?
Are they tied into the points you are trying to communicate?
Can they be easily seen from all areas of the room?