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Steps in Planning an Effective Presentation
The first key to success in any presentation is planning the
presentation. Questions to ask yourself include: why am I doing
this presentation, i.e. what is my purpose? who is my audience?
- It may seem an obvious thing to do, but before you start writing your
presentation you must determine what precisely your topic will be or
what aspect of a topic you plan to address. Once this is clear you
can commence writing.
Occasionally you will find that your topic, as determined, is actually too
large or complex for the time available and you may have to go back and
review the specific topic you wish to address.
- Determine the overall purpose
There are many reasons for giving a presentation including:
- to inform
- to educate
- to entertain
- to inspire
- to convince
An entertaining speech is constructed and delivered quite differently from
an informative speech. Once you know the purpose of your
presentation you can determine the structure, topics and method of
delivery that will best achieve your purpose.
- Analyze the audience and the situation
Every audience is different and in order to ensure success you should
always consider what your potential audience will be like and what their
expectations will be. Failure to address the needs and level of
interest and understanding of an audience can be deadly to a speaker.
If you do not have personal knowledge of the potential audience try to
contact someone who can give you some idea as to the nature, attitudes and
expectations of your potential audience.
- Organize the three parts of the presentation (opening, body, and
conclusion)
- Practice it before you deliver it (several times if possible).
Sample Speech Outline
Several types of speech outlines are commonly used by experienced speakers.
However, all of them are organized into an opening a body and a conclusion.
Here is a very basic outline that illustrates the structure of a speech
containing three main points:
A. Opening
- Captures the audience attention
- Leads into the speech topic
B. Body
- First point
a. Statement of fact
b. Supporting material
- Second point
a. Statement of fact
b. Supporting material
- Third point
a. Statement of fact
b. Supporting material
C. Conclusion
- Review or summary
- Call to action or memorable statement
Details above are based on information contained in the Toastmasters
International Communication and Leadership Program manual.
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