Presentations are given for many reasons:  to sell a product or service, influence, educate, entertain, inspire, set an agenda, reverse a misconception, or call to action.  Understanding a few basics about your audience helps ensure your message is heard.

• Audiences make decisions based on What’s In It For Them.  The sooner you realize it’s “all about them” and not about you, the faster your team will start winning. Therefore, tell them why it’s important to them — what are the BENEFITS for them.
• Know who you are talking to, and what you would like them to “feel.” Make sure your presentation makes them feel that you understand their needs.
• You should be able to tell what your presentation is about in one sentence – this is your “homebase” or main message (your single most important communication objective — make sure it’s about a benefit to your audience … not about all the features you offer.)
  1. Include no more than three key supporting messages.
  2. Each message should have at least one example:  a fact, argument/reason or anecdote that explains why or how it will benefit their business. Help them picture it in their minds.
• When writing a presentation, write like you talk. Short words, concise sentences (20 words or less), simple, natural flow.

Know before you go. Prior to developing your presentation, it’s imperative to ask the following questions:

• Why were you invited? What problem can you help solve? What steps have they already taken?
• Who/how many are in the audience? 
• Where is the presentation to be delivered — by zoom, in a boardroom, classroom, meeting room?  What is the seating arrangement?
• How much time do I have? 
• A/V: Is a microphone available?  May I use visuals?  Will projectors and audio be provided? 
• Will there be a question-and-answer session?
• Who introduces me?  Offer to write your intro (insert your theme).

Be effective with your opening. You have only 30-120 seconds to grab your audience. Tell them why this is important to them!

• Give them facts on “why” it matters.
• Involve them: Ask a question, call for a show of hands.
• Tell a story of human interest, paint a picture.
• Use a statement that surprises the audience.
• Tell a humorous story related to the subject or situation (Caution: Use humor only if you are funny).
• Relate to a specific event in the news.
• Tell a personal anecdote about how your topic has changed your life or helped others.
• Acknowledge the work they’ve already done. 

Practice. Practice.  Read text aloud several times standing in front of a mirror or video camera to establish a rhythm.

• Have you made good eye contact? Continue practicing, increasing the eye contact with the mirror/audience as you go.  As your eye contact improves, so will your confidence.
• As you practice, work on the phrasing and emphasis.  Be sure to emphasize  key points, pausing before and after, to let your audience absorb them. 
• Time yourself.  Never run over!
• Memorize your open and close to help you keep eye-contact with the audience and improve your relationship with them.  Never read from a script, “I am glad to be here.”
• Expect and accept nervousness. It helps make a better speech. Drain excess energy by making tight fist and counting to 10 or taking deep breaths.

Visualize yourself giving a great speech and you probably will.

Tips for a Great Delivery:

Up to 93% of communication is nonverbal, so how you look, sound and present yourself are vitally important.

Be excited/passionate about your topic.  Remember, the audience can’t care unless they feel and see that you care!

• Involve your audience. Make eye contact. Be enthusiastic.
• Be dynamic. Move around if you can. It is more interesting to the audience, and may help you burn off any nervous energy.
• Use “you” rather than “I” in your presentation.
• Avoid distracting stances like the fig-leaf position, arms crossed, hands clasped behind your back. 
• As you talk, consider how you use your voice.  Pause for emphasis. Modulate your volume.  Show emotion. Your audience won’t care unless you care.