Do Their Minds Sit Down When You Stand UP?

Quick Tips for Your Next Presentation

bySteve Kaye

Apply these principles to make your presentations effective.

Prepare
First, determine the result that you want. Then design your presentation to achieve that result. If you want action (e.g., a decision to buy), make sure you explain the action, show the value in taking action, and ask for the action. If you want to inform, make sure you clearly convey the essential points and show how to apply them.

Keep it simple
Complexity bores, confuses, and even irritates the audience. People must understand your message in order to act on it. Thus,

* Use simple, uncluttered exhibits (e.g., 6 lines of text plus a title) that support your speech (instead of replace it).
* Speak conversationally. Use simple statements to explain complex ideas. Use a natural voice. Pretend that you are speaking to friends, without pretense.
* Define acronyms, jargon, and unfamiliar terms.
* Use linear logic that leads clearly to your conclusions.
* Minimize data. Use facts to support conclusions and guidelines. Provide details in printed notes or offer to supply them after your talk in answer to specific requests.

Practice
Rehearse while driving. Gain fluency by talking about key point with associates. Practice with a clock to make sure that you finish within the allotted time.

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