1. Goals: The first step in preparing your presentation is to brainstorm your goals. Ask yourself, what is the purpose of your presentation? What are the main points you would like to cover? What do you want my audience to walk away with for knowledge? Once you have your list of goals, organize them into a presentation outline.

2. Purpose: Now that you have your presentation goals written in outline form, you need to determine the purpose of the presentation. Is the main purpose of the presentation to inform the audience? Or are you trying to pursade your audience to take action? Is the purpose of your presentation to instruct the audience? Each presentation purpose is different and must be presented in different ways.

3. Audience: Next, know your audience. Who are these people? Why are you presenting to them? What are the goals of your audience? What have they come to learn? Is the presentation going to be causal or formal?

4. Visuals: Enhance your presentation by using visual materials such as graphs, photos, charts, etc. Use flip charts to view information or create overhead projector transparencies and/or a Power Point Presentation. Handouts are especially helpful and beneficial for your participants to take back to the office.

5. Rehearse: Practice your presentation. Stand up and infront of a room with your visual materials. Run through your presentation aloud to make sure it will run smoothly. Ask a trusted associate or co-worker to observe you and to provide feedback as to how you can enhance your presentation.

6. Preparation: Arrive early to set up your audio/visual equipment and make sure it is working before the presentation begins. Have a spare lamp on hand in case the lamp in the projector burns out during your presentation. Organize your notes and any handouts so that they are in a convenient location ready to hand out when you need them. Arrange tables, chairs and equipment so there are no obstructions in viewing and test the audio system to make sure that you will be heard in all areas of the room.

7. Confidence: Some helpful hints to ward off nervousness would be to visualize the success of your presentation before it begins. Practice it in your head in a positive way knowing that it will be successful. Once you are in the presentation location, welcome participants as they walk into the room. Introduce yourself and tell them that your glad they are there. Act as if you are not nervous; take control of your feelings so they don't take control of you.

Return to the Presentation Pointers index.