Giving a virtual or in-person presentation? Use the following framework to plan, prepare and practice so you can effectively and confidently communicate your message to your audience.
1. Plan your presentation (plan early!)
- What general topic are
you presenting on?
- How long do you have
to present?
- Understand other logistics: how many people, who are they, room setup, order of presentation, present seated vs. standing, etc.)
2.
Prepare
content
- What is your message –
the one thing you want people to remember from your presentation?
- What supporting
information will you provide to convey that message?
- Outline it:
introduction, points 1-3, conclusion
- Create notes that you will use to deliver it (1 piece of cardstock paper or 1 big card – printed or handwritten in large font)
3. Practice (practice early and often!)
- Practice for fluency,
timing and getting comfortable with notes
- You are not memorizing
word for word, but getting comfortable with the material - make any final adjustments to content
well in advance of actual presentation day
- Practice your delivery
out loud (can record yourself): be aware of your body language – voice,
facial expressions, gesture, posture, movement, eye contact
- Practice your “pregame
ritual” and your confident self-talk
© Gilda Bonanno LLC - Gilda Bonanno serves as a trusted advisor to executives and entrepreneurs to transform their communication, presentation and leadership skills. She has worked with companies on 4 continents, from Chicago to Shanghai and Rio to Rome. The instructional videos on her YouTube channel have received over 2 million views and her e-newsletter has reached subscribers in over 45 countries since 2008. For other articles or to receive Gilda's e-newsletter, visit www.gildabonanno.com