Relevance of Giving Presentations in Business

Prepare.

"The mind is a wonderful thing. It starts working the minute you're born and never stops working until you get up to speak in public." (Unknown source) .The quality of your presentation is most directly related to the quality of your preparation. Rarely will you have difficulties in your presentation due to being "overprepared."

 If you are responsible for promotion of your presentation, create an accurate, but inviting, description. Emphasize the relevance of the content to the audience.

 Include a statement in promotional materials on how participants with disabilities can obtain disability-related accommodations for the presentation. This statement will provide an example that may be adapted for participant use in their own publications.

 Believe in the importance of your message.

 Visualize yourself giving a great speech.

 Organize your material in a way that is most comfortable to you by using a script, outline, notes, or 3 x 5 cards. Number them.

 Proofread all printed materials.

 Practice, practice, practice-by yourself and/or with someone. During practice sessions you can work out the bugs and add polish to your presentation. (Note: a rehearsal usually will run about 20% shorter than a live presentation; adjust your content accordingly.)

 As participants enter, consider providing them with 3 x 5 cards and asking them to write at least one question they have about the topic of the presentation. Read them silently as people settle in. Address the questions throughout the presentation and/or at the closing.

 Have a backup plan for delivering the presentation if all of your audiovisual materials become "unavailable." Do not rely on technology to work.

 Test all audiovisual equipment. Practice using PowerPoint™ and other visual displays. If you are using a videotape, make sure it is set to the correct beginning point and at the appropriate volume.

 Check the lighting. If you need to adjust it during your presentation, practice the adjustments before you begin. Consider showing someone else how to make the adjustments for you.

 Have a glass of water available for yourself.

 Think about questions that might be asked and rehearse brief, clear answers to each.

 Memorize the first few minutes of your presentation.

 Review your main points.

 Dress for success.

Create a comfortable learning environment.

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