How to prepare a great presentation

How can I prepare a great presentation?

1. Have a session with the organiser.

   Discuss the following topics:
   – The goal(s) of the presentation
   – Information about the audience
   – What went well with previous presentations
   – What went not so well with previous presentations
   – What the participants already know about this topic
   – What presuppositions do the participants have about the topic
   – Good examples that are already lived on this topic within the audience

2. Prepare the journey for the audience.

   Based on what you learned at the previous stage, make a list of steps the participants need to believe in to come to the conclusion you would like to deliver.
   You have likely been learning about this topic for years, and people cannot simply jump to your conclusion in a few minutes. You need to lead them step-by-step to come to the same conclusion as you.

3. Prepare illustrations, personal stories, and quotes that support the journey.

   People remember more stories, examples from your life, or videos than the teaching points you will bring. These illustrations are essential.

4. Prepare the participation that will help the audience acquire the message

   If people listen passively, there will be few results in their life or organisation. Consider activities you can ask them to do individually, in pairs or as a group, depending on the audience size.

5. Prepare the visuals

   Only then, and not before, prepare what visuals (photos, text, videos) will support the message you will deliver.

6. Bring all these items together and clean up what does not align with the message.

   Cutting is the name of the game. It is better to be shorter and to the point than to keep many points and stories that we enjoy but don’t add value.

7. Present it live to a small audience and time it.

   Present the whole presentation to people close to you the way it will be delivered (for ex. aloud, standing up)

8. Adjust based on the feedback that you receive

   Detailed feedback on the items, the flow, and the timing is precious

9. Practise many times

   Repeat steps 6-8 many times

10. Be in the room early to experience and practise

    Get early on the location of the presentation to:
    – Meet the organisers to review some aspects of the logistics
    – Participate in sound and light checks
    – Discussion with the multimedia your visuals
    – As soon as the event starts, great participants and get to know them
    – Participate in the previous sessions so that you get the context. You can also refer to these sessions in your introduction

11. Enjoy it!

    If you are well prepared, you can flow with the crowd, be confident with your parts and…. enjoy it.
    We wish you great success in your public speaking.