How to Develop a Presentation

So you have been asked to stand up in front of a group of your work peers and give a presentation on a topic that you specialize in. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Powerpoint software is preferred
• Computer
• Handouts
• PC projector

1. Gather together all the information, pamphlets, articles and emails you need to write the presentation down in longhand or better yet, in a Word document from which you can later extract bits of information from for your notes into PowerPoint.
2. Divide the material into logical segments. Try to do this in a simple fashion. Differentiate which material goes in what segment. Start writing out the material you plan to communicate to the group and use easy to understand terms and language. You want to ensure that everyone in attendance will be able to understand and conceptualize your speech.
3. Develop bullet points that will become your PowerPoint slides. You can do this directly in PowerPoint. As you summarize each major section of your material, you can write notes for yourself in the notes section of each of the slides you will cover. When you print out your handouts, you will have the option to print with notes or just the slides. You can print one copy for yourself, which will serve as the speaker's guide and just the slides for your audience.
4. Make your copies, and prepare for the event by reserving the room and doing your dry run. (See my article in the eHow Library on How to Give a Presentation for more detail.)
5. Be sure you are presenting the right material for the audience. Discuss with your supervisor or the manager who wants you to give the talk what you plan to discuss in the form of a presentation synopsis. Meet with this person a week or two before the event to ensure that you are satisfying her needs with the material's scope and depth. Make adjustments to it as needed.
6. Make your presentation interesting, crisp and colorful. Add some visual or audio effects that PowerPoint provides to keep the audience's attention. Give out the handouts before you start so they can follow along and not get lost, particularly if the topic is of a technical nature.
7. Make it fun if possible and keep your audience engaged. Be sure to adjust the time limit of the materials to less than one hour unless you plan to provide breaks, snacks or other refreshments. (These can be a great enticement if you are concerned about attendance being low). Be upbeat and lively. Stimulate audience participation and encourage questions.

Tips & Warnings

• Have paper and pens handy for note taking as well as handouts of the slides.
• Try not to be long winded or boring while you get your message or information across.
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