Prior to  Your Next Verbal Presentation

         Eighty percent of a good presentation is in the preparation – do your homework well.

         Focus on a simple clear message.

         When preparing a speech keep in mind the fleeting nature of oral communication.

         If you don’t get attention at the beginning the rest of your message can be lost. Your first and last statements are the most important.

A Handful of Tips to help you give a good talk

* Analyse your audience and the environment

         Find out who will you be speaking to, and what is their knowledge of your topic.

         What do they want to know?

* Write down your objective

         Your objective should be simple and clear. Write it down in one sentence using simple words. “For the audience to take the following action ….”

* To establish a rapport?

         Try to relate to your audience.

“I went to school in this town.” “I worked here for six months, I appreciate your problems.”

         Many people introduce a talk with a story or an anecdote, very often against themselves.   Some humour, if clean and well-told, can help you get attention at the start.

         Now, tell them what you are going to tell them.

* Tell them something new

         Prepare to share your feelings and your emotions.  

* Don’t make too many points

         The ideal speech contains only three points – made three times.

         Tell your audience what you are going to tell them.

Make your case, then tell them what you have told them in a memorable summary repeating your recommendations making sure you tell them ‘what’s in them for them!’.

* Prepare a memorable conclusion

          Punch out a strong conclusion! Make it emotional and reasons why they should follow your advice.

         Don’t forget to send the chairman some background notes so you can be introduced correctly to your audience.

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“A speech should be ended, not allowed to expire. The end should be a climax, not an anticlimax.”

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