ASTD - 10 Steps to Successful Presentations

Standing in the spotlight to effectively communicate information that an audience needs or wants can be a truly scary experienceno matter what your level of experience of presenting in front of an audience. Whether you are a guest speaker presenting on a topic that someone else chose or presenting data to C-level managers, the basics to get you started in structuring and presenting the information are the same.

The business acumen expected of todays business professionals includes effective communication and presentation skills. Without these skills, career goals and aspirations may be hindered. This book, 10 Steps to Successful Presentations, provides a framework you can use to create an effective presentation in a short time-frame. The tips and examples provided in each chapter will help to guide you through this process whether the presentation is for a large-or small-group setting.

Use the key steps in this book as needed. For example, if you have been asked to give an existing presentation; you can focus on steps 4 through 10. Or, if you have been asked to select and present on a topic in which you are starting with a completely blank slateperhaps how the marketing strategy is poised to support new product revenue goalsthen it might be most appropriate to start with step one and work through all of the steps systematically.

10 Steps to Successful Presentations provides proven techniques and tips for creating and delivering a presentation. In particular, this book will show you how to

• conduct an audience analysis
• plan the presentation outline and develop the content
• select visual aids to support and enhance your message
• demonstrate polished presentation skills
• plan and manage the presentation-room setup
• use facilitation techniques to engage the audience
• rehearse and perfect your presentation delivery.

Structure of This Book

10 Steps to Successful Presentations will help you to quickly plan, develop, and deliver a successful, compelling presentation. Each section describes one of the 10 specific steps for accomplishing this goal. Here is an overview:

• Step 1: Know Your Audience and Purpose: The Five Ws and MoreNo matter how the opportunity to present landed on your calendar, the first step is always to conduct an audience analysis and to answer the following questionswho, what, where, when, and whyin order to develop the purpose of the presentation.
• Step 2: Develop and Structure your Presentation whether you need to create a presentation from scratch or embellish and personalize an existing presentation, all successful presentations have five standard components that you need to address. This step outlines strategies for planning to meet and greet the audience, developing your opening, creating transitions to maintain the presentation flow, building the body content, and closing on a bang.