7 Steps to plan a great presentation

Imagine you've just asked to give a very complex presentation to the Board of Directors. One of the biggest mistakes you can do at this point is to start thinking about what they say. Rather than spend some time planning.

So how can start designing? Here is a simple but effective seven steps.

Step 1: Develop goals

Before you do anything to get clear on your goals for your presentation. Possible targets could be:

or to inform the Council's current financial situation and future prospects

or to secure funding for a new computer system

Ø To obtain a buy-in to a new system of performance management

o To provide support for an increase in staff

Take the time to get clear on your goals from the presentation.

Step 2: Assess the audience

Whenever you're considering the audience, trying to get into their shoes as the recipient of the presentation. Think:

o The level of knowledge on the subject have

or The level of resistance are likely to encounter

or perceptions, or opinions they may have on you or your team

or any other insights you gained about the style or type of presentation that respond well to

Step 3: Brainstorm Ideas

A brainstorming session is simply a dumping ground for ideas about what it might cover. Remember the first step is to get all possible ideas down. This is not to assess at this stage. Keep brainstorming until they run dry of ideas.

Step 4: identify common themes

It 's likely that when brainstorming, they came up with similar things that can be grouped into a general theme. For example, if it is a presentation of financial results might have included budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and working capital that you put under a theme called financial management.

Alternatively, if it is a presentation of human resources which could have included the recruitment, selection, retention and personal development that is acquired with a theme called talent management.

Step 5: Outline produce a structure

On a piece of paper to sketch the theme of each slide and the two or three messages you want to get through.

Step 6: prepare presentation materials

The main things to keep in the preparation of your presentation materials are:

o The appropriate number of slides, my rule is 5-7 for a maximum 10-minute presentation

Oh what text to include in my experience points bullets are the best

or use the animation only if it adds something

o How you will deal with the numbers in a spreadsheet, excel, it is not appropriate then you need to think of alternatives when it comes to numbers based presentation

Step 7: Practise Practise Practise

Scrolling down the presentation at least twice is an essential part of planning. Do not neglect as will serve you well when it comes to real thing

Finally, remember that most of us are so excited to present and careful planning can make a difference ....