The Big Presentation

(Go directly to rest room and throw up now and get it over with.)

Do not refuse the opportunity. I know you don’t think you can do this but I assure you that you can. Knowing some basic ground rules and having a few simple techniques in your pocket will get you through in flying colors.

Senior Management Or A Client Will Be In The Room

Most of these people expect to be entertained on some level. They did not come here to work themselves and are therefore easily board if the presentation does not move along.

• Develop your presentation outline in bullet form similar to this article
• Make sure your thoughts (bullets) run in a straight and logical line from introduction
  to conclusion
• Attach “Key Words” to each bullet (these are the important points each bullet will
  make)
• Put it aside for at least 24 hours and then review it to see if it still makes sense
• These are your notes for the presentation

Visual Aids

Its just show and tell.

• Keep them simple and as few as possible
• You are the expert and the focal point of the presentation, not the visuals
• You will fill in the detail verbally for each visual
• Do not crowd too many thoughts on a single visual and make sure they are easy to
  read given the size of the room.
• Walk through your visuals with a colleague if possible as a final edit

The Big Day Arrives

• You are dressed well (ladies pull the hair back if it is very long, hangs in your face or
  sticks out like a bush on steroids – your face is the focal point
• If possible go to the place in which your presentation will be given early, before
  others arrive
• Ensure all microphones and other electronics are working properly, any handout are available and your visuals are in order
• Walk around the room, get comfortable in it

It’s Show Time

Remember that when they hit you with the blue light you have to keep dancing! : )

• Wait for everyone to be seated
• If no one has assumed control of the room you must do it. Ask everyone to please be seated so we may begin. Speak up; you are in a power position.
• No mater if you are introduced or are already standing in front, remember to say
  good morning or afternoon, etc. and welcome everyone. Your introductory visual
  should already be up
• Mention who it was who asked you to present this information and why (trust me,
  some of them don’t know why they were invited). Provide a very brief background
• Summarize in a few sentences what you are going to tell them today

Showmanship

• Use hand gestures to emphasize points or draw attention to a visual when necessary.
  You must be animated and not a talking head.
• Expect interruptions for questions. Keep your response brief, to the point and
  conclude with “ Does that clarify it for you?” You will usually receive a node. “OK, let’s
  keep going then.”
• If you don’t know the answer admit it. Say you will find out and get back to them.
• Do not put your boss on the spot by referring a question to him or her. If you don’t
  know it is probable that they don’t know either. If your boss does volunteer
  assistance thank him or her for the answer and move on.
• Your audience jumps ahead. Ask them to wait telling them you will cover that in a
  moment later in the presentation.
• A side discussion ensues following a question and answer. Ask them politely to wait
  until after the presentation because our time in the room is limited. (For your sake I
  hope it is.)
• You have reached the end of your presentation. Say so and ask if there are any questions. Answer them and then thank everyone for attending.
• Work the room if people stand but do not disperse immediately.

Once you have been through this a few times it will become a well-practiced routine. Before long you will be the equal of any lounge lizard in town.

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