Writing Successful Presentations
  

Much time and effort goes into preparing to actually give presentations - the room layout, the way we stand, what we say and how we say it, and how to calm our nerves. Less time is spent worrying about what to actually say during the presentation. Yet it is the content of the presentation that will make or break the success of the presentation. So, what are the steps to take to ensure that the content is right?
 
First, make sure that you are clear on the objective of your presentation. Ask yourself what you want to achieve. Are you ensuring understanding? Asking for information? Getting agreement? Changing behavior? Overcoming resistance? Whatever the goal is, make sure that you can articulate it. If you can't articulate, then how will your audience be able to?
 
Then, analyze your audience. Why are they giving you their time? What is their REAL problem? Their "burning issue"? What is keeping them awake at night? What reaction do you want from them? What do you want them to feel? Do? Know?
 
Once you know this, you are ready to define and analyze the problem in order to define the real solution. Very often, we skip to solutions without properly analyzing and understanding the REAL problem, so stop, think, and use the "5 Why's" method - ask "why" five times, and you will ensure that you get to the real problem before looking for solutions.
 
Now you are ready to start mapping out the introduction to your presentation. You want to start with the current situation, the Status quo", the "once upon a time" of storytelling. This grounds you and your audience, and allows you all to ensure that you are on the same page, that you understand the audience's situation, and allows you to anchor your audience in the present time. An example would be that of Little Red Riding Hood who, once upon a time, was in the forest, picking berries for lunch.
 
Then you bring in the "Complication": the problem that the audience is facing, the reason they are there, and wanting to listen to you. The "one day" of storytelling. Keeping with the example, it is the moment the Big Bad Wolf appears on the scene, and the fact that he wants to eat her up. The complication has to be the audience's biggest worry - the reason they are listening to you. Try to make it come alive, use emotion and imagery. Remember, you are telling a story.
 
It is now time for your chosen solution. Make sure you answer the questions that the audience will have in their minds: "what", "why", "who", "how" and "when.
 
In the conclusion, you want to summarize what you said, and move towards action -a decision, an action plan, or a next step. Make sure you tell the audience what you want from them, and then do not let them walk out before getting it.
 
So, writing a good presentation is like crossing a river on stepping stones. You take your audience by the hand, and lead them across step by step to where you wish them to go, using emotions, a story, and a vision.