Presentation: Why are you Speaking?

Most Important Presentation Question

Creating your presentation starts with you asking and answering this important question, “Why are you speaking?”

You need to answer this question before you create your presentation so you deliver the right message. If you don’t know why you are speaking – then shut up.

You should be able to verbalize the answer to this question in one short sentence. Perhaps you want the client to buy your premium service, your staff to work together like a team or your investors to contribute another million. Be clear on the answer to this question, then design your presentation to clearing answer it for your listeners.

For example a client of mine was preparing a presentation to a new prospect. We explored this question, “Why are you speaking?” They suggested that it was to show that they are capable to do the job. On further probing we realized that “capable” was not enough. What my client really wanted to get across to their prospect was that the prospect would be stupid not to buy from my client. We needed to create and deliver a presentation that positioned my client as hot and irresistible.

That realization changed the nature, words and tone of the presentation. Capable just doesn’t cut it when you want to leave the impression of hot and irresistible.

Ask yourself, “Why are you speaking?” And you will create and deliver more focused presentations.

George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Motivational Speaker