Preparing Your Presentation

Preparing your Presentation

Purpose of your presentation
Imagine that you have been scheduled to speak to a group. An important question for you to review is “Why am I delivering this presentation?” Don’t answer, “Because I was asked.” Instead ask why does this group need to hear from you? What message is so important that you must take their time to speak to them? You must be clear on the purpose of your speech before you can write it. Please don’t give a speech just because you are the boss. Don’t waste their time and embarrass yourself. Have something worthwhile to say. If you start by knowing what you want to happen then you will begin to create an effective speech.


Your audience is the reason you are there
Understand your audience. What do they want? Why would they listen to you? If you want to reach them with your presentation you must reach them through their needs. While you are talking they are asking themselves, “What’s in it for us?” If you have not spoken to this group before, interview a few of them before your presentation. Mention the names of some audience members during your presentation. It will help you connect with the group.


Design your presentation backwards
The most common way to write your speech is to start at the beginning and write to the end. That is not an effective way to write a speech. Instead write the speech backwards. Start with the destination and work back to the opening. You will write your speech faster and clearer if you start with the end in mind. Know your purpose. Write the closing line that hammers home your message. Then write the points to support that close. Then write the opening that launches you into that presentation. Designing your speech is also a set of communication skills.

A good presentation starts with a good preparation.


George Torok

Motivational Speaker
Speech Coach for Executives
Presentation Skills Training
Presentation Tips

Presentation Tip: Deeper Voice


Presentation Tip: Deeper Voice

Speaking in a deeper voice always sounds more credible. Read this powerful tip from Jeff Mowatt, the Master of Influence with Ease.

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Speak lower than the previous person

This is such an easy technique to enhance credibility - it's almost embarrassing. During group discussions, people get emotional or excited about certain subjects. Their voices tend to rise in tone and speed accordingly. When it's you're turn to comment, reduce the tone and speed of your voice to be slighter lower than that of the previous speaker. In the midst of the group's excitement, your controlled delivery will sound like the voice of reason. You'll immediately be taken more seriously. The only trick then is to say something worthwhile!

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About award-winning speaker, Jeff Mowatt, BComm., CSP

Treat yourself to an entertaining, informative session with award winning speaker, Jeff Mowatt B.Comm, CSP. Jeff knows his stuff. he didn't just read the book - he wrote it! He's the author of the critically acclaimed book, Becoming a Service Icon in 90 Minutes a Month. Jeff's newest book, Influence with Ease will be released this fall. He heads his own training company and has produced four study training systems. His Influence with Ease column has been syndicated and featured in over 200 business publications. Jeff has exercised influence himself as a 25-year service industry veteran, black belt martial artist, and business owner.

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Jeff’s advice is good advice. You can use this technique in a meeting, on the phone or while delivering a presentation.

Think "James Earl Jones". James is known for his deep voice. He was the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars.

Another Tip
You can make your voice deeper by speaking s l o w e r.


George Torok
Executive Speech Coach
Presentation Skill Trainer