“If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time – a tremendous whack.” –
Winston S. Churchill
Main Point
What is the one (main) point that I would hope the audience would remember about this presentation?
- Explain the Purpose or Intent :
Tell the audience what you hope they remember from this presentation.
2. Opening:
3. How are you going to attract and hold the audience?
Present a headline or factoid. It could be a statistic, a different Prospective or a story. A Quotation or an endorsement. A Metaphor or an Analogy or Comparison. Something that creates an interest in your topic.
4. The Filters
How are you going to get through the filters of the audience?
How am I going to connect what they know and the new information that I am going to present?
5. The one Thing to Remember:
What is the one thing I would like the audience to remember about this presentation?
What are two or three subpoints that I would like them to remember – a bonus?
How am I going to support my main point and subpoints?
6. Connecting and Remembering:
How am I going to help them remember the one point? (e.g., Tell them, remind them, and tell them again.)
How am I going to engage and involve the audience? The lowest level of connecting is seeing and hearing.
How can I have the audience discuss and experience what I would like them to remember?
How can I show enthusiasm for my topic?
7. Should I use PowerPoint?
No, if the message is to convince and inspire the audience – if you are wanting to the audience to do something.
Yes, if sharing information – not asking for the audience to do something.
8. If using PowerPoint: Essential “do’s and don’ts”
- Never read what is on the screen. The audience can read.
- Engage the audience by looking at them – not at the screen.
- Usually, only one idea or concept per slide – no more than two!
- Usually, only one or two lines per slide – sometimes with graphics
- Use visuals. Charts are better than numbers and Images are better than words
- Create an outline, then a theme, and then arrange in a sequence
- Must be 40 font size or larger for the audience to read.
- Use images to support the message – but don’t overwhelm
- Use a template that is appropriate to your message
- Use brief statements – no sentences
- Use the animation feature to control the flow of the message
- Numbers for the slides
- Customize the slides for the audience – use the logo of the district or school.
- Rehearse for timing and flow of the message
- Turn off the PowerPoint, if you want them to do something.
- Less is better than more – limit to less than 15 minutes, better with 10, if possible
9. Some more tips
- Planning your presentation
- Practice and practice again
- Show Enthusiasm for your topic
- Arrive Early to reduce worry by the host
- Adjust to Your surroundings
- Be clear about the expectation of timing and for questions
- Use Positive visualization
- Take Deep Breaths
9. Ending the presentation
Remind the audience about what you hope they remember – the one thing!
Leave time for questions.
Guideline brochure (PDF) .click here.
By Jack McKay, Executive Director, The Horace Mann League of the USA.