As I am doing a lot of presenting and training this month and next, let’s consider some fundamentals. First, when putting together a presentation, don’t pack in too many slides. Figure on half to a third the number of minutes you have to present. Presenting for 45 minutes? Shoot for roughly 15-22 slides. Don’t forget to pull out your Q&A time separately.
Second, stay focused on your purpose. If you’re trying to persuade the boss to fund a new project, focus on what he or she needs to know to make a decision. Don’t get side tracked with less important tactical content.
Third, avoid wordsmithing in committee over a presentation. You’ll find yourself spending more time fussing over the individual words and you won’t get the presentation done. When you present, chances are the stakeholders won’t pay enough attention to notice individual words.
Fourth, rehearsal is crucial. I don’t always do enough of this, but you can’t really get enough. Spending the time to really know your content proves to be valuable, in more ways than just being able to present and not look stupid.
And, finally five, the more you do it, the better you get. I talked with my daughter about this when she was preparing for her big dance recital. We practice so we can commit the routine to memory. But practice also makes us generally more comfortable with performing. No matter the type of performance. The more we’re in the spotlight, the more it feels like the light isn’t on us anymore.
Stacy Wilson, ABC, is president of Eloquor Consulting, Inc., in Lakewood, Colorado
