SlideRocket Tips Are Go For Launch

It’s no secret that the best presenters are the ones who are most prepared.  A little advance legwork can go a very long way when it comes to delivering a compelling, memorable, high-impact presentation.

Here are the five key things you need to know before you present:

1. Know Your Audience

Want to make sure you presentation packs a punch?  Then, create it from the perspective of your audience.  Why is this topic important to them?  What are they looking to learn or take away from the session?  What points will they find most interesting or relevant?  By taking the time to gather a little insight about the people you’ll be presenting to, you can ensure that your content is as beneficial as possible to everyone who attends.

2. Know Your Material

If you aren’t familiar with the content you are presenting, you may lack confidence during your delivery, or end up reading directly from notes to avoid making mistakes.  This can cause your audience to question your credibility, or to become disengaged.  But, knowing your material thoroughly beforehand will help you speak with conviction, and present yourself as an authority on the topic you are covering.

3.  Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Don’t give into the temptation to try something new, just for the sake of “shaking things up”.  Stick to what your good at, and deliver your presentation in a way that plays up your proven strengths.  For example, if you don’t have a knack for comedic timing, avoid jokes and, instead, go with a more straight-forward delivery.  Of, if you’re particularly effective at soliciting audience participation, chose a format that promotes high levels of interaction.

4. Know Your Space

The forum will have a huge effect on how your presentation should be structured, so be sure to check out the room you’ll be presenting in before you put your slides together.    Will you have space to walk around, or will be stuck behind a podium?  Will the audience be sitting classroom-style, or around a boardroom table?  Is there room for a projector and large screen, or will you have to rely on handouts? It’s also very important to visit the room several hours before your scheduled speech, to make sure all equipment, such as microphones and projectors, are working properly.

5. Know What “Plan B” Is

Disaster can strike at any time before or during your presentation.  You’ll need to know – in advance – how you will handle certain catastrophes.  What happens if your A/V equipment breaks?  What will you do if only three people show up, when you were expecting 40?  How do you handle audience questions that you do not know the answer to?  Anticipating and preparing for situations like these can help keep things on track and running smoothly, no matter what happens.

Want more valuable tips on effective presentation creation and delivery?  Check back here every Tuesday morning for a new presentation tip.