How to Create and Deliver a Compelling Presentation

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How to Create and Deliver a Compelling
Presentation

• Presented by
• Susan Lyon
• December 5, 2003

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A good presentation has all the components of of
a great piece of music, and affects the
listeners emotions in the same way. John
Collins, Author of Perfect Presentations
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Presentation Preparation

• What is the goal?
• What is the setting?
• Who is the audience?
• What is the timeframe?

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Structure of Presentation

• All presentations should include
• Attention getting opener
• Brief overview of the topic
• Describe the problem/topic
• Solution to need
• Implementation/action steps
• Brief Summary and conclusion

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Important Slides

• Title slide (topic, date, presenter name)
• Agenda slide (presentation sections)
• Overview (discussion of topic)
• Summary (list of major points)
• Conclusions / recommendations

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Structural Rules of Thumb

• Maintain a consistent look and feel (font, color,
  animation, bullets)
• Break up text monotony (graphs, pics.)
• Maintain steady pace (2 minutes/slide)
• Use transition slides b/w topic areas
• Only include pertinent info in slides

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Additional Tips and Thoughts

• Dont read slides word for word
• Look at audience, not the screen
• Be prepared for technical difficulties (have
  handouts ready)
• Dont abuse PowerPoint capabilities
• When will you take questions?
• Will you provide handouts b/4 or after?

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Additional Tips and Thoughts

• Rehearse and ask to be critiqued
• Avoid mannerisms
• Use note cards
• Leave summary slide up during Q A
• Scope Out presentation room beforehand
  (seating, lighting, outlets)

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Pitfalls to Avoid

• Typos
• No Humor
• No Pictures or graphs
• No Eye Contact
• Mumbling
• Faulty Equipment
• Lack of Rehearsal

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PowerPoint Resources

• Perfect Presentations by John Collins
• www.education.umd.edu/blt/tcp/powerpoint.html
• Effective Executive's Guide to PowerPoint 2002
  by Stephen L. Nelson and Michael
  Buschmohle (available online)

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Questions?