[speechworks template] prepared by: BrownBoots Interactive, Inc.
[the hook] Opening attention-grabber Doesn’t have to be fancy Avoid: – Jokes – “Hey, it’s great to be here!” (yawn!) – Apologizing: “I’m not accustomed to speaking.” or “I’m sorry if I’m a little disorganized.” Examples: – Fun fact – Relevant story – Quick analogy – Quick introduction – Expert testimony
[message objective] Form the MO by bringing together two things: – What you want – What’s in it for the listener – Answer “What’s in it for me?” (WII-FM) Formula: – “By ________, you will ________.” Examples: – “If you finance this project, I will increase your revenue by $1,000,000 per month.” – “If you follow the instructions in this slide deck, you will become the best presenter in your company.”
[preview / outline / agenda] [item 1] [item 2] [item 3] Cover no more than three main topics; or you’ll lose your audience. – You can have lots of sub points for each main point, but don’t ever organize your presentation around more than three big ideas that support your MO
[topic 1] Support your main points with evidence Let your evidence do the convincing Evidence S.P.E.A.K.S. volumes – Stories – Personal experience – Expert testimony – Analogies – “K”wotes (aka Quotes) – Statistics
[topic 2] Support your main points with evidence Let your evidence do the convincing Evidence S.P.E.A.K.S. volumes – Stories – Personal experience – Expert testimony – Analogies – “K”wotes (aka Quotes) – Statistics
[topic 3] Support your main points with evidence Let your evidence do the convincing Evidence S.P.E.A.K.S. volumes – Stories – Personal experience – Expert testimony – Analogies – “K”wotes (aka Quotes) – Statistics
[recap] [topic 1] [topic 2] [topic 3] [a short summary that ties your supporting evidence to the purpose of this presentation]
[wrap] The call to action (tell ‘em what you want them to do) It’s all about connection and persuasion “If you don’t ask, you don’t get” Don’t be shy – your audience already knows why you’re there
Additional Resources Professional Presentation Techniques: Speechworks website: Asher, Joey. Even A Geek Can Speak, Low-Tech Presentation Skills For High-Tech People. Persuasive Speaker Pr, 2009.