1. A Blueprint Professional Presentations

2. Research Research topic –Do your homework –Know your subject –Do not copy/paste from source Make an outline –Organize main topics Cite your sources

3. Determine Purpose of Presentation Informative Persuasive –Requires action –Change a belief Entertaining –Build relationship to audience

4. Consider Audience Prior knowledge of subject –What does your audience already know –Build on their prior knowledge Demographics –Age, gender, education Needs and expectations –Why are they there? –What do they want to take away?

5. Mechanics Keep it simple People generally remember –20% of what they hear –30% of what they see –50-80% of what they see and hear Appeal to as many senses as appropriate Use a variety of delivery techniques

6. Appealing to Audience A picture is worth a thousand words Use graphics and images Create mystery to create interest Don’t overuse animation and transitions Provide a handout Use other media –Visuals, flipcharts, or overheads

7. Elements of Good Presentations Good public speakers –prepare carefully –rehearse Audience remembers key points –main topics presented first –concise summary at end

8. Good Speakers Make a good impression Have knowledge in subject Use humor Personality Dress appropriately Speak clearly

9. Good Speakers Make eye contact Move around Do not READ slides or notes Vary presentation Involve the audience

10. Color Appropriate for audience –Conservative (blue or black) = formal –Bright colors (orange) = informal and trendy Use sparingly and with purpose Consistent color theme

11. Check out the Environment Rehearse in the space if possible Manually run the show Check placement of podium Check microphone and other sound connections Will everyone be able to see and hear? Adequate seating

12. Actual Presentation First slide – Introduction (sets tone) Last slide – Summary of main points Always have more than one bullet on a slide Proofread for accuracy Use easy to read fonts High color contrast between background and text

13. Structure Three main points Use 6x7 rule –No more than six bullets –No more than seven words per bullet No punctuation at end of bullet Use white space appropriately Use both upper and lower case letters Type in notes as you create presentation

14. Summary Planning –Determine purpose –Research Presentation Delivery –Know your subject matter –Consider your audience –Follow general guidelines –Rehearse in the space –Make it interesting