What are the key elements of a well-structured presentation?

Speaking just for the sake of speaking may seem appealing to some, but I prefer to be more intentional. Whenever I'm approached to do a gig, I always seek clarity by asking a few key questions: 1. What is the topic at hand? 2. What is the significance or purpose behind this topic? 3. Who is the target audience? 4. How long is the duration of the gig? 5. Who are the other speakers, and what are their respective topics? Moreover, when organizing public events, a recurring query is whether I can showcase or promote anything on stage. By addressing these aspects, I ensure that the content and context align and that the event is tailored to meet its objectives effectively.

I really love storyboarding my presentations - get creative and in the flow before worrying about the 'how' and visuals too much!

I enjoy mapping my outline in a mind map. I have those exact categories: open, body, close and call to action. Often when the nerves kick in, I would find myself forgetting how my presentation starts having the mind map to look at just before you start anchors your opening lines. It also allows you to capture your speech as a photo in your brain.

Last night I listened to a speaker friend using a case study from the University of Cornwell in her presentation. I found it to be so interesting I started making notes thinking that my clients would also enjoy hearing about it. When you share evidence can you present it in an interesting way using a story rather than just stats and data. When we sort, analyse and then interpret data it becomes a story that can change the meaning for your audience.

When it comes to visual aids, less is more! No one wants to endure a presenter droning on with slide after slide full of bullet points and text. Outstanding presenters are creative in how they get their points across and they don't use slides as a crutch. Having only a few visual aids (not necessarily slides) coupled with outstanding delivery is the way to set yourself apart as a presenter. Take a look at TED talks. Most of the time the presenters don't use any slides, and they hold the audience's attention for the entire time.

Your audience will have different learning styles some will be visual. They will want to see a visual image, a graph, a video or listen to you painting a picture of the scenario. Some will be auditory, they will appreciate the quotes, the anecdotes and music that you share. Some will be kinaesthetic, they will relate to the emotions, the touchy feely side of things. They will be more action orientated wanting to take action. Try to cater for all three (visual auditory and kinaesthetic styles).

It is not about what you say but what others understand… The true measure of communication lies not in the words we speak, but in how well our message is comprehended by the recipient. The message and the delivery need to consider the need for clarity, empathy, and active listening, as the ultimate goal is to ensure that the intended message is accurately interpreted and resonates with the audience. In essence, this concept emphasizes the responsibility of the communicator to bridge the gap between their intentions and the recipient's comprehension for meaningful and successful communication to occur.

Some interaction tools include asking for raised hands, to say yay or nay, to fill out a poll, to sit or stand or to simply do a q and a with the audience. I've found rhetorical questions, or questions the audience can answer in their own minds as highly beneficial.

There is a significant distinction between speaking and pitching. While the subject at hand is "public speaking," it's crucial to acknowledge that if I have the opportunity to promote something at the end of the event, the content must be meticulously crafted. Providing all the HOW or overwhelming them with information would hinder their acceptance of the offer. Hence, structuring the gig appropriately becomes imperative, a skill I impart to my students as a platform closer in South East Asia.