Time to Give a Presentation? Here's Help!

3 steps to help get it out of your head, onto paper, and finally, out of your mouth!

When I first started speaking, my biggest challenge was the creating speech itself. I knew I had something to say, but didn’t know how to coax it out of me. I was looking for a formula – three steps and done.

So here we go Prepare - Practice - Present - the three steps that work for me. Magic formula? Try it and see.

Step 1. Prepare

Have something to say. First, get out of your head and onto paper. It may sound old school, but to be able to give a great speech, you need to be able to write a great speech.

Find your point of view. Once you decide on the subject, dig deep to uncover your unique perspective. What makes it valuable? What do audiences need to hear specifically from you on your topic?

The Bits. Think of your presentation as a series of smaller pieces – like the “bits” of a stand-up comedian. As you build your talk, work in these bits of content, which might include ideas, facts, statistics, stories, strategies, video, or interactive activities to engage your audience.

Stay on Point. As you organize your bits, keep to a specific, consistent message that drives the tone of your speech. What do you really want to say? Figure it out upfront. Then only weave in bits that directly align with your intended message. Stay on point! 

Open Strong. From the beginning you must engage, impress, and earn likeability. In the first two minutes, the audience will either think, “Yes I want to listen!” or “Where’s my phone?” Similarly, what they hear at the end is what they’ll remember. Wrap-up with a thought-provoking closing that is positive and inspiring. Send audiences off happy and ready to take action.

 Step 2. Practice.

Don’t wing it! While there are lessons to learn from improv, this is not the time to shoot from the hip. Get your opening and your closing down solid … that means memorize. The more comfortable you are with your presentation, the more freedom you will have to make adjustments on the fly.

Make it personal. Make it part of your homework to learn about who you are speaking to before you arrive. Customizing parts your presentation – especially the opening – for your specific audience will jumpstart your connection with them.

Timing is everything. Get in the habit of timing all the pieces of your talk. Seasoned speakers are adaptable, but that takes practice. When your allotted time is cut short, you’ll need to know how to adjust your presentation without missing a beat.

Step 3. Doing it - Time to Present.

Get comfortable. On the day you speak, arrive early get to know your surroundings. Make friends with your AV team as you walk the stage to sound check.

Get connected. As attendees arrive, introduce yourself and start engaging before you hit the stage. 

Get feedback. After each gig reflect on your performance. Consider audience reactions. When were they with you? Where did you feel enthusiasm? Get a house laugh? Take note of what to add or eliminate to make your next presentation even better. Because …

The big secret is in the journey - going through the cycle again and again and again – getting better and more confident each time.

Karen McCullough, CSP is a keynote speaker who shares her humorous and realistic perspective on the multi-generational workforce. She is committed to creating and delivering killer keynotes that blend great content with humor and audience interaction. Find her at karenmccullough.com. Sign Up for Karen's June 29th Killer Keynote Workshop