Presentation Power

One of the most daunting experiences for business professionals is facilitating a business meeting. Many would rather fake death rather than give a presentation. In recent conversations with clients I took note that meetings increased by over 40%. To that end, there is a compelling need to discover your strengths so that you structure, operate and facilitate a productive meeting.

Before you coordinate any meeting it is vital to ask three questions: 1) why is the meeting necessary 2) who will attend 3) what is the intended outcome?

Meetings today are run too haphazardly and without purpose. Productive meetings most have aim. Think of your meeting as the tip of an arrow, the more the focus, the more effective.

Meetings revolve around four success factors. These foundational techniques will assist to frame your message for clarity. Ensure your message is pithy and can evoke the required audience interaction and action.

Audience Analysis

Audience demographics are helpful in building reciprocal programs. First, your success is contingent upon providing an articulate message. Your audience must not only understand but internalize content. It is vital to hone in on behavior, communication style and listening habits so that words delivered are word received.

Second, it is your job as facilitator to know whom you are speaking. Ensure that your messages are delivered to the proper person.

Create the Message

Agenda. Create a pithy articulate message with the use of an agenda. Always use an agenda. Ensure success with a listing of no more than three to four topics per meeting. How many meetings have you attended where 10 plus items were listed? The best meetings are short and time bound.

PowerPoint. Refrain from the senseless overuse of PowerPoint. Use slides only when required. Too many facilitators use this tool as a crutch, my advice lose it and be free! Have a conversation not a rehearsed lecture.

Create an outline. A rule exists that states tell them what you will tell them, tell them, and tell them what you told them. This simple three-step method ensures focus for your agenda and does not allow you to stray. Within each point you might include statistics, charts, testimonials and other useful data for backup. One you conclude each point offer a short summary as you transition to your next point.

Tools. A number of people that attend meetings are visual and typically need to "see" information. When appropriate offer handouts and overhead visuals to keep them engaged.

Summary. When you complete your presentation ensure success with a summary. Take your entire presentation and divide into learning points or objectives. Participants tend to recall three items rather than a long list.

Create the Action