This article is the 3rd in a series of blogs authored by our expert CDS Instructors. Read others in the series here as they’re released: Instructor Blog Series.
Have you ever walked out of a presentation wondering, “What in the world was that?” One that seemed unprepared, with media that didn’t work, or a presenter who just didn’t seem to know how to put two sentences together? I have. I’ve attended ones where I thought to myself, “There’s an hour of my life I won’t get back.”
What if you are now the person tasked with delivering a presentation? Where do you start? How do you prepare to deliver a presentation effectively?
How Do You Communicate?
Audiences receive information verbally and visually. What are you saying? What visuals are you using to support your message? Does your body language align with your words? Most presenters don’t often stop to consider how those non-verbal cues can reinforce or completely change the meaning of their words. An example of someone who makes the most of these attributes is a storyteller. A good storyteller will carefully choose their words and tempo, and convey emotion to paint a picture that pulls you in and keeps your attention. Good presentations are done much the same way.
How Do I Tell My Story?
Before you open that program and start making slides, it helps to think about how you want to tell your story. Organization is key. This will make it easier to create and deliver your message and help your audience retain it.
Every good story has three main parts: a beginning, body, and ending. In a presentation, we often refer to these as an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- The introduction is your first impression! It sets the tone for the presentation. You present your topic and show the audience why they should listen to it. Always set expectations!
- The body is where you provide your message and break down the details to support it, using verbal and visual aids. You will structure the body with a logical flow the audience can follow, leading to the conclusion. The information must contain a level of detail appropriate for the audience.
- The conclusion is your last chance to make your message clear. You will summarize the information you just shared in the presentation and make the final impression you want your audience to leave with.
Conclusion
In conclusion, delivering an effective presentation requires careful planning, clear communication, and thoughtful storytelling. By focusing on the key elements of organization, verbal and visual alignment, and audience engagement, you can transform your presentation into a powerful tool for conveying your message. The impact of your presentation hinges on how well your audience understands and retains the information. With the right preparation and mindset, you can leave a lasting impression and ensure that your message resonates long after the presentation is over.
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