Great ideas Richard. In regard to being prepared & knowing your topic, if you are presenting something potentially controversial or "debatable" sometimes it's helpful to have someone play the "devil's advocate" & ask questions that might be posed to you.
Also, I always like to know when I am speaking & what surrounds me on the agenda. This allows me to know what else might be on the audience's minds so I can be more effective.
Ryan
Number One: Be prepared. Know your topic and how you plan to present it. Anticipate likely questions and cultivate a confident demeanor.
Number Two: Choose a presentation method that best suits your audience and setting. Prepare materials that are suitable to the venue. Rehearse, if possible in the location where you will present. Check the view your participants have so you are sure that non-verbal communication and visual reinforcement will actually reach your intended targets.
Number Three: Relax - speek conversationally but be sure you can be heard, speak clearly, breath, think silently, present confidently.
Great ideas. Two things I would add for your consideration, not must do's but possibilities:
1. Visual handout of some kind--for those who are more visual learners this can help make your point
2. In preparation, video yourself. This can be a humbling experience but I've found it to be invaluable.
Ryan
1. Know your audience
2. Cover only 5 points, give or take 2.
3. Speak clearly, vary the tone, move around, and make eye contact during delivery.
4. Keep focused on the topic
5. Practice with someone.
Great ideas. One thing I would suggest in regard to your comment about rehearsing is to videotape yourself. Obviously not all presentations warrant this much preparation, but this can be a great tool to use for the bigger presentations. And believe me, it can also be a very humbling experience!
Ryan
Research your topic, make sure to focus in the main idea, and try to make a dynamic presentation with the use of technology
Take the time to find out about your audience, and to rehearse the presentation.
Strong ideas to build a strong presentation. Coming from a Speech background, I also always like to make sure I understand my audience & what they are looking for in my presentation. This ties to your idea about your objective. Why is the audience there to listen to you & how can you meet their expectations?
Consideration of time of day is another key aspect for consideration.
Ryan
In preparing my presentation I will focus on my objective and define one key message that people will remember and that would influence a desired outcome. Then I would concentrate on the arguments that support my message. Finally, I would identify when it is important to get audience participation, reaction and agreement.
