Twelve Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Presentation

By Karen Susman

Before every presentation, big or small, ask yourself these questions. You'll create a more effective presentation and reduce your stress. Many of these questions work well with one on one presentations, too. So, the next time you go in ask for a raise or to interest your customer in buying the new X4Z02 Snazzarama model, go through these questions.

1. Do I really know this audience and what it wants and needs to hear? If not, ask questions of your host and participants until you do. Do this way in advance of planning and right before your session.
    
2. Do I have just three to five main points? Don't overwhelm your audience with everything you know. Besides, if you are invited to speak again, what will you have left to say?
    
3. Am I starting my remarks with a real grabber like a quote, startling statistic or pertinent anecdote? Leave the jokes at home.
    
4. Have a pinpointed one clear message that I'll repeat at least 6 times? Your one vital message will keep you and the listener on track and show you're organized.
    
5. Do I know where I'm speaking, how to get there, when I'm speaking, what I should wear and who my contact person is?
    
6. Have I scheduled time to check out my A/V equipment before the presentation?
    
7. Can my visuals be seen from everywhere in the room?
    
8. If there's a power failure, can I still do my presentation? Can you spell "Plan B?"
    
9. Do I know where to cut my presentation if I have to? Repeat your one clear message and take a bow.
    
10. Have I rehearsed but not memorized my presentation? Please don't read your presentation. Ugh!
     
11. Have I brainstormed what questions the audience might ask me and the answers?
     
12. Have I repeated, "I'm looking forward to this. I'm looking forward to this. I'm looking forward to this?"

Remember that every presentation is about meeting the audience's needs. If you want to get your point across, you've got to know your audience. You get your needs met by meeting their need first.

©Karen Susman.

Karen Susman, Speaker/Author/Coach, works with organizations and individuals that want to maximize their performance and quality of life. Check out her free tips and articles at www.karensusman.com. Karen can be reached at 1-888-678-8818 or karen@karensusman.com.