10 Steps to Successful Presentations, 2nd Edition

STEP 2

Plan Your Presentation

Overview

• Conduct an audience analysis and needs assessment.

• Define presentation goals.

• Plan with a partner.

• Plan presentation logistics.

Before you begin writing your presentation, you have to think it through carefully from the audience’s perspective. Specifically, what does the audience need to know? What do they expect to learn? Even if you’ve delivered this presentation before, don’t assume this audience will react exactly as your past audiences. Avoid the temptation to skip this step and go straight to delivery. Planning is perhaps your most important phase.

Say you’re a popular speaker on the topic of change management. You’re accustomed to speaking to small groups of senior leaders about how to manage ...