10 Steps to Successful Presentations, 2nd Edition

Step 3

Develop and Structure Your Presentation

Overview

• Conduct research.

• Draft the main points.

• Write openings, closings, and transitions.

• Plan examples and visual aids.

Sitting down to write a speech that fills your allotted time can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? Do you begin with an opening that will blow your audience’s minds? Or with a closing that will have them raring to put your insights into action? Do you start with your main point and then create an outline of your presentation with supporting points? Or do you open with a plethora of examples about the topic and then organize your presentation around them?

Master presenters have perfected the art of crafting their presentations. They relish in the opportunity to write ...