P Is For Presentation – 5 Steps To A Great Presentation

Tomorrow, I have the honor and privilege of presenting at my alma mater, Grove City College.  I’m speaking on the topic of delegation and legacy, and the presentation is targeted towards leaders in fraternities, sororities, and housing groups on campus.  I’m excited for this opportunity.

A lot goes into a presentation.  It’s more than standing up there and talking.  Here are the five steps I have taken to making sure my presentation is the best it can be:

5 Steps To A Great Presentation

1. Prepare – Do your research.  Know your audience.  Know the purpose for your presentation.  Create an outline.  Write your speech.
2. Polish – Review your presentation.  Edit.  Edit some more.  Clean it up, and simplify it.
3. Powerpoint (Visual aids) – Determine which visual aids will help get your point across.  It may be Powerpoint, a prop, a video, or something else.  Visual aids used correctly will move your presentation from good to great.
4. Practice – Go over your presentation again and again.  Watch yourself in the mirror as you present, or video yourself while you are practicing.  Know it.  Get feedback.  Exaggerate.  Self evaluate.
5. Present – If you have put the effort into the other four steps, you should be good to go.  Relax.  You have something worth sharing.  Have fun.

There is one more “P” you might want to use as you prepare for your presentation.  Prayer.  My good friend, Cindy Starr Stewart, reminded me of this important “P” word which is often overlooked.  Seek wisdom, help, and confidence from the ultimate resource.

When was the last time you gave a presentation?  What steps did you take when you gave your presentation?