Business Presentations – Part I

Anyone who has ever done a business presentation can attest to how much work and time is involved in preparation. Outside of nervous jitters, you have to be sure that everything is done right. To make it (somewhat) effortless requires adequate and focused preparation.I’m headed this weekend to my Toastmaster’s Conference that will be held in

(drum roll, please)

Ft. Walton Beach, FL!!! I am so-o-o excited about getting one more lazy beach day in that I hope I don’t forget to pack sunscreen! Oh, okay yes, I am also excited about the speaking conference… and the chance to do a presentation in front of my peers. As I prepare to travel to sunny Florida (along with a fellow Toastmaster friend of mine) there are certain business presentations to-do’s I need to double-check to ensure a successful speech. Here are a few helpful tips for you if you will be giving a presentation:

1. Is the presentation material ready? Has the proper research been done? Check for accuracy on research credits, spelling, grammar, etc. Transfer the presentation to index cards OR commit the speech to memory.

2. Ensure that the handouts (if they are being used) are also properly spell-checked and grammar checked. Always make a few extra copies or packets just in case extra participants show up.

3. Rehearse the presentation in front of the mirror or to someone whose judgment you trust.

4. Check, re-check and check again the laptop, software, cables and disks to be sure the PowerPoint presentation is working properly. The possibility of getting the “white screen of death” is always imminent and can always happen at the most inconvenient time…during the speech. Although sometimes this cannot be avoided, have a backup plan just in case. Like the handouts.

5. Prepare and distribute to the audience a feedback questionnaire to help gauge your presentation’s effectiveness. Ask the participants to leave them in their seat or have an assistant take them up.

Business presentations are becoming a standard in the corporate community and everyone from secretaries to CEO’s are speech-giving. Preparing yourself as much as possible will help you tremendously in your presentation. But the most important thing to remember when giving a business presentation is to relax and have fun. I certainly plan to…at the beach! I will be working hard at the conference and a little R & R will be good.

I’ll let you know how my conference goes and how the beach weather was. Everyone, have a great weekend!