[Solution] Creating Effective Business Presentations
Created at:
Author: Emily Carter
Getting ready for a presentation may cause feelings of anxiety. The best way to reduce your fears is to prepare thoroughly. The first step in being well prepared for a presentation is planning.
What should be your focus when determining your purpose?
- What you want listeners to believe, remember, or do after the presentation
- The audience you are speaking to during the presentation
- The structure you will use throughout the presentation
View Explanation
Regardless of the type of presentation, you must prepare carefully to ensure that it is effective. The most important part of your preparation is deciding what you want to accomplish. Whether your goal is to persuade or to inform, you must have a clear idea of where you are going. At the end of your presentation, what do you want your listeners to remember or do?
Before planning or organizing your presentation, you should understand your audience and anticipate its reactions.
What questions should you ask yourself to help you analyze your audience? Check all that apply.
- What will help to make my points most effective: facts, statistics, or anecdotes?
- What is the educational level of my audience?
- What does my audience already know about my presentation topic?
- How can I relate this information to my listeners' needs?
- How do I incorporate smart art in my presentation?
- How many people will be in the audience?
View Explanation
When analyzing your audience, consider its demographics: number of people, age range, genders; also consider its experience, attitudes, and expectations. Be sure to ask yourself what aspects of the topic are likely to appeal to the audience and how you can relate the information to the listeners' needs.
Read the scenario, and answer the questions.
You are giving a presentation to explain recent layoffs and upcoming budget shortfalls to your employees and coworkers. You know that many of the people in the audience will be hostile to your message.
What organizational pattern would be best for this situation?
- Direct
- Interactive
- Topical or chronological
What delivery style should you use?
- Dynamic and entertaining
- Calm and controlled
- Warm and friendly
What should you include in your supporting material? Check all that apply.
- Humor
- Objective data
- Startling visuals
- Expert opinions
View Explanation
Since you know your audience will be hostile, use a non-controversial pattern such as a topical or chronological arrangement. Remain calm and controlled. Avoid humor, anecdotes, startling visuals, and extended question-and-answer periods. Be sure to support your presentation with objective data and expert opinions.
