Elite Virtual Executives

6 practical steps to designing an outstanding presentation

Conducting a presentation to a group of people is often daunting and involves a lot of preparation.

Below are some great tips to help you prepare for your next presentation, and deliver a speech the audience are sure to remember for all the right reasons!

#1 – Do your research

It’s imperative that you find out as much about your audience as you can before starting to prepare your presentation. Find out what they already know, and what new information they should know by the time you have finished your presentation. There’s no need to waste time on the basics of how to turn on a computer if the audience is full of experienced virtual assistants. Find out exactly WHY you have been asked to deliver this speech, who the audience is, and what end result is that you are to aim for.

#2 – Get your timing right

There is nothing more nerve wracking for a presenter than the sound of impatient shuffling once their presentation goes into overtime…don’t let your presentation drag on or all of your good work will be undone. Also, always allow time for questions at the end for those who want to stay and learn more.

#3 – Use real life examples

Referring to familiar examples during your presentation will make your presentation more meaningful to your audience. For example, if you are presenting to a group of marketing students, you may use a real case study of a current successful product or service to convey the message of how to create an effective marketing campaign.

#4 – Anticipate questions

Have notes prepared in order to answer any questions. Imagine the most complex question that someone could ask and work backwards from there. If you’re prepared for the worst case scenario, then there’s no need to be nervous is there?

#5 – Practice Practice Practice!

Really, the more prepared you are in delivering the content of your speech or presentation, the more you’ll be able to relax into it. If you’re enjoying yourself, the audience will more likely enjoy themselves too.

#6 – Have a professional virtual assistant prepare your presentation slides for you

That way you can concentrate on what you are going to say. Your presentation is more about YOU than your slides. The slides should simply be a visual summary of the story you are telling your audience. Elite Virtual Executives can help you create an effective visual complement to your public speaking; call us today to chat about your needs.

Elite Virtual Executives are skilled in senior administration, desktop publishing, writing, editing and project support. If you need help with researching, planning, writing, editing, proofreading and designing a PowerPoint presentation, call Elite Virtual Executives. We can create a great presentation for you while you get on with more important task of preparing your scintillating speech.