The Three-Step Process for Developing Oral and Online Presentations

People often judge the quality of the content of your presentation by the quality of the presentation itself; therefore, your delivery style and the packaging of any visual support materials can be important as your message.  It is very crucial that you plan and practice your presentation way ahead of time.  Planning presentations is much like planning any other business message.  First, you have to analyze the situation; secondly, you must gather information; thirdly, select the right medium; and lastly, you organize the information.  When face with challenges preparing for a presentation, the following three-step process will help.  The three steps are plan, write and complete.  Let's discuss the first step - plan.  You must first analyze the situation.  This is done by defining your purpose and develop a profile of your target audience.  You must know what your audiences language preferences is.  After you define your audience, you must determine your audience needs and obtain the information necessary to satisfy those needs.  All this is done by through the process of gathering information.  Then you must choose the best medium for delivering your presentation, whether through handouts or power point. Next, you must organize the information you gather.  By doing this, you are able to define your main idea, verify how long it will take for your presentation and outline your content.
The second step is to adapt the content of your presentation style and room setup to fit your audience.  Be sensitive to your audience needs and expectations.  You must be polite and use bias-free languages.  Plan to establish your credibility as required.  When composing your presentation, your outline should have an attention-getting introduction, body and close.  Prepare supporting visuals and speaking notes to help in your presentation.
The third step, is to evaluate the content of your presentation and speaking notes, choose your delivery mode and practice your presentation.  When it is time for you to speak, verify that the facilities and equipment are ready.  Practice, practice, practice, so that you may feel and appear confident on stage.