Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively deliver presentations are among the top five skills required in the business world. The primary goal of presenting may be to convey a message, influence an audience, solicit a decision, or deliver bad news. Whatever the presentation, the primary purpose is to effectively convey a message and the secondary goal is to improve with every presentation. Career growth necessitates presenting ideas to others and the only way to get better is to practice, practice, and practice

1. Delivering Effective Presentations
Jaymie Brain
ORG 536 – Contemporary Business Writing and Communication
Colorado State University – Global Campus
Dr. Robert Olszewski
November 9, 2013

2. Introduction
Effective presentation delivery is a skill
in the business world today
required
Goals
• Effectively convey a message
• Improve with every presentation

3. The Steps
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Know the audience
Know the material
Write the speech
Build the presentation
Rehearse & refine
Deliver the Presentation

4. Know the Audience
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Audience level of topic familiarity
Audience interest in the topic
Informational or interactive
Forum
– one-on-one, boardroom, auditorium
• Length of presentation

5. Know the Material
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Research the topic
Cite and record relevant facts
Develop an outline
Become familiar with the material

6. Write the Speech
• Length of presentation
– Delivery time
– Slide count
• Word selection
• Formal, informal, anecdotal

7. Build the Presentation
• Keep it simple; less is more
• Develop the text first
– Write slides to prevent reading
– Use bullets
• Select theme (background and font)
– Basic, not to flashy but still interesting
• Select images and graphics
– Relevant to presentation
– Enhances message
– Adds interest to the slides
• Spice it up (animation, hyperlinks)

8. Rehearse & Refine
• Do not read the presentation
• Practice individually
• Present to a peer and solicit feedback
– Recognize peer’s level of expertise may differ
• Update content and order of slides as needed

9. Deliver
• Arrive early to the presentation
• Ensure all technology is operational
– Test presentation wall, microphones, speakers
– Double check slides
• Introduction
– Introduce the presenters and the material
– Establish the rules (hold or ask questions)
• Stay on schedule
• Be aware of body language
• Break the rules
– Be prepared for the unexpected

10. Conclusion
• For more information
– Shockingly effective presentations
– Competent Speaker Evaluation Sheet