This document provides guidance on writing effective presentations. It recommends writing for the ear rather than for reading, with a focus on the presenter and live audience. The central message for the audience should be clear. Presentations should have a beginning, middle, and end, telling a story with an introduction, main points, and conclusion. The main points should be powerful, persuasive, positive, and limited to three or fewer. Presentations should appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotion), and ethos (credibility). Visuals should use as few words as possible. The writing should consider the environment, audience, and concise yet interesting delivery of key information and ideas.

1. WRITING FOR
PRESENTATONS &
PRESENTATION SOFTWARE
Writing Across Professions

2. Presentation Writing
Write for:
Live presentation – not for reading
the Presenter – ways to make it a great
presentation
Live Audience
WHAT IS THE CENTRAL POINT? What should
the audience take away?
Elevator Speech

3. Think 3
Write for:
1. Ear
2. Visual Communication
3. Voice

4. Think 3
Beginning – Intro and set up.
Middle – What we are here
for? Tell the story.
End – Wrap Up & Resolution
- Satisfying Conclusion and
Call to Action.

5. Think 3
Powerful – Your story is a
strong story.
Persuasive- Draw the reader
from one point to the next as
you make your case.
Positive- give a good feeling.

6. Think 3
Give 3 Main Points or Less
1. More impactful.
2. Listeners won’t take in anymore.
3. Allows you to fully develop your
messages.

7. Think 3: Logos, Pathos,
Ethos
Aristotle’s modes of persuasion.
Define speaker appeal to an audience.
1. Logos: Logical Appeal
2. Pathos: Emotional Appeal
3. Ethos: Ethical Appeal

8. Logos
I have facts.
I have examples, testimonials and stories.
I tie all the facets of my substantive delivery
together.

9. Pathos
1. I convey the emotional resonance of my
message.
2. I bring a personal warmth to my message
3. I believe in what I am saying.
4. I am dynamic and move people to where I want
them to be.

10. Ethos
I am ethical, reasoned, experienced &
credible.
I am an authority on this subject area.

11. Writing for My Audience
Who is my audience?
What does my audience want/need to hear?
How can my audience think with me though the
presentation? What can I do to engage people in
my ideas?
Visual Appeal
AS FEW WORDS AS POSSIBLE.

12. Writing for the Environment
Setting
Time
Most appropriate visual medium

13. Writing My Presentation
What new info do I have to
share?
What do I need/want to say?
Is there a reason for each
sentence?
Am I remembering who my
audience is?

14. Writing My Presentation
cont.
Am I keeping it interesting?
Am I staying positive?
Am I illustrating my points in the best way
possible?
Are my words concise?
If the audience walks away with one idea, what is
it?

15. Extras
Props
Handouts – Add value - Not the power point!

16. Process
White Board
Post its
Paper outline
Write in power point