Five Points to Making Presentations

There are five main points to consider when developing and presenting a good presentation (Walker, 2011, p. 157). The first point is planning and organization. Walker (2011) tells us Steven Jobs of Apple Computer is successful at oral presentations because he “understands the channel and treats a presentation as an event” (p. 158). I have never thought about presentations in this way, but it makes sense.

When planning a presentation the speaker must keep the presentation simple, and create interest. To do this the spokesperson should use stories that relate to the topic. The speaker should not use boring words, but use words that are spirited so the listener does not lose interest (Walker, 2011, p. 159).

While planning the speaker must select a proper structure to delivery their message. According to Walker (2011), there are six forms of structure: Old information before the new, chronology, spatially, from general to particular, by problem and solution, by cause and effect, and by comparison and contrast (Walker, 2011, p. 159).

The second point in developing and presenting a good presentation is “developing the presentation” (Walker, 2011, p. 170). This point involves creating a beginning, middle, and ending to the presentation. The beginning tells the audience the objective of the presentation, stresses what the audience will learn after the presentation, and will invite the audience to ask the presenter questions (Walker, 2011, p. 162).

According to Walker (2011), the middle of a presentation must “connect the dots” (p. 163). This means having a flow to the presentation that is easy to follow so that the audience does not have to think to understand the presentation.

The end of a presentation is the summary. It is considered important to have a good ending because it is the last thing the audience will hear, and most likely to remember. Walker (2010, p. 164) states that “in some persuasive situations, it may also be appropriate to conclude with a call to action.” I believe every ending should include a call to action. A call to action could be to visit a website, or email me for more information.

To “connect the dots” (Walker, 2011, p. 163) the presenter must let their audience know what is coming next, and then tell them. This is called forecasting. The presenter must use transitions that take the audience from one topic to another. Transitioning is relating individual topics of the presentation to the overall message (Walker, 2011, p. 163).

The third point to consider when developing a presentation is the creation, or use of visual aids. Graphs, graphics, tables, handouts, video, audio, and PowerPoint’s can speak volumes about the presenter. The more professional the visual aids, the more professional the speaker will appear (Walker, 2011, p. 164-170).

The fourth main point in developing and presenting a good presentation is to practice the presentation. Practice allows the speaker to know the subject, improve on articulation, and develop body movement (Walker, 2011, p. 170-173).

The fifth and final point in developing and presenting a good presentation is giving the presentation. This includes dressing appropriately, and to be prepared for “questions-and-answers" after the presentation (Walker, 2011, p. 175). Walker (2011, p. 176) writes about “reducing presentation anxiety." I will add that the speaker must understand they will have anxiety, and it is normal. I believe if the speaker accepts this fact, the fear they feel while giving their presentation will help avoid paralysis.
Walker, R. (2011). Strategic Management Communication for Leaders. (2nd ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.