328 / PLANNING TO PRESENT
Planning the structure
Setting out the basics
All presentation structures share three
high-level elements: the introduction or
opening, the body or main content, and
the conclusion or close. Most of your
time will be spent delivering the body,
but don’t underestimate the importance
of opening with an introduction that
captures the audience’s attention, and
tying everything together at the close.
There are many ways to organize your ideas to create an effective and
convincing presentation. Sometimes, the content you need to convey will
fall more naturally into one type of structure rather than another. There
may also be an element of personal preference—you may simply feel
more comfortable with one type of structure than another. But however
you choose to organize, the end result must achieve your communication
goal. In other words, content always dictates form, not vice versa.
Quick and easy storyboarding
Sticky notes are a useful tool when
storyboarding your presentation. Use a
different colored note for each type of
element: for example, blue for a key
message, pink for each proof point
that backs up a message, and orange
for a visual aid. Reposition the notes
to experiment with running order,
the balance between “showing” and
“telling,” and to identify weak sections.
Storyboarding is a method of sequencing
your ideas that can help you decide
how to represent them in a logical
and compelling order when planning
your presentation. It adds a physical
dimension that is especially useful for
organizing and understanding the impact
of a presentation using visual aids.
75%
of the presentation should
be content, 10% should be
introduction, and 15%
should be conclusion
US_328-329_Planning_structure.indd 328 30/05/16 3:05 pm
PLANNING THE STRUCTURE / 329
KEEP IT BALANCED
Your structured content
should fall roughly into these
proportions: 10 percent
introduction, 75 percent
body, and 15 percent
conclusion. Let each section
fulfill its function: don’t
overload the introduction
or bring in new ideas in
the conclusion.
Tip
THE INTRODUCTION
Think of your opening as a promise to the audience. It should tell them
what they are going to hear, and why it is important. This section needs
to get their attention and give them a reason to keep listening.
THE BODY
This is where you deliver on the promise you made in your introduction.
Here you deliver the facts, analysis, explanation, and comment to fill out
your message. Sustain interest by keeping the opening promise in
mind, and making sure every element advances that goal.
THE CONCLUSION
Your close is the “so what?” of your presentation. Remind the audience
of your key points and clearly articulate where they lead, or conclusions
that can be drawn. An effective close demonstrates your conviction
about the action you are suggesting or the position you hold. While you
should spend no more than 15 percent of your presentation time on the
close, remember that it will probably be the section that your audience
remembers most clearly after you have finished. Whatever you want
them to remember, say it now.
US_328-329_Planning_structure.indd 329 30/05/16 3:05 pm
..................Content has been hidden....................
You can't read the all page of ebook, please click here login for view all page.