HOW TO MAKE EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS Can there be a more terrifying

HOW TO MAKE
EFFECTIVE
PRESENTATIONS
Can there be a more terrifying
subject to make a presentation
on????
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I mean presentations are boring to
start with!
How to make presentations might
be twice as boring!!
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HELP!
No turning back now
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Smart Solutions Group
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Economic Development consulting firm specializing in the
business of economic development … sample services:
• Strategic business planning
• Branding, positioning and messaging development
• Marketing planning and implementation
• Organizational development
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Past five years, worked with over 225 economic development
organizations — Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma
… including numerous regional economic development
organizations
Irv Jensen
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30+ years in research, advertising, direct marketing, public
relations, strategic planning and brand development
Clients ranged from Fortune 500 to sole-proprietors
Conservative estimate – over 1,000 presentations
Presented to over 2,000 and to one person.
From Hand-Written Poster Board, to 35mm slides, to Overhead
Projectors, to PowerPoint and Webinars.
Some really great.
Some stinkers.
Some laughable.
Some just made me weep.
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The Presentation
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Oral
Written
Grants
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Persuasive
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The Basics
The 4P’s whether Oral or Written
Planning
Preparation
Practice
Presentation
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Planning
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Know your subject matter
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Seem obvious, but many times we are called on to talk
or present something we do not know very well.
Do you homework or enlist the aid of others who know
the subject.
Don’t fake it…your audience will know.
Know your audience
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Whether verbal or written, who are you talking to?
What are their key issues, concerns, expected
outcomes of your presentation.
Preparation
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Develop a theme
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Outline your approach
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Select proper visual aids
Graphs, charts, pictures, logos, etc. all
can help make or break a point.
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• Your overall point of view
• Key points
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Practice
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Know your limits
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Now, Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse
• Can’t tell a joke…don’t try
• Not good with numbers…don’t use them
• Find ways to present from your strengths
• Practice or read your presentation
• Step away from it
• Review again…if possible ask others to
review
Presentation
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Before you step to the podium or drop it
in the mail
• Final check of the details
• Did you answer the questions/address the key
•
•
issues?
Does your presentation reflect a clear point of
view
Does it represent what you envisioned when
you started?
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PLANNING SHEET FOR A
PRESENTATION
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Why a Presentation?
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What is the subject of the presentation?
Who will see/read the presentation?
What is the overall theme or take away of the presentation?
What is the deadline date of the presentation?
Are you comfortable you can answer or address the issues
in the presentation?
Statement of the Issue
Desired Response/Action
Summary/Conclusion/Recommendations
Additional Information to Further Understanding
PowerPoint Presentations
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Create a consistent and simple design
template.
Limit the number of words on each screen.
Avoid putting words in all CAPITAL LETTERS.
Avoid the use of flashy transitions such as text
fly-ins.
Don’t overuse of special effects such as
animation and sounds.
Use quality images that reinforce/complement
your message.
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PowerPoint Presentations
Only "build" screens when necessary to make
your point.
Limit the number of slides. A good rule is one
slide per minute.
Know how to and practice moving forward
AND backward.
Have a Plan B for technical difficulties.
Practice with someone.
Do not read from your slides.
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Grants – A Brief Overview
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Read the Instructions
Start with a Summary Statement
Organize your Information as instructed
or logically.
• Your organization
• Mission, History, Constituency, Achievements
• Programs/Services related to Grant
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Grants – Problem/Need
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This section answers the “Why” your
organization should get grant.
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Don’t assume they know much about the subject area.
Answer why this subject is important.
Describe your need in both factual and human interest
terms .
Be as local as possible.
Describe the problem/issue as same size as solution.
Grants – Work Plan/Activities
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How will you address the problem/issue?
What are your goals?
• Who is the target audience?
• What are you going to do?
• What planning has already be done?
• Who will do the work?
• When and where will it take place?
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Grants – Outcomes/Impact
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What will change about the
situation/problem as a result of your
project?
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Impact can be difficult to measure. Do
your best to describe the outcomes you
desire.
Grants - Evaluation
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How will you know whether you have
achieved your desired impacts?
How will/could future efforts be funded?
Do you have a long-term vision for the
project?
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Grants - Budgets
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Expenses
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Income
• Personnel
• Direct Project Expenses
• Administrative Overhead Expenses
• Contributed Income
• In kind
• Committed/Received
Final Thoughts
Clarity
If you can't summarize it in 2-3 sentences, you’re not ready to write.
Strive to communicate, not to impress
If you try to baffle them with your brilliance, you'll lose ground.
Error Free
It takes a fresh eye to spot the typos.
Be Politically Correct
Avoid language that can be construed as offensive to any group.
Write for Global Audiences
Even local business have joint ventures with international companies.
Jargon Free
Make sure they understand what you are talking about.
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Questions?
P.O. Box 65751
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515.267.0674
[email protected]
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