Page 11 - Leadership Basics 6

Essential Features

There are several features which must be adhered to if the presentation is to meet its objectives.
Some of these are common sense but we often forget them once we start to talk.
Interesting

You alone are responsible for making the presentation interesting. The use of humour and anecdotes
are strategies which may help to achieve this. The closer you can relate what you say to the needs,
wants and experiences of your audience, the more likely you are to gain their attention. By outlining
benefits to them, you are more likely to be interesting. You may for example demonstrate the
inadequacies of their present actions and then show how doing things your way will be productive and
enjoyable.
To the point

It must be clearly focused – to the point. It is easy to meander off course, especially when irrelevant
questions are asked, but this will only serve to hinder the message’s understanding and retention.
Account for Audience’s Understanding
The message must be clearly presented, using short words whenever possible and avoiding the
unnecessary use of jargon. It should account for the audience’s present level of understanding.
Only Essential Information Included

It should be realistic in the time available. Trying to cram too much into too short a space of time will
ensure that little is assimilated. Do not be too ambitious. It is better to have less material than too
much. Not only will your audience possibly retain what you have said but they may also appreciate
finishing a little earlier than planned! Experience shows however that, even when you have
condensed your information, you are unlikely to finish before your time is up.

 Make it interesting.

 Keep to the point.
 Present your material simply and clearly.

 Limit your material to information
which is essential.

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