Page 8 - Leadership Basics 6

Purpose

First of all you must be clear about what the purpose is for you. Is it to sell an idea to a group of
colleagues or to simply inform them about a new procedure? The purposes of presentations gener‐
ally fall into two categories: to inform or to persuade. The purpose will obviously affect the delivery.

If the objective is to inform this implies that the information must be received accurately and with
understanding. You may be able to check whether you have achieved this by opening up the

discussion and using questions to ascertain the level of understanding. If the objective is to
persuade, you have to devise appropriate strategies to test whether you have gained the
commitment you require. You may, for example, ask direct questions to ascertain the level of
agreement or commitment.

 Ascertain the purpose.

 Set objectives.

 Specify intended outcomes in the form
of statements.

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