Presenting an Idea by Ron Newman

Presenting an Idea

Whether you are presenting an idea in a paper (text) or in a visual presentation the principles for the presentation are always the same. The hierarchy of information and the clarity of the evidence is always important.

Understanding the purpose and target of the presentation is also important to its success.

The purpose of your business presentation

To achieve clarity and precision in the ultimate message, (the idea) which you wish to convey in your presentation.

- The message (the idea) needs to become the spirit, the core, of your presentation.

- it is the umbrella or focus under which everything else must sit.

Step 1 - Target Audience - the who

Who is the target Audience; and what is their role? Always understand the people and organisation you are presenting to:

- primary target – who are the decision maker/s

- secondary target – who are the key influencers

Step 1 - Target Audience - the who continuedWhat do we know about the target audience? What are:

- their objectives or expectations from the presentation/idea if any

- their knowledge of and attitude to your subject/topic

- their feelings about you and/or your organisation

- their style/values, particularly the key decision maker/s and influencers

- their decision making criteria and process

* If you wanted further information about the target audience, how would you obtain it?

Step 2 - Action Requirements - the what, how and whenWhat do you want them and/or their organisation to do as a result of the presentation. Knowing this will give effect to your presentation or paper and your idea:

- Buy something (how much, what price, when)

- Sell something (how much, what price, when)

- Change a product or graphic

- Effect a project by providing information

- Change a view or standpoint by providing information

- Initiate change in an organisation, service or product

Step 2 - Action Requirements - the what, how & whenWhat do you want them and/or their organisation to do Today? To give immediate effect to your presentation or paper, to your idea, to:

- Listen and consider your proposals

- Commit to go away and consider them (and get back to you when)

- Invite you back for further discussion (when and where)

- Agree or decide on the spot

It is important to understand and achieve an immediate action plan.

Step 2 - Action Requirements - more of the howBefore delivering the presentation/paper remember to:

- Prepare your material

- Ensure you have high quality visuals and text

- Check the presentation/paper medium required (software/equipment)

- Practice any physical presentation, understand the timing

- Prepare prompt sheets/cards for physical presentations - do not read the presentation

- Rest prior to a physical presentations - be your best

- Consider every aspect of the presentation/paper prior to delivery

Step 3 - The Rationale - the whyFor the presentation of a project idea it is always important to understand what will be the benefit for them (or their organisation)

- Increased profits (how much, when)

- Improved market share (how much, when)

- Enhanced prestige (how much, when)

- Greater communication or product performance and/or reliability

- Enhanced staff participation or morale

Step 4 - The Message

Combine your target audience, action requirements and rationale into a single sentence message or ‘thesis’:

“ by converting the design to plastic and reducing the number of parts required, the

product will be easier to install, service and hence more efficient to run.”

Structuring a presentation

THE PYRAMID

with all you now know about the issues that surround your presentation, my experience

shows that all presentations from a two minute discussion point to a 10,000 word paper, from a one hour physical presentation to a slide show,

they can be reduced to a simple pyramid structure of your information.

Evidence EvidenceEvidence

Subject/Message

Re-Cap Evidence

Introduction Agenda

Restate Message - In Conclusion

Structuring a presentation

Subject/Message

“ by converting the design to plastic and reducing the number of parts required, the product will be easier to

install, service and hence more efficient to run.”

Structuring a presentation – the Pyramid

Introduction

Outline what it is you wish to achieve: the why, the what, the how and the when. Let your audience know what

you plan to achieve.

Structuring a presentation – the Pyramid

Agenda

Let the audience know how you plan to run the presentation, how you plan to layout the information. In

a physical presentation let them know when to ask questions, let them know how long you will it will take! In a ‘sent’ presentation let them know how to respond and

interact.

Structuring a presentation – the Pyramid

Evidence EvidenceEvidence

Structuring a presentation – the Pyramid

Discuss your evidence, the facts on which you base the presentation or that support your idea. Provide your material, your substance. Organise it well into logical

groups/sets and be sure to reference any materials you have used from established sources.

Re-Cap Evidence

Structuring a presentation – the Pyramid

Re-cap summarise the evidence, the facts on which you based the presentation/paper and your idea; reminding the audience briefly of your material, your substance.

Restate Message - In Conclusion

Structuring a presentation – the Pyramid

And finally remind the audience of your message: “ by converting the design to plastic and reducing the

number of parts required, the product will be easier to install, service and hence more efficient to run.” and

conclude . . .

SummaryRemember:

Step 1. Target Audience (the who)

Step 2. Action Requirements (the what, how & when)

Step 3. The Rationale (the why)

Step 4. The Message

An then structuring a presentation - THE PYRAMID. Finally remember the medium of the delivery of the presentation/paper, any required (software/equipment) and practice any physical presentation.

Presenting an Idea by Ron Newman