Introductions can make you very nervous. You are much more likely to walk into a board meeting with confidence if your writing and graphics are compelling. Take the time to carefully compose your story, to practice, and to put together a slideshow that will impress your audience. Fortunately, there are many modern tools and programs that provide good presentation templates.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Write a presentation
Step 1. Create an outline before you start writing
Follow the traditional outline of introduction, evidence, perception and conclusion. Imagine that you write a story and that you need to map the plot.
Step 2. Use the rule of three
Structure your report to respond to three aspects of the issue you are raising or to answer three questions, such as "what," "why," and "how." The human mind is set up to respond positively to three things on a list or in a presentation.
Step 3. Tell a story or ask a question to get the audience to immediately reflect
This measure will help conjure up a mental image and get your audience to think critically about what you are saying.
Step 4. Find the most compelling information
Try to strike a balance, and then tell the audience why the information is important in each of the three sections. Remember, most of the information can be displayed with visual aids, so don't go overboard with the report.
Step 5. Ask the audience questions
Instead of telling her about the trends you see in the information, challenge her to find out what the trends tell the company. Develop interaction in your presentation to avoid boring lectures.
Step 6. Match your vocabulary and tone to the audience
Adapt the wording depending on each audience you have. Research your audience so that you can better customize the presentation according to their needs.
Step 7. Make sure the presentation flows well
Practice in front of a colleague or friend so that you can ask them what they can take away from the presentation.
Step 8. Explain how the presentation or proposal adds value to the person's life
The audience can only leave with this impression.
Step 9. Try to keep the presentation short and interesting
A short presentation is likely to be more memorable. If your presentation is longer than 30 minutes, you should consider cutting it down or breaking it down into multiple chapters.
Part 2 of 3: Create Visual Aids
Step 1. Choose the platform strategically
If you don't have a projection screen or are outdoors in bright sunlight, a PowerPoint will not be the best way to present the information. PowerPoint presentations are the benchmark in the business world; however, you may be able to use a laptop, projector, or even cell phones to make sure you reach the audience.
Step 2. Select a template that suits your audience
There is little reason to design your own template when there are so many slide show programs that give you compelling templates to choose from.
Step 3. Choose a consistent design
Congruence allows the listener to perceive the information, rather than the way it is presented. Don't change the colors, font, or structure unnecessarily.
Step 4. Avoid excessive use of text on the slides
Use the blank space to focus the audience's attention on the particular information.
Step 5. Use graphs, charts, and other visual tools, instead of bulleted lists when possible
Your speech will provide insight, so present the information in the most direct way.
Step 6. Try to use infographics
This is a chart or graph that incorporates pictures with information and words to form a coherent and highly engaging story. You may need to use an infographic service or hire a graphic designer.
Step 7. Use photos that are relevant
In no way use existing images. Any way of linking the company to emotional images will create a better response.
Step 8. Focus on the slides rather than the music or transitions
These things can detract from a presentation rather than add to it. Generally, a fringe-free approach is best.
Step 9. Check your graphics
Get someone to review them. Both typos and incorrect information will make you look bad.
Part 3 of 3: Using Presentation Tools
Step 1. Choose a slideshow program
PowerPoint is best if you are in a Windows office and need to share your presentation with other people. Keynote is best in an Apple environment.
There are many more web-based services that you can use to develop your presentation. Some of these allow you to make and edit your presentation from a tablet or phone
Step 2. Make the slide show into a movie
If you want to be able to view the presentation at any time, post it online for easy access. Use features like Apple Airplay to embed a YouTube video on an Apple computer.
Step 3. Consider using a web-based application if you plan to publish your presentation on the web in any way
Services like Knovio allow you to add narration so that your presentation can be published in its entirety.
Step 4. Try a canvas-based presentation maker like Prezi
The latest presentation service allows you to use a more natural, story-like flow so your presentation looks like navigating a web page rather than going from slide to slide.
Step 5. Post the presentation (with narration) on Slideshare or a similar web page
You will reach more people and the presentation can go viral. Make sure you have the permission of the company before doing so.
Step 6. Share the Slideshare or movie link on social media
If you want a more extensive reach, then you can share a good presentation using Facebook, Twitter, and other means.