Creating the Presentation outline

A general format for a presentation would include an introduction, body and conclusion. Based on the purpose of your presentation, you could make suitable changes.

Before you get to the introduction think of the purpose of the presentation. Is it to provide information, to persuade a client or to commemorate an occasion?

Next  consider  what  is the  central idea  that you are going  to address, follow this  with a suitable  title  that  will provide hints  to the  topic  of the presentation.

Introduction: Psychologists have  said that the  first  and  last  30  seconds  of your  presentation make the  most  impact. So your introduction should be such that it grabs the audience’s attention. You could start with a quote or an anecdote, a question, a story perhaps that draws in the audience right away.

Include the central idea so that the audience knows what to expect in the course of the presentation. Your  introduction should  convince them  to keep listening , establish  your ability  to  speak and  see what they  can gain from this  presentation. Preview the main points of your presentation and gently transition into the body.

The introduction should cover the following

  • Your introduction
  • The title or subject      of  the  presentation
  • Your  approach to the  topic
  • What is the  expected outcome – provide  information,  generate discussion
  • Your  expectation of the  audience( take notes, ask questions)

Body: The body is made up of main points and sub points to support them. Typically a presentation should not have more than 4 to five main points. Sub points for each main point could be two or three based on the requirement. The sub points or supporting points help the audience to understand and agree with the main points. Structuring it in this manner gives  a logical  flow  to the  presentation.  At  every stage  when you  are moving  from  one  main point  to the  other ensure that the  transition is  completed.

Conclusion: At  this  point you  aim  to wrap up the  presentation, summarize the main points and  provide key  takeaways  for the  audience. It is important to restate the central idea and provide appropriate closure.

 

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