EPSON | Presenters Online : Basics > Delivery > 4 Easy Steps to a Great Presentation

Developing a presentation can be a daunting task. What do you do first? Write down notes, choose a slide template, look for research? Maybe a bit of everything? In general, there are four steps to creating a great presentation and they aren't what many people first consider. In fact, most people delve right into choosing artwork or thinking about the organization without considering the important background questions first.

Step 1 - Background

Before you begin to develop the content of your presentation, you need to know the basics: who you are presenting to, what is the specific topic to cover, what is the format of the presentation, etc. Be sure to look at Giving Your First Public Presentation and Analyzing an Audience to make sure you tailor your presentation to the audience's needs.

Step 2a - Content

Once you have finalized the background information, it's time to develop the "meat" of your presentation. This can be the most important task. Check out: Brainstorming with Sticky Notes and The 4 Key Components of Content.

Step 2b - Visuals

You also need to create effective visual aids that emphasize key content points. Consult The Numbers on Why You Need Visuals if you want to understand the impact of visual aids. Then, go to the Presenter's Online Resources to download a great PowerPoint template or to find some new clip art.

Step 3 - Delivery

Once you have created your presentation, it's time to practice your delivery skills. Be sure to check out: Making Eye Contact with Your Audience, Integrating Movement in Presentations, 6 Tips for Keeping Your Presentation Interesting for quick tips on improving your delivery technique.

Step 4 - Final Presentation

You have finished your presentation, practiced your delivery, and packed up your visual aids. You think you are set to go. BUT, do you remember how to set up the projector and connect your laptop? Have you saved a backup copy of your presentation on disk? Don't let technical difficulties kill an otherwise successful presentation.

The Mobile Presenter's Checklist ensures you have everything you need for your presentation.

Not sure which cable is which? Projector Cables 101 shows you what you need to know.

Get step-by-step information on Connecting Laptops to Projectors and Connecting PowerBooks to Projectors.

Speaking to a large audience? Check out Connecting Projectors to Public Address Systems or External Speakers.