Lack of preparation is the number one challenge to making a good presentation and we must all learn an effective process of preparation. In my preparation, this process includes the 3-D Outline (describing the What, the Why, and the How) and will cut your preparation time in half!
The 3-D Outline process:
assures an exercise in “mental rehearsal”
“forces” you to link the points of your presentation to the core objectives
assures you that all your points can be covered in the time allowed
helps you apply appropriate media to the various points
With a piece of paper, flip chart, or computer, make five vertical columns entitled #, Time, What, Why, and How (to view the 3-D Outline template, visit www.MrPresentation.com) with horizontal lines forming seven boxes in each column.
The # (sequence of part) is on the left, followed by Time (for each part), What (opening, purpose, points, summary, closing), Why (reason for each part), and How (each part is presented).
Before you start filling in your 3-D Outline, identify the objectives of the presentation, which include:
WHAT will be the actual content?
HOW will the information be presented?
HOW long will it last?
WHY will audience members wish to act when they leave?
As you fill in your 3-D Outline, decide the sequence of your material. Keep your objectives front and center in the “Why” column and be sure that everything you say or do has a good reason to be included. Use the “How” column to show when handouts should be distributed, what slides should be shown, when a group discussion is needed, etc. Attention and buy-in comes by varying your media-and this also forces you to look more closely at how you can get your message across most effectively.
Remember that your Opening (used to set up the topic/agenda and get involvement) and Closing (kept as short, sweet and as emotional as possible) are possibly the most important parts of any presentation. (Note: always put Q&A before Closing.)
That’s it! Use this method and find it will only take you 10 minutes to prepare for you next presentation.
Tony Jeary Mr. Presentation – has conducted hundred of training events worldwide for a variety of clients including DaimlerChrysler, New York Life, Ford Wal-Mart, Sams Club and Texaco. Among his personal coaching clients are Peter Lowe and the president of Ford Motor Company. He is the author of over 10 books on the subject of presentation, including Inspire Any Audience and The Complete Guide to Effective Facilitation. For a free 1 page 10 Steps to Understanding, Building and Making Power Presentations flow chart on the 3-D Outline, and other information on personal coaching and custom presentation workshops, visit our website at http://www.MrPresentation.com, email Tony at tony@hprinc.com, or call 1-877-2-INSPIRE.
