What is the first thing people should remember if they want to make a good presentation?

W: Good morning. This is ABC Radio Station and I am Lorna Danforth. It’s 11:00 a. m. local time. Today, in our program, we have Mr. Horn as our guest, giving us suggestions on making presentations. Good morning, Mr. Horn.
M: Good morning, Lorna.
W: Mr. Horn, you are an expert on guiding people to speak in public. When it comes to presentation, what should people first know about it?
M: (1) The first thing people must bear in mind is not about skills, but about attitude. Just remember a great presentation does not just happen. It is planned, rehearsed and then delivered. A good presenter is one who learns the skills of presentations—not one who hopes for talent to carry them.
W: So public speaking is a set of skills not a talent. You can be a good presenter if you learn the skills.
M: Yes. I always say that great presenters start as poor speakers—then they get better.
W: A good thing to hear. At least we see some hope.
M: There is always hope. But just hope itself doesn’t make you a good public speaker. There are still a lot of things to do?
W: What are they?
M: We can put them into three categories, before the presentation, during the presentation and after the presentation.
W: First, before the presentation. What shall people do to prepare the presentation?
M: (2) An important question for you to review is "Why am I delivering this presentation?" You must be clear on the purpose of your speech before you can write it. If you start by knowing what you want to happen then you will begin to create an effective speech.
W: I guess "My boss makes me do it." won’t be a good answer to this question.
M: Definitely not a good one. Now that you know the purpose, next to decide is the structure. There are many presentation structures that you can choose from. Scientific method, Q& A structure, etc. Pick one that suits your purpose best.
W: What is the next? After choosing the structure?
M: Do the research, compose your presentation and remember your speech. (3) I want to stress the point of remembering your speech. The best public speakers do not memorize their presentation. Instead, know your topic and the issues. Then make notes for yourself. But don’t read your speech. Notes are just there to help you remember.
W: Now we should deliver?
M: Yes. But after times of rehearsal.
W: What shall we pay attention to while giving the presentation?
M: Eye contact. Talk directly to people. The best presentation is delivered as a conversation to every person in your audience one person at a time. If you want to be believed talk to every individual— looking him or her in the eye.
W: OK. Eye contact. Probably proper body language?
M: Yes. You are right. (4) Start your presentation on time and finish on time. If you start all your meetings and presentations on time people will learn to show up on time. Do not repeat yourself for latecomers. Finish on time—even if it means leaving something out. For that reason, always get your important message out early. Position a small clock where you can see it so you know where you are in your presentation.
W: I see. Punctuality is always valued in our society.
M: Yes. Apart from body language and punctuality, speakers should know how to make good use of equipment and technology. If you are using a computer projector and PowerPoint in your presentation then avoid the mistakes committed by many presenters. Ensure that your slides enhance your points.
W: Have you seen presentation ruined by poor PPT designing?
M: Yes. Many. Just remember, technology is a tool, not a master. (5) Then, after the presentation, there is usually a Q & A session. Don’t make the mistake of delivering and finishing a spectacular speech then opening to questions. Instead before you finish your speech, announce that you will take questions for some minutes. Then close off the questions and finish with your closing statement.
W: At the beginning of our program, you mentioned something like after the presentation. What should people do after delivering the presentation?
M: Review your presentation and grow. Ask a trusted friend to attend your presentation and give you constructive feedback. Also look at where you might still improve your skills. And plan to work on this before your next presentation. The fastest way to improve your presentation skills is to review every presentation you delivered. What worked well? What could you change?
W: Thank you, Mr. Horn. We need to wind up our today’s program now. Is there anything you can say to encourage our listeners?
M: Public speaking is a set of skills. It is not about talent. It is a set of techniques practiced, rehearsed and delivered. You will never deliver the perfect speech. But you might deliver a powerful and effective speech. The skill of public speaking is both an art and a science. The more you learn and practice the science the easier the art will work for you. You can be a powerful and skillful presenter. But it will take time, practice and energy. And those are the elements of greatness.
W: Thank you, again, Mr. Horn, for coming here. Good bye.
M: My pleasure. Good bye.