Encyclopedia of Leadership

HOW TO USE THIS LEADERSHIP TOOL

“A retired four-star general used the following story when he began [his presentation].

‘When I first began to give speeches, my wife would tell me to make it interesting. Later,

when I was more experienced, she would tell me to ... keep it short. Now that I’m at

the pinnacle of my career, she tells me to pull in my gut.’”

—Daria Price Bowman, PRESENTATIONS

Making presentations can be a challenge, but this is one skill anyone can learn to do well with

some planning, coaching, and practice. Here is a presentation planner that will help you get

started. If the presentation you are planning is important, get feedback on your plan and prac-

tice the presentation with a coach.

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282 SECTION 9 TOOLS FORLEADING ANDINFLUENCINGOTHERS

Step ❻

Presentation

Close

➠Summarize your key points.

➠Ask for action.

➠Get improvement feedback as soon as possible, while the presentation is fresh in your mind.

Know What You Want to Achieve

Write out the goal, objective, or desired result of your presentation in this form:

At the end of my presentation, I want others to know and do these things ...

[☛2.7 Goal Statements]

Know Your Audience (or participants if you want participation).

Who are they? How many?

[☛5.7 Stakeholder Groups]

What do they already know?

How are they likely to receive your presentation? Can you anticipate their concerns and questions?

Are you expecting them to participate?

Answer this question from the participants’ viewpoint: “What’s in it for me?”

The Opening—The Hook

How will you open the presentation to capture interest?