referring to the report. This may switch people’s attention
from what you are saying. Use visual aids, preferably a flip
chart, to emphasize the main points. But don’t overdo them –
it is possible to be too slick. The audience will be convinced
by you, not by your elegant visual aids.- Make sure your opening secures people’s attention. They
must be immediately interested in your presentation. Begin
by outlining your plan, its benefits and its costs, and let the
audience know how you are going to develop your case. - Bring out the disadvantages and the alternative courses of
action so that you are not suspected of concealing or missing
something. - Avoid being drawn into too much detail. Be succinct and to
the point. - An emphatic summing up is imperative. It should convey
with complete clarity what you want the board, committee
or individual to do.
The effectiveness of your presentation will be largely dependent
on how well you have prepared – not only putting your facts,
figures and arguments clearly down on paper but also deciding
what you are going to say at the meeting and how you are going
to say it. The more important the case, the more carefully you
should rehearse the presentation.
Checklist
- Do you know exactly what you want?
- Do you really believe in your case?
- Have you obtained and checked all the facts that support
your case? - What are the strongest arguments for your case?
- Why must the present situation be changed?
- Who else will be affected? Unions, other divisions or depart-
ments? - What are the arguments against your plan?
- What alternatives are there to your plan?
- To whom are you presenting your plan? Have you done any
lobbying? - Have you discussed the finances with the experts?
- Do you know who are your probable allies and who are
likely to be your opponents?
104 How to be an Even Better Manager