Reversing the ABCs of Preparing a Presentation (Especially for Scientists-- Beneficial to All)

REVERSING THE ABC’S OF PREPARING A

PRESENTATIONESPECIALLY FOR

SCIENTISTSBENEFICIAL TO ALL

Copyrighted 2010. All rights reserved

FROM THE QUALITY

COMMUNICATIONSERIES

ENRICHING YOUR PRESENTATION

SKILLS

Traveling from LA to NY

Traveling from LA to NYWithout a well prepared travel plan, a traveler may meander around without a real destination. Likewise an ill prepared presenter may meander


…around his/her presentation without offering meaningful substance to his/her audience

Without a well prepared travel plan, a traveler may meander around without a real destination. Likewise an ill prepared presenter may meander

Traveling from LA to NYHowever, if you have a firm, definitive destination (conclusion) and…


a distinct starting point (an attention getting opening), you have solved two critical areas in your presentation. And…

However, if you have a firm, definitive destination (conclusion) and…


if you stay on track with a well defined route, much like a well organized, concise, and direct benefits supporting a distinct conclusion…

Traveling from LA to NY…you will have a well defined, meaningful, and credible presentation.

Typical Science OutlineAbstractIntroductionMethodologyResultsDiscussionConclusion

All these items are essential for writing and submitting a report, yet should they all be included in a presentation?


For a presentation, we need only the essential factors. The remaining information and details can be included in a handout.


These items may have some, though limited, real value in a presentation. Again, these can be included in a handout


The results and discussion are the two items of interest in a presentation


The conclusion is essential. Just like the finale in a musi-cal symphony, the presenter should leave the audience with an impressive ending to be remembered

Typical Presentation Outline

Opening

Body

Conclusion

The ABCs of a Presentation

A ttention-Getting Opening

Body

Conclusion

Begin with a quotation, a short personal story, a question, a surprising or interesting comparison (metaphor), or a startling statement



B enefits in Body 3 to 5 points Tell a story

Conclusion

Define 3 (preferred) to 5 main points, tell a story to enhance each point. Focus on the benefits while minimizing statistics, data and specs



B enefits in Body 3 to 5 points Tell a story

C all to Action Conclusion

Identify the one key item which makes your presentation necessary and then identify what action you want the audience to take with them

The ABCs of a Presentation Prep


B enefits in Body3 to 5 pointsTell a story


NOW THAT WE UNDERSTAND THE ABCS OF PREPARING A

PRESENTATION, HOW DO WE REVERSE THE

ABCS?

C. B. A.—A. B. C. in Reverse


Establish your conclusion FIRST. Determine exactly why you are giving your presentation and with what you want to leave your audience.



B enefits in Body3 to 5 pointsTell a story Then add the

benefits and your stories which only support your conclusion



B enefits in Body3 to 5 pointsTell a story


Finally, complete your preparation with an attention-getting opening.

My Call to Action to YouPrepare your presentation using C. B. A. Create your conclusion by Identifying the

one key item which makes your presenta-tion necessary and then identify what action you want the audience to take

Add 3 to 5 points and stories, focusing on the benefits which only supports your conclusion and call to action

Create an attention-getting opening

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Reversing the ABCs of Preparing a Presentation (Especially for Scientists-- Beneficial to All)