Creating a Presentation
Is It a "Secret Science?"

Creating a presentation is really not a huge secret once you understand the structured process for doing it effectively.  In fact, preparing for a technical presentation is functionally the same as creating the plans for any technical project such as a power plant, a road or airport, a building, or an integrated circuit.

Because we are dedicated to technical presentations, we will break down the process of creating a presentation into logical steps that are easily understood and quickly mastered.  These steps will soon have you preparing technical presentations that, when combined with excellent presentation delivery skills, will have people looking to you as the "in-house expert."  And that translates to respect, recognition, and rewards!

In a nutshell, the structured process follows these steps:

1. Determine presentation type
2. Walk through the GOLD model
3. Evaluate creative presentation ideas within the GOLD model
4. Create the actual presentation
5. Consider any appropriate "extras"

Determining Presentation Type

When creating a presentation, the first step in the process is knowing what type of presentation you will be giving.  This may be as simple as recognizing you are doing a one-on-one presentation to your boss explaining your solution to the project's most pressing problemen all the way up to a virtual presentation to thousands of your "closest friends" around the world.

Because there are so many presentation types and combinations, we've created an entire discussion on the subject; just click here to jump to the in-depth discussion on presentation types.

The GOLD Model

Once you've determined the type of presentation you'll do, you need to create the framework to build that winning presentation. We've found the GOLD model to be a very effective method for defining your key objectives and creating an outline structure for the presentation.

As we mention in "how to MAKE a presentation," the GOLD process is comprised of four distinct steps.  The GOLD Model pages will take you step-by-step through this process.

Creative Presentation Ideas

Having a creative presentation idea can be the key that sets your presentation apart.  Oftentimes, your technical presentation is one of many presentations on the schedule, whether you are delivering your presentation at a national conference or before the local city council.

When this situation occurs, and even when it doesn't, you shoudl strive to make your presentation memorable - and in a good way.  No, we're not talking about delivering your presentation dressed in a clown suit!

What we're talking about is an idea, a theme, or a delivery technique that will create a long-lasting connection between your audience and your presentation's goal(s).  You can find creative presentation ideas by clicking HERE.

Create the Actual Presentation

Of course, the process of creating a presentation must include actually creating the presentation!  There are many things to consider when creating your presentation; these include:

• Where you'll be delivering your presentation
• If you'll deliver in person or via phone or web
• How much time you'll have to make your presentation
• Will you be using visuals, and if so what kind?
• Audience size
• Audience culture (personal, professional, spiritual)
• Room layout (if the audience is large)

In these pages, we'll show you how to appropriately assess and address these considerations as well as others.

Should You "Jazz It Up?"

Have you ever seen a presentation that incorporated the use of music or other audio- visual elements?  Was it effective?

If you've ever thought about incorporating these types of elements into your presentation, we'll explain the considerations before undertaking the effort.  If you determine your presentation would benefit from these "extras," we'll provide you with additional resources that will show you how to successfully "jazz up" your presentation.  It's all available HERE.

At first glance, creating a presentation can seem overwhelming, almost as much as actually standing up and delivering it.  By using the resources we've provided, you'll quickly master the basics and be able to assemble a winning presentation on a moment's notice.

And remember, we're here to help you succeed.  So, if you'd like help creating a presentation, would like to attend one of our regularly-scheduled training courses, or think you would benefit from our personalized one-on-one coaching, please don't hesitate to contact us here and we'll turn you into a technical presentation expert!

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Presentation Preparation

"I always work from an outline, so I know all the of the broad events and some of the finer details before I begin."

  – Mercedes Lackey