Preparation and Planning

Abstract

It is vital, just as in any project or task, to understand at the beginning what you are expected to do prior to beginning the preparation phase. These processes or stages can be categorised under the following seven headings: (1) Choice of subject, (2) Defining the aims, (3) Information gathering, (4) Producing the overall plan or preparing a script to follow, (5) Selection of visual elements, (6) Picking an appropriate title and (7) Practising delivery. The choice of subject is the single most essential stage when preparing a presentation. If the topic is something that the presenter has little interest in or enthusiasm for, it is unlikely that the presentation will hit the right note. It is important to be enthusiastic about the subject you choose, since interest is a powerful motivator to undertake the stages of preparation in a sufficiently thorough way. Lack of interest in a topic is virtually impossible to hide when you come to deliver the presentation. Having reached a decision on the topic to present, the next thing to consider is the best format for the presentation. Presenters may work singly or in groups. The choice of one or several presenters depends on the topic you have chosen. Consider the content you plan to include and think about the optimal way to put the message across. The goal or objective of the presentation should guide your thoughts about how to deliver.