So you’ve been asked to give a presentation. Whether it’s in front of your boss, your team, or a room full of strangers, the thought of speaking in front of others can be daunting. But preparing for a presentation doesn’t have to be stressful.
In fact, if you take the time to ask yourself a few important questions beforehand, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a presentation that’s both informative and engaging. Here are questions to ask yourself as you prepare for your next presentation.
43 Questions you can ask yourself when preparing for a presentation:
- What is the purpose of my presentation?
- Who is my audience?
- What does my audience want to know?
- What do I want my audience to remember?
- What is the main point of my presentation?
- What points do I want to hit in my opening section?
- How can I make my presentation more engaging?
- Do any sections of my presentation require special attention?
- How much time do I have for my presentation?
- What examples can I use to illustrate my points?
- Should I use any other visuals besides slides (e.g., props, demonstrations)?
- Are there any statistics or data that will bolster my argument?
- Have I brainstormed alternative ways to present my material?
- What stories can I tell to illustrate my points?
- How can I make complex concepts more understandable for my audience?
- What visuals can I use to support my argument?
- What objections might my audience have to what I’m saying?
- How can I address those objections upfront?
- Have I practiced my presentation enough that I’m comfortable with the material?
- What questions might be asked after my presentation, and how can I prepare for them?
- Am I prepared to deal with unexpected questions or interruptions during my presentation?
- How can I ensure that people are paying attention during my presentation?
- What non-verbal cues am I sending with my body language?
- Is there anything about my appearance that could distract from what I’m saying?
- Have I tested all of the technology I’m using in advance so there are no surprises on presentation day?
- Do I have backup plans in place in case something goes wrong with the technology?
- Is there anything else I need in order to give an effective presentation, such as props or handouts?
- Have I created a clear and concise introduction that will grab people’s attention from the start?
- Do I have a strong closing that will leave people thinking about what they’ve heard long after the presentation is over?
- What should I wear to give my presentation?
- How can I project confidence without coming across as arrogant?
- What type of presentation should I give? (e.g., speech, PowerPoint, demonstration)
- What is the best structure for my presentation? (e.g., introduction-body-conclusion, problem-solution)
- What are some ways to make my presentation more visually appealing?
- How can I use nonverbal communication to enhance my presentation?
- What are some common pitfalls to avoid when giving a presentation?
- How can I make sure I don’t go over the allotted time for my presentation?
- How can I practice giving my presentation before the actual event?
- What should I do if I’m feeling nervous before my presentation?
- What are the key points I want to make?
- How can I make sure my presentation flows smoothly?
- Are there any potential distractions that I need to account for?
- What should I do if I’m asked a question that I don’t know the answer to?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you introduce yourself in a presentation?
When introducing yourself in a presentation, be brief and to the point. Start by stating your name and what you do. If you have any slides or other visual aids, briefly introduce those as well. Be sure to emphasize what you want to talk about in your presentation so your audience knows what to expect. Thank your audience for their time and conclude your introduction.
How to reduce filler words in a presentation?
Filler words are unnecessary words that often slow down a presentation. You can avoid them by being more concise and eliminating any extra words.
Some ways to be more concise include using active verbs, precise wording, and using fewer adjectives. Filler words can also be reduced by speaking more slowly and clearly. Pausing after each sentence can also help ensure that the audience is following along.
Can you use humor and, if so, what would be considered appropriate?
Humor can be used in presentations, but it is important to use it sparingly and to make sure it is appropriate for the audience. Some topics are inherently funny, such as making fun of yourself, while others are not as appropriate for humor. Jokes about current events or controversial topics can easily fall flat, so it is best to avoid them.
Anecdotes and stories about personal experiences, on the other hand, can often be funny and relatable without being offensive. In general, it is best to play it safe and not use humor that could potentially offend someone.
Conclusion
Preparing for a presentation can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! By asking yourself these questions, you can focus your thoughts, hone your message, and ensure that you deliver a compelling presentation that your audience won’t want to miss.
