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4 P's to PowerPoint Presentations

A successful presentation is a work of art. It takes not only the technical know-how, but also time and determination to make sure your point comes across with power and clarity to your audience. Always remember, you are the living aspect of the presentation, without you it’s just another commercial.

The Four P’s of Presenting


  1. Plan
  2. Target your audience’s:

    • Knowledge
    • Experience
    • Needs
    • Goals

    Define the purpose of your presentation based on the outcome you seek.

    • Inform
    • Persuade
    • Motivate
    • Sell
    • Teach
    • Train

  3. Prepare
  4. Establish a positive mindset

    • Value your message
    • Visualize yourself succeeding
    • Visualize your audience responding
    • Give yourself pep talks

    Prepare an attention-getting opening

    • Use a question related to audience need
    • Pay a sincere compliment
    • Relate a relevant incident

    Illustrate and support key points with evidences and visuals

    • Statistics
    • Pictures
    • Demonstrations
    • Charts & Graphs

    Develop transitions or bridges between key points. (theme continuity)

    Storyboard your presentation, before computerizing it.

    Prepare a memorable close to the presentation.

    Build your confidence through the three E’s of preparation

    • Earned--Why you earned the right to deliver this presentation?
    • Excited--Why are you excited about the subject?
    • Eager--Why are you eager to share with your audience?

    Preview presentation visuals for:

    • Clarity
    • Relevancy
    • Visual appeal
    • Readability

  5. Practice
  6. Before an audience, friend, or video camera, practice and review your presentation. Look for the following:

    • Strong opening
    • Clear key points
    • Logical flow and sequence
    • Credible evidence
    • Memorable close
    • Distracting mannerisms
    • Proper timing
    • Intended results

  7. Present
  8. Assume the attitude of a PRO in delivering presentations

    • Privilege
    • Responsibility
    • Opportunity

    Rely on the fundamentals:

    • Own your subject
    • Feel positive about your presentation
    • Project to your audience the value of your message

    Key points to remember when presenting:

    • Project your voice (turn up the volume)
    • Be well groomed
    • Be relaxed (breathe, you’re not in a race)
    • Display poised, confident body language
    • Keep eye-contact with audience (scanning)
    • Show passion for subject
    • Do not read from screen or notes (small note cards, if any)
    • Involve your audience
    • Be enthusiastic and upbeat
    • Use vivid words

    Once you complete your presentation, reflect on the process:

    • Measure the success
    • Identify strengths and areas for improvement
    • Decide on how to improve presentation

    The Plan, Prepare, Practice, and Present cycle repeats.