How to Prepare Presentations

Here’s some advice on preparing for your presentation, starting 10 days in advance:

Day 10 — Work on maps. Rehearse. Tackle Logistics. Vocalize.
Verbal “maps” guide your listeners and make your ideas more memorable, for example: “We’ll talk about three things today,” and then mention those three items. Research quotes, anecdotes, and stories to enliven your talk. Start rehearsing. Organize your thoughts for the ear instead of the eye. Gain a “feel” for your facts.Tackle logistics. Arrange to have visuals created, order equipment, and reserve a conference room for the day of the presentation and two days before. Vocalize. Do 20 minutes of daily vocal exercise so you’re talking louder and longer. Sing in your car. Read books aloud that make it fun to change pitch, volume, and pace. Do breathing exercises.

Day 8 — Get a haircut and go to the cleaners.
Pick out the appropriate attire including accessories-aim for the simple and elegant. Check your clothes for tears, frays, loose or missing buttons, and spots before and after the cleaners.

Day 6 — Hydrate.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water each day to help you feel and look your best. Cut down on caffeine and alcohol — better yet, avoid them.

Day 2 — Dress rehearse.
Pretend it’s the real thing. You’ve reserved the conference room so get comfortable with your surroundings and eliminate any problems that could undermine your success. Use a video camera to assure objective feedback. Confirm logistical arrangements. Rest. Get eight hours of sleep. You’ll look and feel more like a winner when it really counts.

Day 1 — Don’t push your voice.
Do your vocal exercises, but keep all other utterances — especially loud ones — to a minimum.

The BIG Day — Squash surprises.
Check the room early. Count the chairs, flip on the machines, etc. Carry phone numbers of anyone you may need to call today — catering, maintenance, audiovisual, etc. Stay serene. Avoid anything with caffeine — coffee, soda, chocolate, medicines, etc. Don’t drink extra fluids (for obvious reasons). Warm up. To gently prepare your voice, take five deep breaths from the belly. Then, hum a little. Take a short, brisk walk. Swing your arms to loosen your muscles; they’ll move more freely when you gesture. Think winning thoughts. Welcome the inevitable rush of energy when you’re introduced. It’s a sign that you’ve entered the zone you’ve been working toward — the zone of peak performance.

SOURCE: Executive Communications Group, Englewood, NJ, January 28, 1999.