This is the second in a seven-part series of articles on presentation skills designed for persons who don't make or supplement their living from professional speaking.

Part 2 of 7: Four components of an effective presentation…
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

According to Joan Detz, author of How to Write & Give a Speech, "A good speech is the single most effective marketing and public relations tool any organization can have."

Whether you work in sales or management, are self-employed, or work in a large corporation, nothing is more fundamentally important to your career success (and that of your organization) than your ability to communicate effectively. By being able to make effective, informative and entertaining presentations, you can significantly enhance your career development, whether that career is in sales or climbing the corporate ladder.

Unfortunately, of the estimated 8 BILLION presentations given annually in the U.S. alone, most are "tornado" presentations. Just what are "tornado" presentations? Simple...like real tornadoes, they're a concentrated gust of wind that sucks! And, like real tornadoes, most aren't planned...they just happen.

Making an effective presentation involves four key components:

• The Situation-determining the purpose, occasion, and environment in which your presentation will be made.
• The Audience-identifying (and creating where necessary) the needs and expectations of your audience, then exceeding those expectations (usually to their surprise).
• The Speaker-understanding, controlling and conquering your fears and developing a unique presentation style.
• The Presentation-planning, preparing and delivering a dynamite presentation.

Let's tackle each of these components, one at a time, starting with The Situation…

Copyright 1999-2000 by William C. Wilson, Jr.
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