Presentation Writing & Creation

You’ve been asked to give a presentation. How you feel about this likely falls into one of the following categories:

  1. You’re passionate about the topic and confident in your speaking abilities. You’re excited for the opportunity.
  2. You worry that your presentation style might be dull and unengaging. You’re not looking forward to it.
  3. The idea makes you nervous, or even terrified. You’d prefer a root canal to public speaking.

If you find yourself in the second or third category, know that you’re not alone. It’s often said that public speaking is feared more than death.

Mark Twain humorously captured this sentiment: “There are two types of speakers: those who are nervous and liars.”

No matter how you feel about presenting, this comprehensive guide from  The Essay Gurus is authentic and reliable and and will help you through planning, writing, and delivering a presentation you can be proud of, even via Zoom.

Contents

  • Jump to the section you need most, follow the guide methodically, or bookmark for future use.

What is a presentation?

A presentation is essentially a story, a tradition dating back to our ancestors who shared wisdom around campfires—without PowerPoint! Today, presentations range from the glamour of the Oscars to business briefings, in person or online. We’ll focus on the business context.

A presentation involves drama. Unlike a report, it’s a live event where the speaker aims to explain, persuade, or inspire. Good presentations leverage this dynamic to tell a compelling story.

Remember: Everyone wants you to succeed

Audiences generally approach presentations positively, wanting to be engaged and to learn. They hope for a good experience and want you to do well.

Preparing a presentation

  1. Getting started Imagine you’re an automotive designer tasked with presenting the future of cars and their integration with other transport modes. Start by focusing on people, not just cars. Root your talk in shared experiences to engage your audience from the beginning.
  2. Understand your audience Who are they? Why are you speaking to them? What do you want to convey? Clear answers to these questions will guide your preparation and ensure your presentation is focused and relevant.
  3. Define your objective What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s to explain, persuade, or inspire, your goal will shape your approach.
  4. Gather your content Use a mind map to brainstorm all relevant information, then refine your content to ensure clarity and relevance. Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much detail; focus on key ideas and conclusions.

Structuring your presentation

Your structure depends on your aim:

  1. Explain Build knowledge logically, starting with familiar concepts and gradually introducing new information. Use linking comments to maintain flow.
  2. Persuade Follow the Four Ps structure: Position (current situation), Problem (why change is needed), Possibilities (potential solutions), and Proposal (recommended solution).
  3. Inspire Use a structure that acknowledges current challenges and offers a compelling vision of the future. Engage your audience emotionally and intellectually.

Writing your presentation script

  1. To script or not to script Decide based on the importance of the presentation and your preference. A full script can clarify your thoughts and ensure precise timing but isn’t always necessary.
  2. Be concise Write clearly and delete anything that doesn’t add to your story. Focus on what the audience needs to hear, not what you want to say.
  3. Conversational tone Use natural, inclusive language. Practice speaking your script aloud to ensure it sounds authentic and engaging.

Starting your presentation

Your opening should grab attention. Consider using:

  • News
  • Anecdote
  • Surprise
  • Historical context

Quickly reassure your audience by outlining your talk and signaling you’re in control.

Ending your presentation

Conclude with a strong message:

  • Predict the future
  • Use a relevant quotation
  • Highlight a major issue
  • Summarize your key points

A well-learned ending delivered directly to the audience can leave a lasting impact.

Creating PowerPoint slides

  1. Need for slides Determine if slides add value to your presentation. If so, keep them simple and relevant.
  2. Design tips
    • Limit each slide to one key idea.
    • Use minimal text and avoid full sentences.
    • Utilize visuals effectively and ensure they support your message.
    • Use appropriate colors and fonts.

Delivering your presentation

  1. Rehearse Practice out loud to catch weak points and improve transitions. Rehearsing boosts confidence and ensures familiarity with your content.
  2. Engage your audience Make eye contact and include everyone in the room. Handle mistakes gracefully and keep the presentation fresh and engaging.

Presenting online

  1. Stay connected Use your webcam to maintain eye contact and engage your audience. Keep your presentation sharp and concise, and consider making it interactive.
  2. Technical setup Ensure your environment is well-prepared: tidy background, good lighting, and minimal noise. Practice with your tech setup to avoid glitches.
  3. Professional tips
    • Dress appropriately
    • Log in early and check your tech
    • Consider standing up to present
    • Trust in your content and maintain focus on your message and audience.

With these guidelines, you’ll be ready to deliver an effective, engaging presentation. Good luck!

However, if you still don’t feel confident at The Essay Gurus we have authentic and reliable writers and creators of PPTs, often with presenter notes and comments, per your needs!