presentation talking points

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How to Write Talking Points

Last Updated: September 12, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 323,204 times.

Talking points are often used to prepare for a public speech or an interview. By crafting your own talking points, you can feel more comfortable talking in front of others or answering questions from the media or the public.

Help Writing Talking Points

Structuring Your Talking Points

• You can develop your message by thinking about emotion, or what you want your audience to feel, contrast or how your message is different than the message of others, connection, or why your audience should care about what you are saying, and credibility, or why your audience should believe what you say. [2] X Trustworthy Source United States Department of Justice Official website of the U.S. Department of Justice Go to source
• For example, maybe the main message of your talk is to argue for the creation of after school programs at your child’s school. You may then identify the mission of your speech as: “The mission of my speech is to convince the school board to provide after school programming at my child’s school.”
• If the main message of your interview is to discuss the latest product released by your company, you may write out the mission as: “The mission of my interview is to promote the 2016 release of the lightweight hover board by my company, Hover, Inc.”

• Your talking points should be clear, short, and to the point. Think of your talking points as your elevator pitch, made up of keywords or short sentences.
• Benefits my child’s education, will supply her with educational activities in a controlled, monitored environment.
• Benefits other students at Normandy who need educational guidance and activity once school hours are over.
• Benefits the other parents of students at Normandy High School by providing education and guidance for their children.

• Though it may be tempting to make a long list of examples, try to focus on one to two examples that best illustrate your main point or mission. Most speeches are the most effective when they are short and to the point, especially if you are arguing for a particular position or stance on an issue.
• For example, if you are arguing for after school programs at your child’s school, you may tell a short story about how your child struggles with her math assignments and is looking for tutoring that could be provided through the after school program. You may also use data from a national study on after school programs that show how well students in after school programs do in their academics and in their community as a result of these programs.
• Talking point: Benefits your child's education, gives her support in a controlled, monitored environment.
• Example 1: Story about her math assignments.
• Example 2: National study on after school programs and academics.

Lynn Kirkham

Our Expert Agrees: Use examples that come from your heart, and that feel authentic. The most powerful talking points will speak to your audience and inspire, motivate, or elucidate a point.

• For example, if you are creating possible options or solutions for your argument for more after school programs at your child’s school, you may give one option: introducing an after school program on a trial basis, one to two times a week, with monitoring done by the school for a period of six months. This can act as a test to see how effective the program is for the students at the school.

• To end your talk on after school programs, you may ask your audience to consider signing a petition to support after school programs. You may also ask that the school consider your proposal and respond to you in writing by a set date. This will allow you to hold your audience accountable for any promises made as a result of your talk.

• Supplying your contact information will show that you are committed to your main message or mission and are willing to speak directly to individuals in the audience. This can also allow audience members to contact you directly with any questions or concerns they may have as a result of your talk.

Formatting Your Talking Points

• Main message/mission: The mission of my speech is to convince the school board to provide after school programming at my child’s school.
• Supporting argument: My daughter struggles with her math assignments and has a difficult time socializing with other students. She comes home from school defeated and unmotivated, and as a busy working mother, I do not have the means or the time to support her academically. An after school program could provide math tutoring and the opportunity to interact with other students in a more open, recreational environment.
• Supporting argument: Statistics show that students who attend after school programming score higher on standardized testing and develop stronger social skills with their peers. An after school program can help provide students with the chance to interact in a controlled and monitored environment that is positive and safe.
• Supporting argument: I have spoken with other parents of Normandy students who are working late hours to provide for their families and who are struggling to find childcare and keep their children in a safe, supervised environment. Like me, they are looking for a way to ensure their child stays on track academically and socially.

• Question 1: Who are you and why are we talking today?
• Answer: I am the owner of Hover, Inc. and the purpose of our interview is to discuss the release of the newest hoverboard, Hoverboard 5.0.
• Question 2: Why should consumers buy your product?
• Answer: First, it is the most affordable hover board on the market and is priced for the average consumer. Second, it is incredibly lightweight and ten times faster than other models currently on the market. Third, it has updated safety features to ensure your ride is smooth and safe.
• Question 3: Can you provide an example that shows how useful or enjoyable your product is for consumers?
• Answer: One of our designers has a young son and he gave his son the hoverboard one day to see what he thought of it. His son used the hoverboard in their driveway and showed it off to his friends. Each friend tried the hoverboard in different environments: the driveway, the park, the sidewalk, and even in a football field. At the end of the day, the designer asked his son what he and his friends thought of the hoverboard. His son told him it was the most fun they had ever had together, and that not a single friend was hurt.

• Ask your test audience for feedback on your talking points. Ask them if they felt your main message was clear and if your talking points were well supported by examples or arguments. You should also ensure your call to action is clear and your talking points end on a high note, full of energy and engagement.

• You may want to do this in a mirror so you can look at how you are speaking and how you are carrying your body as you speak. Make sure you use confident, open body language, with eye contact, the use of your hands, and good posture. Run through your talking points several times so you are confident and prepared when you present them to your intended audience.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://vahomeschoolers.org/advocacy/step-by-step/step-5-talking-points
• ↑ http://www.justice.gov/archive/fbci/docs/relations-interviews.pdf
• ↑ https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/different-genres/writing-effective-talking-points

About This Article

The best way to write talking points is to jot down the main message of your talk, then list 2-3 points that support your message, starting with your strongest one. Use short sentences to keep your points concise. Incorporate strong keywords and concrete examples to appeal to your audience’s emotions. End by giving your audience 1-2 tangible ways to address the situation. For ideas to make your talking points as persuasive as possible, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .  

Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.

In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!

These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters. 

No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.

When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:

1. Clear structure

No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.

Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion: 

2. Engaging opening

Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.

3. Relevant content

Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.

4. Effective visual aids

Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.

With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.

5. Clear and concise communication

Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message. 

6. Engaging delivery

Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!

7. Interaction and audience engagement

Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.

Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.

8. Effective storytelling

Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.

A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.

9. Well-timed pacing

Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.

10. Strong conclusion

Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.

In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations . 

Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software . 

Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.

1. Understand the audience and their needs

Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.

Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong. 

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.

Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.

5. Practice, practice and practice

Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.

With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!

In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively . 

Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!

From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.

1. Confidence and positive body language

Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence. 

2. Eye contact with the audience

Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload. 

Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.

6. Utilize humor strategically

Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.

Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.

1. How to start a presentation?

To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.

2. How to end a presentation?

For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.

In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started. 

Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs. 

Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:

Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account. 

Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).

Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations. 

Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!

By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!

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• Jul 8, 2023

How to Make Speech Notes and Talking Points for Your Next Meeting or Presentation

Updated: Jul 9, 2023

Are you preparing for an upcoming meeting or presentation and feeling overwhelmed with organizing your thoughts? We've got you covered. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of creating effective speech notes and talking points that will captivate your audience and deliver your message flawlessly.

One of the crucial aspects of a successful speech or presentation is understanding its purpose and goal. Whether you aim to persuade, inform, or inspire, having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve will help you tailor your messaging to resonate with your audience.

An often overlooked yet incredibly important factor in delivering a compelling speech is the structure and organization of your notes. Well-structured speech notes and talking points allow you to seamlessly guide your audience through your key ideas and main points, ensuring they remain engaged and focused.

Clear and concise messaging is the key to capturing and holding your audience's attention. By using concise language and avoiding unnecessary jargon, you can effectively communicate your ideas and keep your audience interested. The benefits are numerous, from increased retention of information to effective audience engagement.

Ready to make a lasting impression at your next meeting or presentation? Let's dive into the step-by-step method of crafting impactful speech notes and talking points that will elevate your communication skills to new heights.

Preparing for Your Speech/Presentation

Before you step onto the stage or into the meeting room, it's crucial to adequately prepare for your speech or presentation. Taking the time to gather information, understand your audience, and determine your key message will ensure a successful and impactful delivery.

Conducting thorough research on the topic to gather information and data

Begin by delving deep into your chosen topic. Conduct thorough research to gather relevant information and data that will support and strengthen your speech or presentation. Explore reputable sources such as books, articles, research papers, and industry reports to ensure you have a solid understanding of the subject matter.

Identifying and analyzing the target audience and their interests

It's crucial to identify your target audience and understand their interests, needs, and preferences. Analyzing your audience will enable you to tailor your speech or presentation to resonate with them better. Consider demographics, such as age, gender, education level, and professional background, and also try to uncover their potential concerns or questions related to the topic.

Understanding the level of knowledge and familiarity the audience may have with the subject matter

While analyzing your audience, it's equally important to gauge their level of knowledge and familiarity with the subject matter. Are they beginners, intermediates, or experts in the field? This understanding will help you adjust your speech or presentation's complexity and depth, ensuring you strike the right balance to engage and educate your audience effectively.

Determining the key points and messages you want to convey

Before crafting your speech or presentation, determine the key points and messages you want to convey. These are the core ideas and takeaways that you want your audience to remember and act upon. Start with a clear objective and identify the main supporting points that will help you communicate your message effectively.

Organizing Your Speech/Presentation

In order to deliver an effective speech or presentation, it is crucial to organize your content in a structured and coherent manner. Here are some key strategies to help you organize your speech/presentation:

Structuring your speech/presentation with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion

A well-structured speech or presentation starts with a strong introduction that grabs the audience's attention and provides an overview of what will be covered. The body should include the main points or arguments, supported by evidence and examples. Finally, a clear and concise conclusion should summarize the key takeaways and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Developing a compelling opening and closing statement to capture audience attention

The opening statement sets the tone for your speech or presentation. It can be a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, or a powerful anecdote. Similarly, the closing statement should create a memorable ending by summarizing the main points and leaving the audience with a call to action or a thought-provoking idea.

Creating an outline or storyboard to organize the flow of your speech/presentation

Before diving into the content, it is helpful to create an outline or storyboard to ensure a logical flow of ideas. This will help you stay organized and prevent you from jumping from one topic to another. Start by listing the main points you want to cover and arrange them in a logical order.

Developing concise and impactful talking points to stay focused and coherent during the presentation

To keep your speech or presentation focused and coherent, develop concise and impactful talking points for each main idea or argument. Use bullet points or short sentences to outline the key information you want to convey. This will help you stay on track and avoid rambling or going off-topic.

Managing time effectively to ensure you cover all key points within the allocated timeframe

Time management is crucial when delivering a speech or presentation. Plan your content carefully and allocate sufficient time for each section. Remember to practice your speech or presentation beforehand to get a sense of the timing. Consider using visual cues or a timer to keep yourself on track during the actual presentation.

Enhancing Your Speech/Presentation

Using visual aids and multimedia to support key points and enhance comprehension.

Visual aids and multimedia elements can significantly enhance the impact and comprehension of your speech or presentation. They provide a visual representation that helps your audience understand and remember your key points. Here are some tips for effectively using visual aids:

Choose relevant visuals that align with your topic and message.

Use graphs, charts, and images to illustrate data or complex concepts.

Include videos or audio clips that provide additional information or reinforce your points.

Ensure the visual aids are clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Avoid overcrowding your slides or presentation with too much information.

Incorporating storytelling techniques to make your speech/presentation engaging

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can captivate your audience and make your speech or presentation more engaging. Here are some techniques to incorporate storytelling:

Start with an attention-grabbing anecdote or personal story related to your topic.

Use narrative structures such as a beginning, middle, and end to organize your content.

Include vivid descriptions and sensory details to make your stories come alive.

Show the emotional impact of your story to create a connection with your audience.

Keep your stories concise and relevant to maintain audience interest.

Incorporating personal anecdotes or experiences to add authenticity and relatability

Sharing personal anecdotes or experiences can add authenticity and relatability to your speech or presentation. It allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Here are some tips for incorporating personal anecdotes:

Choose anecdotes that directly relate to your topic and support your key points.

Share personal experiences that highlight your expertise or unique perspective.

Be genuine and sincere when sharing your anecdotes to create an emotional connection.

Use anecdotes strategically throughout your speech or presentation to maintain interest.

Ensure that your anecdotes are concise and directly contribute to your overall message.

Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to convey your message

Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques play a crucial role in conveying your message effectively. Here are some techniques to consider:

Use clear and concise language to articulate your thoughts and ideas.

Vary your tone, pitch, and volume to emphasize key points and maintain audience engagement.

Make eye contact with your audience to establish a connection and build trust.

Use gestures and body language to enhance your message and convey confidence.

Ensure that your facial expressions align with the emotions you want to convey.

Practicing and rehearsing your speech/presentation multiple times for better delivery and confidence

Practicing and rehearsing your speech or presentation multiple times is crucial for better delivery and building confidence. Here are some tips for effective practice:

Prepare a script or outline to guide your practice sessions.

Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to observe and improve your delivery.

Time yourself to ensure that your speech or presentation fits within the allocated timeframe.

Practice with a focus on clarity, pace, and emphasis on key points.

Solicit feedback from friends, colleagues, or mentors to gain different perspectives and make improvements.

Mastering Your Speech/Presentation Skills

Seeking feedback from trusted individuals to further improve your speech/presentation skills.

Feedback plays a crucial role in honing your speech and presentation skills. It allows you to identify areas of improvement and understand how others perceive your delivery. Seek feedback from trusted individuals who can provide constructive criticism and valuable insights.

When asking for feedback, be specific about what you would like to improve or aspects you want them to focus on. This could include your body language, tone of voice, slide design, or overall structure of your presentation. Actively listen to their feedback and take notes for future reference.

Applying learnings from feedback to enhance future presentations

The feedback you receive is only valuable if you apply it to enhance your future presentations. Take the time to analyze the feedback and identify actionable steps you can take to improve. For example, if someone suggests that you speak too fast, practice speaking slower and enunciate your words clearly.

Experiment with different techniques and strategies based on the feedback you've received. Continuously refine your delivery and adapt your presentation style to ensure maximum impact on your audience.

Developing mastery in speech/presentation delivery through practice and continuous improvement

Mastery in speech and presentation delivery is achieved through consistent practice and continuous improvement. Practice your speeches or presentations multiple times, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted audience, to build confidence and refine your delivery.

Focus on aspects such as body language, vocal variety, and overall engagement. Pay attention to your gestures, maintain eye contact, and vary your tone to keep your audience engaged throughout.

Additionally, seek opportunities to further develop your skills. Attend public speaking workshops, join Toastmasters clubs, or engage in other activities that allow you to speak in front of an audience and receive feedback from seasoned speakers.

Remember, mastering your speech and presentation skills is an ongoing process. Embrace the journey and continuously strive for improvement.

Handling Challenges During Your Speech/Presentation

Delivering a speech or presentation can be a daunting task, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. Here are some strategies to help you handle these challenges with ease:

Managing potential questions and challenges with prepared responses or counter-arguments

Anticipating potential questions or challenges from your audience is a crucial step in preparing for your speech or presentation. To effectively handle these situations, make sure to:

Research: Thoroughly research your topic to ensure you have a deep understanding of the subject matter. This will help you provide thoughtful and well-informed responses to any questions or challenges.

Prepare: Create a list of potential questions or challenges that you may encounter during your speech or presentation. Develop well-crafted responses or counter-arguments in advance to ensure you are ready to address them confidently.

Practice: Rehearse your prepared responses or counter-arguments to ensure they sound natural and coherent. Practicing will also help you build confidence in handling any potential challenges.

Adapting to unexpected situations during the speech/presentation

No matter how well you prepare, unexpected situations may arise during your speech or presentation. Here's how you can adapt effectively:

Stay calm: Take a deep breath and remain composed. Panicking will only make the situation more challenging. Remember that you've prepared well and trust in your abilities.

Think on your feet: Quickly assess the situation and adapt accordingly. If technical difficulties occur, have a backup plan ready. If you lose your train of thought, pause, and regather your focus. Trust yourself to navigate through the unexpected with confidence.

Engage with the audience: Involve your audience in overcoming unexpected situations. This could be by asking for their input, encouraging questions, or seeking their assistance. In doing so, you can turn challenges into opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

Remaining composed and confident in delivering your message

Maintaining composure and confidence throughout your speech or presentation is crucial. Here are some techniques to help you deliver your message with poise:

Breathe: Take deep breaths before and during your speech or presentation. Deep breathing helps relax your body and mind, enabling you to project confidence and clarity.

Use positive affirmations: Repeat positive affirmations to yourself before and during your speech or presentation. Remind yourself of your expertise and the value your message brings to your audience.

Visualize success: Visualize yourself delivering a successful speech or presentation, captivating your audience, and receiving positive feedback. This mental imagery will boost your confidence and help you focus on delivering your message effectively.

By following the content plan outlined above, individuals can learn how to create effective speech notes and talking points for their next meeting or presentation. Incorporating these strategies will improve their presentation skills and allow them to deliver impactful messages efficiently and with confidence.

When it comes to preparing for a speech or presentation, having well-prepared speech notes and talking points is crucial. It helps you stay organized, ensures that you cover all the necessary information, and allows you to deliver your message effectively.

Throughout this guide, we have discussed various strategies and techniques to enhance your speech and presentation skills. From preparing beforehand to organizing your content, enhancing your delivery, and mastering your presentation skills, each step plays a vital role in creating a successful presentation.

Remember to reiterate the importance of having well-prepared speech notes and talking points. These serve as a guide to keep you on track and ensure you cover all the key points you want to convey.

As we conclude, it's essential to encourage ongoing practice and learning to continuously refine your abilities in public speaking. The more you practice, the better you become at delivering your message confidently and with impact. Seek opportunities to speak in front of others, whether it's through presentations, meetings, or even joining public speaking clubs or courses.

Incorporate feedback and continuously learn from your experiences to sharpen your skills. Remember, even the most seasoned speakers started somewhere and had to practice and refine their abilities.

So, start implementing the strategies and techniques mentioned in this guide, practice regularly, and never stop learning. With dedication and perseverance, you can become a confident and skilled public speaker, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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How To Write Talking Points: Steps and Tips

• Determine the purpose of your talking points. …
• Organize your ideas. …
• Create two to five main talking points that support your purpose. …
• Support each talking point with an example. …
• Focus on any win-win scenarios. …
• Include a call to action if appropriate.

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HOW TO MAKE A BRILLIANT PRESENTATION USING TALKING POINTS

How to write talking points

The following are steps to follow when writing talking points:

1. Determine the purpose of your talking points

Before writing talking points, you must first determine and define the purpose of your message. There are several factors to consider when doing so, include:

Before writing your talking points, it would be wise to make a list of the answers to all of these questions. This will help you identify your main objective and serve as a guide as you develop each talking point.

2. Organize your ideas

Next, group your ideas into distinct categories to make writing them easier. When writing talking points, helpful categories to use include your mission, your personal story, the outcome of your suggestions, and a call to action. You’ll be able to make a powerful and succinct argument or speech more effectively if your talking points are more organized.

3. Create two to five main talking points that support your purpose

It’s crucial to concentrate on a select few talking points rather than several when writing them. Focusing on two to five key points that you’ll discuss when writing talking points is advised by best practices. These key points will help you prove your main point and support your argument or ideas.

Keep your talking points short, clear and to the point. Use succinct sentences that only contain the most crucial details you want to discuss when crafting your talking points, or consider using important keywords as your starting point.

Here are a few succinct and understandable talking points:

4. Support each talking point with an example

Additionally, you ought to provide concrete examples to back up each of your talking points. Examples are a great way to leave your audience with a lasting impression. They can be real-world or hypothetical examples that amply demonstrate the significance of the information you’re addressing.

In order to avoid overwhelming your audience with information, it’s crucial to use no more than one or two examples for each talking point. Fewer examples will also help to make a proposal or speech more succinct and understandable.

If you’re pleading with your employer to implement a flexible schedule program, for instance, you might give the example of a time when you had a doctor’s appointment and had to take the day off. Instead of using a PTO day to make up the missed work, you could have worked on a different day with a flexible schedule.

5. Focus on any win-win scenarios

Include a win-win scenario where your proposal benefits all parties involved if you are making an argument or presenting a novel solution to a problem. When you offer a win-win solution, you demonstrate to your audience how it will benefit them and why they should be interested in what you have to say. In other words, rather than just identifying a problem, offer workable solutions for how your audience can solve the problem.

6. Include a call to action if appropriate

Giving your audience a call to action they can follow is a great way to inspire action and raise the possibility that they will support your cause or mission. Consider including calls to action in your talking points such as signing petitions, buying products, or making donations. The call to action must be relevant to your message and lead directly to an advantage that advances your cause.

What are talking points?

When giving speeches, making presentations, discussing projects, or in any other situation where it is important to cover important information, professionals often use talking points, which are typically brief lists of facts or concepts. Talking points help a person make their case and help them remember to bring up the most crucial aspects of their position. These ideas assist people in staying organized and focused so that their arguments and speeches are delivered clearly and succinctly.

Tips for writing talking points

When creating talking points for a speech, presentation, or other work setting where you must express your ideas or point of view, bear the following advice in mind:

How do you create talking points?

• Keep it short and simple. Talking points should be concise and only include the most pertinent information because their goal is to make oral presentations easier.
• Capture the main point or points. People won’t remember every word they hear in a presentation.
• Think about your audience.

What are key talking points?

Get to the Point: Summarize your point in one or two succinct sentences. Keep It Simple: Speak in lay terms. Avoid jargon. Use vivid examples, anecdotes, and analogies to illustrate your points when expressing yourself.

What is a talking point paper?

Outline two to three talking points. Concentrate on talking points that will help you support or elaborate on your main message. Your talking points ought to be precise, succinct, and direct. Think of your talking points as a keyword- or sentence-heavy version of your elevator pitch.

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13 PowerPoint Presentation Tips to Create Engaging Presentations

Written by: Chloe West

Have to create a PowerPoint presentation and dread it? Your presentations don’t always have to be dry, boring and limited. With these PowerPoint presentation tips, you’ll be able to put together a dynamic and engaging presentation.

Let’s start from the very beginning before you even open up your presentation tool.

• Start by writing out your talking points.
• Get creative with your slide design.
• Keep your design consistent throughout.
• Make your presentation interactive.
• Add animation.
• Put together seamless transitions.
• Use text creatively.
• Align objects with the grid.
• Create non-linear presentations.
• Place shapes strategically.
• Crop images into shapes.
• Utilize the presenter notes.
• Use a dynamic presentation software.

1. Start by writing out your talking points.

The first thing you need to do, before even considering your presentation design, is to write out your talking points and outline your speech.

Pay attention to popular and engaging presentation structures so you know the framework you want to follow throughout your talk. This will also make it easier to create an outline that focuses on each of your talking points.

Once you’ve put together an outline that represents your topic and touches on each important element you need to cover, you can start searching for a PowerPoint presentation template that will fit your topic.

Or, you can start browsing through Visme’s presentation templates below.

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2. Get creative with your PowerPoint presentation slide design.

When it comes to putting your content onto your PowerPoint presentation slides, you want to be sure your slides are clean, easy to read and engaging.

This means you should try out a variety of different creative themes. And while we have a post with over 100 creative presentation ideas you should check out, here are a few ways to really make your slideshow stand out.

Use more design elements than photos.

While a photo collage or stock image background tends to be PowerPoint presentation go-to’s, we’re trying to empower you to do something different!

Take a page out of this template’s book by taking advantage of different design elements. Here, we see a solid colored background, shapes, icons and text decorating the slides of this presentation.

In this example PowerPoint slides, we do still see a photo added to emphasize the point on one of the slides, but it’s used as a design element rather than the foundation of the slide.

Use a bold color scheme.

When customizing example PowerPoint slides , your color palette matters. Using a more bold and bright color scheme is a great way to grab audience attention and make yourself seem more serious about your topic.

A more powerful color scheme makes an impression on your viewers, helping them to further see you as an authority on the information you’re sharing.

This example PowerPoint slides uses a bold blue and orange color scheme to stand out. To get an idea for a color palette for your next presentation, take a look at these 50 combinations .

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3. Keep your design consistent throughout.

We just shared a couple of different presentation templates available with our platform in the last point. What do you notice?

Here’s another example for you to take a look at.

All of the example PowerPoint slides have a similar look and feel, creating a cohesive presentation deck that looks intentional and professionally designed.

Imagine if you were sitting in a presentation that looked something like this.

This looks messy and cluttered. It’s an amateur-looking design, and your audience will be confused about how these slides make any sense together.

Because keeping your design consistent is an essential part of creating an engaging presentation, we’ve also created a few different presentation themes with hundreds of example PowerPoint slides that all follow the same design theme.

Here’s an example of our Modern presentation theme below with over 900 different slides so that you can find a variety of slides perfect for your next slide deck.

4. Make your presentation interactive.

One way to create a really dynamic presentation that will keep your audience engaged and create a memorable experience is to make your presentation interactive.

While we’ve covered 17 ways to create an interactive presentation before, let’s go over how you can do this using a tool like Visme.

PowerPoint is widely known as the go-to presentation software, but there are so many alternatives that can lead you to a better solution and a better end result.

In Visme’s presentation maker, you can easily add links to any object in your presentation that lead to web pages, other slides within your presentation or create popup or hover effects with other objects on your slide.

Simply click on the element that you want to add a link to, head to the Actions menu, then select which type of interactive link you want to add.

You’re also able to create interactive maps and data visualizations that allow you or your viewers to hover over each element in your visual to see more information.

Here’s an example of an interactive map that you can easily create to showcase more information in a more digestible format.

Visme also allows you to embed external content like videos, polls, forms, surveys, quizzes and more. Plus, there are several third-party integrations you can use to embed and connect even more interactive content.

5. Add animation.

Another way to help your slides stand out is by adding in animated elements. Try to incorporate enter and exit effects for various objects on your slides to grab your audience’s attention as new slides fly onto the screen.

Here’s a great example of how this could look.

Or, if you put together your PowerPoint presentation slides with a different tool – like Visme, wink wink – you can gain access to even more animated elements.

Visme provides users with fully customizable animated illustrations, icons, shapes and more that can have their size, colors and animation speed updated to fit your needs.

These illustrations can be perfect for adding even more depth to your presentation slides, especially when it comes to your title slides and section headers to help break up your presentation.

6. Put together seamless transitions.

When customizing example PowerPoint slides, you want to put a creative spin on it. Instead of having one slide disappear for another to appear in full, why not try out some creative transitions?

It’s important for us to note that if you find a transition you like, you should stick with it throughout your presentation. This goes back to our point about cohesive design. You want everything to flow well.

This means that you don’t want to throw a ton of different slide designs, animation types and transitions into the mix, or you’ll end up with a cluttered and hard-to-follow presentation deck.

Visme’s unique transitions offer not just slide transitions, but a way to seamlessly transition all of your elements onto the screen as well.

Take a look at this presentation below to see how this looks. Click through the slides to see them transition.

To get this effect, simply choose one of the following transitions that also show the slide elements following suit after the background appears.

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7. Use text creatively.

There are hundreds of fonts to choose from, so how do you know the best ones to use and how to make them stand out on your slides?

First, you can check out our guide to font pairing to understand some basics for choosing the right fonts for your slides.

For example, make sure you’re using 3 fonts max, and that each has a specific role in your presentation, as you see below.

Once you’ve chosen your preferred fonts, whether you look through our selections of top fonts , modern fonts , pretty fonts or elsewhere, start considering how you can use them creatively in your presentation design.

Pro Tip: It’s important to remember that in a presentation, you won’t have many words on the screen. So you want to make sure the text that you do include focuses on your main point of each slide and grabs attention.

Let’s cover a few ways that you can use text creatively and really make your slides stand out to your viewers.

Surround your text with shapes.

If you really want to make certain words pop off the slide, add a shape behind them like you see in this presentation about dinosaurs above.

While this is more of an informational presentation, this tactic can also be used for business-related presentations as well. 

Simply search through Visme’s library of shapes for something that matches your theme and set it behind your content.

Place your text on the white space of a photo.

Try positioning your photos strategically and utilizing pictures with more white space than you normally would. This helps you find the perfect spot to place your text so that it’s easy for your audience to read while still being visual.

In the above example PowerPoint slides, these minimalistic nature photos are the perfect backdrop for the text, providing tons of white space while still offering texture and visual elements.

Use color overlays.

Another great way to really make your words pop is by adding a translucent color overlay on top of your background photo.

Incorporating a photo into your presentation slide helps create more depth and visualize the words you’re saying, but you still want to be able to have your text be legible throughout the slide deck.

8. Align objects with the grid.

When using a tool like Visme to create your presentation, you can turn on a grid that allows you to ensure your design elements are properly aligned and perfectly symmetrical.

To access the grid in Visme’s editor, click the hamburger menu, then go to View Options , then toggle the Show grid option to turn it on.

You can set the size you want your grid to be to strategically align elements around your slide as well as set how opaque the grid lines are.

9. Create non-linear presentations.

You don’t have to go from slide to slide in your PowerPoint presentation. In fact, there are endless options for how you could navigate between slides when presenting.

Whether you let the audience decide the direction of your presentation by offering them different options to choose from, you create a navigation bar for your presentation or you allow yourself to determine the flow as you go by adding a progress bar, you have tons of options.

Here’s a great example of what your presentation could look like with a navigation menu within your slides.

10. Place shapes strategically.

Don’t underestimate the power of shapes in your presentation design. Or any design, really. 

Using various geometric shapes or even shapes you may not have heard of before to draw attention to various elements on the screen is a great design practice.

Our Creative presentation theme – with over 300 different slide layouts – is a great example of using shapes strategically to add design elements and emphasize various parts of your content.

Visme presentation maker has a library full of different types of shapes that can be used in diagrams, as backgrounds to icons , to frame text and so much more.

Put together a set of guidelines for which shapes you plan to use in your presentation and stick to no more than two or three different shapes throughout. While you can resize them based on your needs, you don’t want to clutter your slides.

11. Crop images into shapes.

Back with the shapes! Another creative way to bring shapes into your designs is to crop photos into different geometric shapes.

The presentation template below is the perfect example for how you can visually incorporate these cropped images into your slide design.

It’s easy to do this with a tool like Visme. Simply drag and drop your choice of photo from the photo library in the left sidebar onto your slide, click it, choose Frames in the navigation bar and choose the one that fits your design.

Take a look at a few of the frames available in our software.

12. Utilize presenter notes.

Want to really give a good presentation ? It’s important not to read off the slide and actually speak directly to your audience throughout your PowerPoint presentation.

One great way to keep yourself on task and ensure you don’t skip over any important information is to take advantage of presenter notes available to you when up on stage or in front of your audience presenting.

Visme has dynamic and comprehensive presenter notes built in that help ease the pressure of presenting.

Take a look below at what you can expect to see on your screen when presenting – all while your audience only sees the slide you’re showcasing.

You get access to the time of your presentation, the current slide, the slide you can expect next to help with the flow of your slideshow and the notes you’ve prepared for your talking points.

13. Use a dynamic presentation software.

The last way to create an amazing and engaging PowerPoint presentation is to use a dynamic presentation software that isn’t PowerPoint.

I know what you’re thinking – how can you deliver a PowerPoint by using a different software?

With a tool like Visme, you’ll get tons of premade example PowerPoint slides to choose from. You’re able to both import existing PowerPoints to edit and spice them up and export editable PowerPoints to present offline and make any last minute changes.

When creating your presentation, you can use Dynamic Fields to automatically update key information throughout the slides. You can also personalize the fields and apply them to other projects.

Our analytics tool helps you track the performance of your presentation. You can track views, unique visits, average time, average completion and a host of other key metrics.

Learn more about turning your Vismes into PowerPoint presentations in this quick tutorial video.

Start improving your PowerPoint presentations with Visme.

Ready to start creating PowerPoint presentations with Visme? Sign up for a business account today and improve your brand and the presentations you share with your audience. Start creating engaging and interactive presentations that your viewers will love.

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About the Author

Chloe West is the content marketing manager at Visme. Her experience in digital marketing includes everything from social media, blogging, email marketing to graphic design, strategy creation and implementation, and more. During her spare time, she enjoys exploring her home city of Charleston with her son.

17 Public Speaking Tips That’ll Help You Crush Your Next Presentation

It’s no easy feat to stand up and talk in front of people—whether it’s five or 50 or 500. In fact, surveys have found that public speaking has long been one of the things Americans fear most.

Unfortunately, in many professions, some amount of public speaking is necessary. It might be that you need to present in a small meeting, give an update to the entire company, or present at a conference or other event. No matter what it is or how daunting you find it, there are steps you can take to prepare and improve your skills.

• Understand the Expectations and Learn the Details
• Know Your Audience
• Plan and Structure Your Speech
• Don’t Overload Your Slides
• Practice, Practice, Practice
• Get Feedback
• Memorize Your First and Last Lines
• Join a Club or Go to a Workshop
• Get in the Zone
• Don’t Bury Your Face in Notes
• Make Eye Contact
• Repeat Yourself
• Let Some Questions Go
• Keep Talking
• Remember the Audience Is on Your Side
• Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

Before You Even Get Up There

So much of what goes into public speaking happens way before you step up to the front of the room. Preparation and practice are key. Here’s what you can do in advance to make the actual speaking part as smooth as possible.

1. Understand the Expectations and Learn the Details

“Gather all of the information regarding location, technical setup, time you’ll be speaking, dress, topics to include/avoid, type of presentation, etc.,” says Tara Goodfellow , a Muse career coach and owner of Athena Consultants . Having all of this information ahead of time will help you prepare a presentation that fits the occasion and resonates with your audience.

It’ll also help you avoid technical or logistical snafus that can add unnecessary stress, Goodfellow says: “You don’t want any surprises as in realizing you were supposed to bring a laptop or handouts.”

2. Know Your Audience

It’s as important to understand your audience as it is to understand the subject you’ll be discussing in front of them. “Make sure you understand the level of knowledge,” Goodfellow says, and tailor your presentation accordingly. “You don’t want to bore them with details they already know nor do you want to overwhelm them.”

Josephine Lee , third place winner in the 2016 Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking , emphasizes that even if she’s giving the same speech to two different audiences, she’ll take the time to customize it. She always asks herself, “What is the specific audience and why are they there?”

So, for example, the toast you’d give at an engagement party among all your college friends might be pretty different from the speech you give at the same friend’s wedding in front of the whole extended family.

Or in a professional context, imagine you’re giving a presentation about the future of your company. That would look really different depending on whether you’re talking to a group of executives from your own organization versus a room full of college students who are interested in getting into the industry. For one, you might dive into the nitty gritty of last quarter’s performance and share your insights about what changes your organization needs to make to remain competitive. For the other, you’d probably zoom out a bit more, give an intro to your industry, and sketch out what your company does and where it’s going.

3. Plan and Structure Your Speech

So often the focus of advice about public speaking is about how you’re saying the words in front of an audience. Those things are unequivocally important (which is why we go into detail about them below!) but before you get there, you have to think about what you’re saying.

“You can have great diction and you can have great presentation skills, but if your words and structure are all over the place then people are not going to remember what you said,” says Lee, who credits Toastmasters with teaching her how to write a speech. “It is 100% about simplicity, because when you’re giving a speech in front of a live audience it’s so fleeting that if you have multiple points and if you go off on tangents and if you don’t stay on one simple path then people won’t remember what you were speaking about.”

Lee always picks one central point when she’s preparing a talk—whether she’ll be speaking for five minutes or 45. She’ll present her central theme, give supporting evidence and examples, and keep circling back to that main message. “So even if the audience forgets 99% of your speech, which they will, they will go home with that 1%,” she says.

Rajiv Nathan , a Muse career coach and founder and CEO of Startup Hypeman , takes a similar approach with a slightly different formula. His go-to structure for a talk is “inward, outward, forward.” He starts with a story that explains why he’s talking about this topic in the first place, zooms out to evidence that others are thinking about it as well, and ends with solutions.

In a workplace setting, this might translate into laying out a challenge your team is facing, zooming out to examine how other teams and companies are thinking about and handling similar issues, and end by proposing next steps for your team.

4. Don’t Overload Your Slides

If you’re using slides to accompany your presentation, make sure you avoid overloading them with too much text. “Think about how you like to be presented to,” Goodfellow says. “Very few of us like an 80-slide presentation where the person just reads everything to us.”

Beyond the simple fact that people will be distracted squinting at that teeny tiny type, you might be tempted to start reading off the slides and you’ll end up sounding a little too much like Ferris Bueller’s economics teacher (i.e. droning on and on and on in a monotone).

Instead, Nathan says, use slides primarily as visual complements to your words and a tool to emphasize your main takeaway.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

Okay, pay attention, because if you absorb just one thing from this article it should be this: You have to practice. Not once or twice but over and over again.

“When you practice it enough you figure out the rhythm,” says Nathan, who estimates he practiced his TEDx talk about 100 times before he gave it. You’ll also feel more confident and comfortable speaking without reading off a piece of paper (or your slides) because the structure and progression will become so familiar.

Lee takes advantage of any opportunity to practice when she’s preparing to speak. “Practice of any sort can be very helpful. I practice in my room or in the shower or driving in the car,” she says.

6. Get Feedback

While practicing on your own is useful, it can be even better to do it in front of a live audience—even if that’s just your work bestie or your sister. The more you get used to speaking in front of actual humans the easier it’ll get.

Plus, you can get feedback from your trusted practice audience before you go out and do the real thing. Ask them if your words and points were clear, if there was anything that confused them, how your rhythm was, and if there was anything else they noticed.

You can also give yourself feedback. Use your phone (or whatever other device you have) to record audio or video of your practice sessions. When you play it back, you can become your own audience in a way and pick up on things you didn’t realize needed some attention.

“I have had clients astounded at their mannerisms and overuse of ‘um’ when we’ve played back video. Most of us have a nervous ‘go to’ sound or movement,” Goodfellow says. “Once you’re aware of it, you can work on it.”

7. Memorize Your First and Last Lines

You’ll want to have a pretty clear idea of what you’re going to say, of course. But you also don’t want to sound like a robot regurgitating a pile of words you wrote down.

By the time she was comfortable in front of an audience, Lee wasn’t reading her speeches or even memorizing an exact script. “If you memorize everything word for word, it’s not going to sound very natural,” she says. Instead, she plans the structure but keeps the words themselves a little loose with a couple of exceptions: “I generally try to memorize the opening sentence and the closing sentence.”

The goal is to ensure you start and end strong while still giving yourself the room to speak naturally in between.

8. Join a Club or Go to a Workshop

If you’re committed to improving your public speaking skills, then not only should you practice each speech or presentation before you give it, but you should also try to get as many of the real thing under your belt as you can so that you become accustomed to it.

“It’s the most important to get as much stage time in front of an audience” as possible, Lee says. “That’s why Toastmasters was such a useful organization for me because it gave me the grounds to practice on in front of a live audience.”

Toastmasters is of course one of the more well-known options, with more than 16,000 clubs all over the world, but you can also check out meetups, classes, and workshops. If those options aren’t available in your area or don’t appeal to you, try gathering a group of friends and/or colleagues who want to practice their skills and give and get feedback on a regular basis as well.

During Your Speech

Doing all of the prep work should help you feel ready and confident—at least, more than you would otherwise. Here’s how you can keep helping yourself in the moment.

9. Get in the Zone

For about 10 minutes before he gets on stage to give a talk, Nathan becomes something of a recluse. He doesn’t talk to anyone, he drinks some water, he crouches down somewhere, he focuses on his breathing, and he repeats this phrase to himself: “Use expression to create possibility.”

Now, that’s a very specific set of actions that works for him, but he recommends everyone figure out their own “stage mantra” or routine. Ask yourself, he says, “What do you need to be repeating to yourself beforehand? What, action-wise, do you need to do beforehand to get yourself in the zone?”

It might take some time to find the things that help you in the lead-up, whether you do them the night before, the day of, or in the moments just before you begin. If you’re not sure where to start, think back to some other reference point in your life when you were preparing for an important event, Nathan says. What did you use to do before a baseball game or piano recital or big exam? See if those things help now and iterate until you find the right combination.

10. Don’t Bury Your Face in Notes

When Lee first started giving speeches, she’d just read the whole thing word for word off a piece of paper. “It was terrible,” she says, remembering the early days before she became the accomplished speaker she is today. “Notes are like a crutch. So you just start to rely on [them] more and more,” she’s realized. “It’s more important that you’re connecting with the audience, making eye contact with the audience, and [having] a true conversation with the audience.”

She no longer uses notes at all—she just memorizes the opening and closing lines, as mentioned—but reaching that comfort level takes practice. If you’re still working up to that and need your notes, she says, go with bullet points. They’ll help you stay on track without tempting you to read everything from the page.

Notes can also block your face or torso, or draw your eyes down as you’re reading, says Nathan. So if you plan to bring some, try folding your paper or using index cards with just those few bullet points to serve as a reference.

11. Make Eye Contact

You’ve surely heard it before, but eye contact is key in public speaking. It helps you connect with the audience, Lee says, and it’s most effective when you focus on one person at a time. “When you are giving a speech, you should always sound like you are delivering to a single individual rather than speaking to the masses,” she says. “Direct eye contact with one person then moving to another is an effective way to do that.”

12. Use Pauses

“A lot of times people speak really fast. Their mind is racing and they want to make a good impression,” says Jennifer Sukola , a Muse career coach and human resources professional. “People tend to want to rush through and get it over with,” especially when they’re nervous. It’s something you might get feedback about or pick up on if you record yourself.

One of Sukola’s biggest tips for public speaking—using pauses—can help with overall speed as well as pacing. You can use pauses strategically, inserting them right after important points to let them sink in or right before to allow you to gather your thoughts and get the audience’s attention for what you’re about to say.

Sukola likes to follow a structure where she makes a point, pauses, provides support for that point and recaps, pauses again, makes a related point, etc. “If you follow that outline and pause in conjunction with the points you’re making,” she says, “the audience has a chance to let that simmer, to let your points settle and think through [them].”

13. Repeat Yourself

Remember that the people listening to you talk live can’t rewind to catch that important thing you just said or flip back a few pages to find that crucial point you made earlier the way they could if they were watching a video or reading a book.

So help them out by repeating the thesis or main takeaway of your talk, says Nathan. In his own talks, he might repeat that take-home line six or eight times. The repetition ensures that everyone hears it, realizes it’s important, and can process it and let it sink in.

“It’s got to be short and punchy,” says Nathan, and you can accentuate it with pauses before or after you say it. If you have slides, you might also want to put it up there once or twice. It’s like the chorus of a song, Nathan explains. It’s catchy and it’s the first thing someone will be able to repeat back to you.

14. Let Some Questions Go

You can do a whole lot of planning, but the truth is that you can’t anticipate everything, including questions that might come up. Goodfellow stresses that it’s okay to say, “That’s a great question, let me get back to you on that.” In fact, that’s far better than stammering through and making something up.

15. Keep Talking

Lee may now be an award-winning speaker who travels all over the world to give talks and feels comfortable ditching the notes, but even she still freezes and forgets her speech sometimes. You have to just keep talking until you find your way back.

“Get away from that mentality that you have to be perfect. It’s okay if you forget,” she says. “You learn to start to fill in the gaps. Start to speak until you remember. No one in the audience knows you forgot your speech,” she adds. “What you are feeling inside is not as apparent as you think it is. If you keep that in mind and keep talking, eventually you’ll come back.”

And if your talk has a clear, simple structure, it’ll be easier to find your way back in.

16. Remember the Audience Is on Your Side

For many people, public speaking feels like one of the scariest things they could be called on to do, Lee says. They’re terrified of failing and think they’ll be humiliated and ostracized. But the people on the other side don’t want to see you mess up—they’re eager to hear what you have to say.

“If you remember that the audience wants you to do well, that they’re on your side, it’s a much easier process,” says Lee. Focus on what you’re giving to the audience—as if you were giving advice or telling a story to your best friend—rather than on yourself and how you appear.

17. Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

Finally, remember that everyone gets nervous. Those executives many levels above you whose presence is making you sweat? They probably get nervous when they speak, too, Goodfellow points out. “Give yourself a little bit of grace,” she says, and do the best that you can.

Talking Points PowerPoint Template

Use our 100% customizable Talking Points PowerPoint Template to creatively note your presentation or discussion points. In regular meetings or formal conferences, the speakers always keep a note of important topics that must be included in the talk. For that, sometimes it becomes a little tough to maintain a strong connection with your audience and read down some points in your diary. This PowerPoint template is an optimum solution for better communication with the members. Presenters can mention all the necessary elements of a discussion on this slide and show it on the screen to channel the debate. Professionals can also use this layout for describing the pros & cons, benefits & flaws, and contrasting features of an idea in presentations. Both design variants of this one pager template are editable with PowerPoint versions. 

The Talking Points PowerPoint Template shows a central megaphone diagram in bright colors. On both sides of this illustration are editable text boxes in green and blue colors. In the green color part, tick marks are used, while the blue color has cross symbols. Users can replace these bullet marks with other symbols according to the topic. The following slide has more space for mentioning the key points, i.e., four text boxes in blue and green colors on each side.

Small lines are also used around the megaphone that reach the boxes. Presenters can conveniently change and edit the placeholder text in this talking points template or make alterations to the colors & fonts. The talking points template slides can be re-purposed for other topics and edited in real-time to develop a meeting summary. So, download and try this talking points presentation template for your presentations now!

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Talking Points

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Talking points are often used to prepare for a public speech or an interview. By crafting your own talking points, you can feel more comfortable talking in front of others or answering questions from the media or the public.

Consider why you are speaking to your audience and identify the purpose of your speech or interview. Is your main mission to convince a committee to support your policy or a change to an existing policy? Is your main message to tell an audience of students about your experiences in a foreign country? Are you giving an interview to a local newspaper about a local issue or to promote a product? Focusing on the main purpose of your talk will then help you create the rest of your talking points.

You can develop your message by thinking about emotion, or what you want your audience to feel, contrast or how your message is different than the message of others, connection, or why your audience should care about what you are saying, and credibility, or why your audience should believe what you say.

Once you have identified your main message, you can then create two to three main talking points to support your main message. You will then use these main points to develop supporting arguments or examples to ensure your main message is well supported. 

You should use examples that are personal and impactful, with the strongest examples listed first. Your talk should not only identify a main message or problem; it should also give your audience several ways to solve or address the main message or problem.

Organize your talking points in a bulleted list, with your main message or mission stated at the top of the list and your main talking points placed below, with the strongest point listed first. You should also include one to two supporting arguments within your main talking points.

This template will be useful for business leaders in preparation for a strategic session with shareholders. You can use the slides in this template to prepare the main themes of your talk or key strategy definitions. Also, this template can be used by CEOs of startups in preparation for meeting with investors.

Business trainers can use the slides from this template when preparing program information for courses or webinars. Team leaders can use this template when preparing information on the main topics of the weekly sprints. Department leaders can use the slides in this template to prepare information about a planned department meeting.

Talking Points is a professional and modern template that contains four stylish and fully editable slides. The template is designed in a warm color scheme and contains a lot of infographics. If necessary, you can change all the elements of the slide in accordance with your corporate requirements. This template will be useful for company executives, department heads, financiers and economist. The Talking Points template will be a worthy addition to your collection of professional presentations.

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Talking Points Generator

Generate effective talking points quickly and easily with our Talking Points Generator. Get elaborated blog outline of important points.

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Why Choose Talking-Points Generator?

Create impactful and well-structured talking points effortlessly. The Talking-Points Generator helps you deliver clear and concise messages for any occasion.

• Generate talking points that capture your audience's attention and convey your message effectively.
• Produce high-quality talking points in a fraction of the time it would typically take to create them manually.
• Customize the tone and style of the talking points to align with your unique speaking style and context.

How Does Talking-Points Generator Work?

Simplify the process of creating effective talking points. The Talking-Points Generator makes it easy to craft clear and impactful messages. Here is how it works:

1. Provide Your Input

Enter your value in the input box. The AI will interpret the input within the given context.

2. Generate

Click the "Generate" button to craft a compelling and well-structured response.

Use Cases of Talking-Points Generator

Explore how AI can enhance your ability to communicate effectively in various contexts. Whether you're preparing for a presentation, a meeting, or a public speech, the Talking-Points Generator can help you create engaging and persuasive talking points.

Presentations Deliver compelling presentations with well-crafted talking points. The AI tool helps outline key points and themes, making your presentation clear and engaging.

Meetings Ensure productive and focused meetings with precise talking points. The generator drafts points that summarize the agenda, highlight important issues, and propose actionable steps.

Public Speeches Capture your audience's attention with strong, impactful talking points. The AI tool helps you structure your speech to emphasize critical messages and maintain audience engagement.

Debates Prepare for debates with clear and persuasive talking points. The generator helps you outline your arguments and counterarguments effectively, ensuring a well-rounded and convincing presentation.

Who Benefits from Talking-Points Generator?

From professionals, educators, to public speakers, everyone can benefit from the Talking-Points Generator tool.

Professionals For professionals, the Talking-Points Generator can help improve communication in meetings and presentations. By using the tool, you can develop clear and concise talking points that enhance your ability to convey messages effectively, leading to more productive discussions and better decision-making.

Educators Make a strong impression with effective talking points. The generator tool helps educators outline key points for lectures and presentations, ensuring that students grasp important concepts and information.

Public Speakers The Talking-Points Generator can assist public speakers in crafting engaging and persuasive speeches. Whether you're delivering a keynote address or participating in a panel discussion, the tool helps you prepare talking points that resonate with your audience and convey your message powerfully.

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Writing talking points often takes some practice in order to perfect. Since they are to be used by multiple sources you want to be sure that the key messages are clear and easily understood. Keeping company tone in mind is crucial as the speaker utilizing the points will be speaking on behalf of the company. The best way to start writing talking points is to create an outline to highlight your main points based on the order of importance or chronologically, based on your messaging needs. Drafting points in sentences with one message per bullet point will help organize your points. Identifying key data points to be included in your points at the beginning is helpful in your preparation.

The use of talking points is conversational at its root. When drafting talking points pretend you are having a conversation with a person versus writing for a technical audience. You want the points to be engaging while presenting your main message clearly. When you are done writing, practice the talking points out loud in front of a mirror. Ask yourself:

• Did certain words sound funny together?
• Did you present the information correctly?
• Could any of your talking points be taken out of context and misconstrued?

Two of our favorite phrases when discussing talking points are; “Practice makes perfect” and “Keep it simple, stupid.”

How To Use Talking Points for Interviews

So you’ve done the upfront work and written clear talking points. Now, how do you use those talking points to communicate your key messages? The best way to prepare for a media interview or speech is to practice! Talking points should be used as a frame of reference, not a script to follow by the letter. Your answers to questions should feel organic and with the proper preparation, you will come off confident and as a trusted source. This will help you from coming off too robotic or scripted with your responses.

Another way talking points can be used is to help keep facts and data organized so that you do not need to remember those off the top of your head. Talking points can also be used to return focus to the key messages you are there to deliver. Use them to redirect from potential arguments back to your prepared response. For more formal settings, it is ok to have one page of talking points with you to refer to. It shows the media that you want to convey the facts as best you can.

For internal communications, you want to ensure your team has the latest approved talking points handy for any responses to questions they might encounter. This means reducing the number of versions that are circulated so that misinformation isn’t in circulation. This is an easy way to help the success of delivering your key messages to the public.

What to Avoid in Developing Talking Points:

So what are some of the pitfalls you should avoid when drafting talking points? The length of your points should be concise. Try not to develop long paragraphs as they are hard to make feel personal and can be distracting during interviews and knock the speaker off track.

Including information or details that do not support your key message. It is easy to get caught up in the “every idea is important” way of thinking. This will clutter your message and ultimately hurt your credibility with the media and the public. To keep on the message, identify the key facts and edit down from there. Ask yourself, will this point take away from the bigger focus? If that answer is a “yes” consider removing it.

Not preparing those delivering the message with the appropriate supplemental information. This could be identifying the proper tone in which the points are to be delivered or outlets for additional information. By not providing a framework from beginning to end you risk having your talking points be subject to interpretation requiring you to clarify at a later date. This is just an extra step that can be avoided with the proper preparation.

So What is the (Talking) Point?

Caption: Media training can be an invaluable tool when preparing your team for an interview or discussion. It can help them understand what to expect and how to address questions using the talking points.

Be prepared . That is the name of the game. This starts with a clear identification of your key messages, tone, and an overall understanding of your public relations and marketing strategies.  Practice . First to yourself and then with those sharing your talking points. Presenting talking points, especially to an unfriendly audience, can be intimidating. By vocalizing your points you can identify places for edits and spots for key data points, and instill confidence in the speaker.  Support.  Provide your team with the materials and training to help them succeed. Extend the power of your talking points and media efforts by providing supplemental and easily accessible information. By following our tips you will be able to master the craft of writing talking points!

Still, feel like you need some extra help? J.O. has years of PR experience to help you navigate all of your communications needs. Anything from press releases to media training and talking points, we can help you stay on message. Reach out to us at 817-335-0100 or  here  for information on our public relations services.

Liked this article? Check out our other public relations articles for more tips and examples of how you can improve your PR game:

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Meeting time! What are the talking points? First and foremost: do we need this Slidesgo template? The unanimous answer is yes. It's perfect for company meetings where different points or topics need to be discussed. Its minimalist style allows anyone who sees it to focus on the content without distractions but with a beautiful design. In addition, we provide you with useful resources such as charts and graphs, so don't wait any longer to download this slide deck!

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How to Start a Presentation: 5 Templates and 90 Example Phrases

Starting a presentation effectively means capturing your audience’s attention from the very beginning. It’s important because it sets the tone for the entire presentation and establishes your credibility as a speaker.

Effective Openers: 5 Templates

Your presentation’s beginning sets the stage for everything that follows. So, it’s important to capture your audience’s attention right from the start. Here are some tried-and-true techniques to do just that.

1. Storytelling Approach

When you start with a story, you tap into the natural human love for narratives. It can be a personal experience, a historical event, or a fictional tale that ties back to your main point.

Example Introduction Template 1:

“Let me tell you a story about…”

Example : “Let me tell you a story about how a small idea in a garage blossomed into the global brand we know today.”

2. Quotation Strategy

Using a relevant quote can lend authority and thematic flavor to your presentation. Choose a quote that is provocative, enlightening, or humorous to resonate with your audience.

Example Introduction Template 2:

“As [Famous Person] once said…”

Example : “As Steve Jobs once said, ‘Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.'”

3. Questioning Technique

Engage your audience directly by opening with a thoughtful question. This encourages them to think and become active participants.

Example Introduction Template 3:

“Have you ever wondered…”

Example : “Have you ever wondered what it would take to reduce your carbon footprint to zero?”

4. Statistical Hook

Kick off with a startling statistic that presents a fresh perspective or underscores the importance of your topic.

Example Introduction Template 4:

“Did you know that…”

Example : “Did you know that 90% of the world’s data was generated in the last two years alone?”

5. Anecdotal Method

Share a brief, relatable incident that highlights the human aspect of your topic. It paves the way for empathy and connection.

Example Introduction Template 5:

“I want to share a quick anecdote…”

Example : “I want to share a quick anecdote about a time I experienced the customer service that went above and beyond what anyone would expect.”

How to Start a Powerpoint Presentation: 45 Example Phrases

Starting a PowerPoint presentation effectively can captivate your audience and set the tone for your message. The opening phrases you choose are important in establishing rapport and commanding attention. Whether you’re presenting to colleagues, at a conference, or in an academic setting, these phrases will help you begin with confidence and poise:

• 1. “Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone. Thank you for joining me today.”
• 2. “Welcome, and thank you for being here. Let’s dive into our topic.”
• 3. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to present to you all about…”
• 4. “Thank you all for coming. Today, we’re going to explore…”
• 5. “Let’s begin by looking at the most important question: Why are we here today?”
• 6. “I appreciate your time today, and I promise it will be well spent as we discuss…”
• 7. “Before we get started, I want to express my gratitude for your presence here today.”
• 8. “It’s a pleasure to see so many familiar faces as we gather to talk about…”
• 9. “I’m thrilled to kick off today’s presentation on a topic that I am passionate about—…”
• 10. “Welcome to our session. I’m confident you’ll find the next few minutes informative as we cover…”
• 11. “Let’s embark on a journey through our discussion on…”
• 12. “I’m delighted to have the chance to share my insights on…”
• 13. “Thank you for the opportunity to present to such an esteemed audience on…”
• 14. “Let’s set the stage for an engaging discussion about…”
• 15. “As we begin, I’d like you to consider this:…”
• 16. “Today marks an important discussion on a subject that affects us all:…”
• 17. “Good day, and welcome to what promises to be an enlightening presentation on…”
• 18. “Hello and welcome! We’re here to delve into something truly exciting today…”
• 19. “I’m honored to present to you this comprehensive look into…”
• 20. “Without further ado, let’s get started on a journey through…”
• 21. “Thank you for carving time out of your day to join me for this presentation on…”
• 22. “It’s wonderful to see such an engaged audience ready to tackle the topic of…”
• 23. “I invite you to join me as we unpack the complexities of…”
• 24. “Today’s presentation will take us through some groundbreaking ideas about…”
• 25. “Welcome aboard! Prepare to set sail into the vast sea of knowledge on…”
• 26. “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to everyone as we focus our attention on…”
• 27. “Let’s ignite our curiosity as we begin to explore…”
• 28. “Thank you for your interest and attention as we dive into the heart of…”
• 29. “As we look ahead to the next hour, we’ll uncover the secrets of…”
• 30. “I’m eager to share with you some fascinating insights on…”
• 31. “Welcome to what I believe will be a transformative discussion on…”
• 32. “This morning/afternoon, we’ll be venturing into the world of…”
• 33. “Thank you for joining me on this exploration of…”
• 34. “I’m delighted by the turnout today as we embark on this exploration of…”
• 35. “Together, let’s navigate the intricacies of…”
• 36. “I’m looking forward to engaging with you all on the subject of…”
• 37. “Let’s kick things off with a critical look at…”
• 38. “Thank you for your presence today as we shine a light on…”
• 39. “Welcome to a comprehensive overview of…”
• 40. “It’s a privilege to discuss with you the impact of…”
• 41. “I’m glad you could join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking presentation on…”
• 42. “Today, we’re going to break down the concept of…”
• 43. “As we get started, let’s consider the significance of our topic:…”
• 44. “I’m thrilled to lead you through today’s discussion, which centers around…”
• 45. “Let’s launch into our session with an eye-opening look at…”

Starting a Presentation: 45 Examples

Connecting with the audience.

When starting a presentation, making a genuine connection with your audience sets the stage for a successful exchange of ideas. Examples:

• “I promise, by the end of this presentation, you’ll be as enthusiastic about this as I am because…”
• “The moment I learned about this, I knew it would be a game-changer and I’m thrilled to present it to you…”
• “There’s something special about this topic that I find incredibly invigorating, and I hope you will too…”
• “I get a rush every time I work on this, and I hope to transmit that energy to you today…”
• “I’m thrilled to discuss this breakthrough that could revolutionize…”
• “This project has been a labor of love, and I’m eager to walk you through…”
• “When I first encountered this challenge, I was captivated by the possibilities it presented…”
• “I can’t wait to dive into the details of this innovative approach with you today…”
• “It’s genuinely exhilarating to be at the edge of what’s possible in…”
• “My fascination with [topic] drove me to explore it further, and I’m excited to share…”
• “Nothing excites me more than talking about the future of…”
• “Seeing your faces, I know we’re going to have a lively discussion about…”
• “The potential here is incredible, and I’m looking forward to discussing it with you…”
• “Let’s embark on this journey together and explore why this is such a pivotal moment for…”
• “Your engagement in this discussion is going to make this even more exciting because…”

Building Credibility

You present with credibility when you establish your expertise and experience on the subject matter. Here’s what you can say to accomplish that:

• “With a decade of experience in this field, I’ve come to understand the intricacies of…”
• “Having led multiple successful projects, I’m excited to share my insights on…”
• “Over the years, working closely with industry experts, I’ve gleaned…”
• “I hold a degree in [your field], which has equipped me with a foundation for…”
• “I’m a certified professional in [your certification], which means I bring a certain level of expertise…”
• “Having published research on this topic, my perspective is grounded in…”
• “I’ve been a keynote speaker at several conferences, discussing…”
• “Throughout my career, I’ve contributed to groundbreaking work in…”
• “My experience as a [your previous role] has given me a unique outlook on…”
• “Endorsed by [an authority in your field], I’m here to share what we’ve achieved…”
• “The program I developed was recognized by [award], highlighting its impact in…”
• “I’ve trained professionals nationwide on this subject and witnessed…”
• “Collaborating with renowned teams, we’ve tackled challenges like…”
• “I’ve been at the forefront of this industry, navigating through…”
• “As a panelist, I’ve debated this topic with some of the brightest minds in…”

Projecting Confidence

• “I stand before you today with a deep understanding of…”
• “You can rely on the information I’m about to share, backed by thorough research and analysis…”
• “Rest assured, the strategies we’ll discuss have been tested and proven effective in…”
• “I’m certain you’ll find the data I’ll present both compelling and relevant because…”
• “I’m fully confident in the recommendations I’m providing today due to…”
• “The results speak for themselves, and I’m here to outline them clearly for you…”
• “I invite you to consider the evidence I’ll present; it’s both robust and persuasive…”
• “You’re in good hands today; I’ve navigated these waters many times and have the insights to prove it…”
• “I assure you, the journey we’ll take during this presentation will be enlightening because…”
• “Your success is important to me, which is why I’ve prepared diligently for our time together…”
• “Let’s look at the facts; they’ll show you why this approach is solid and dependable…”
• “Today, I present to you a clear path forward, grounded in solid experience and knowledge…”
• “I’m confident that what we’ll uncover today will not only inform but also inspire you because…”
• “You’ll leave here equipped with practical, proven solutions that you can trust because…”
• “The solution I’m proposing has been embraced industry-wide, and for good reason…”

Organizational Preview

Starting your presentation with a clear organizational preview can effectively guide your audience through the content. This section helps you prepare to communicate the roadmap of your presentation.

Outlining the Main Points

You should begin by briefly listing the main points you’ll cover. This lets your audience know what to expect and helps them follow along. For example, if you’re presenting on healthy eating, you might say, “Today, I’ll cover the benefits of healthy eating, essential nutrients in your diet, and simple strategies for making healthier choices.”

Setting the Tone

Your introduction sets the tone for the entire presentation. A way to do this is through a relevant story or anecdote that engages the audience. Suppose you’re talking about innovation; you might start with, “When I was a child, I was fascinated by how simple Legos could build complex structures, which is much like the innovation process.”

Explaining the Structure

Explain the structure of your presentation so that your audience can anticipate how you’ll transition from one section to the next. For instance, if your presentation includes an interactive portion, you might say, “I’ll begin with a 15-minute overview, followed by a hands-on demonstration, and we’ll wrap up with a Q&A session, where you can ask any questions.”

Practice and Preparation

Before you step onto the stage, it’s important that your preparation includes not just content research, but also rigorous practice and strategy for dealing with nerves. This approach ensures you present with confidence and clarity.

Rehearsing the Opening

Practicing your introduction aloud gives you the opportunity to refine your opening remarks. You might start by greeting the audience and sharing an interesting quote or a surprising statistic related to your topic. For example, if your presentation is about the importance of renewable energy, you could begin with a recent statistic about the growth in solar energy adoption. Record yourself and listen to the playback, focusing on your tone, pace, and clarity.

Memorizing Key Points

While you don’t need to memorize your entire presentation word for word, you should know the key points by heart. This includes main arguments, data, and any conclusions you’ll be drawing. You can use techniques such as mnemonics or the method of loci, which means associating each key point with a specific location in your mind, to help remember these details. Having them at your fingertips will make you feel more prepared and confident.

Managing Presentation Jitters

Feeling nervous before a presentation is natural, but you can manage these jitters with a few techniques. Practice deep breathing exercises or mindful meditation to calm your mind before going on stage. You can also perform a mock presentation to a group of friends or colleagues to simulate the experience and receive feedback. This will not only help you get used to speaking in front of others but also in adjusting your material based on their reactions.

Engagement Strategies

Starting a presentation on the right foot often depends on how engaged your audience is. Using certain strategies, you can grab their attention early and maintain their interest throughout your talk:

1. Encouraging Audience Participation

Opening your presentation with a question to your audience is a great way to encourage participation. This invites them to think actively about the subject matter. For instance, you might ask, “By a show of hands, how many of you have experienced…?” Additionally, integrating interactive elements like quick polls or requesting volunteers for a demonstration can make the experience more dynamic and memorable.

Using direct questions throughout your presentation ensures the audience stays alert, as they might be called upon to share their views. For example, after covering a key point, you might engage your audience with, “Does anyone have an experience to share related to this?”

2. Utilizing Pacing and Pauses

Mastering the pace of your speech helps keep your presentation lively. Quickening the pace when discussing exciting developments or slowing down when explaining complex ideas can help maintain interest. For example, when introducing a new concept, slow your pace to allow the audience to absorb the information.

Pauses are equally powerful. A well-timed pause after a key point gives the audience a moment to ponder the significance of what you’ve just said. It might feel like this: “The results of this study were groundbreaking. (pause) They completely shifted our understanding of…”. Pauses also give you a moment to collect your thoughts, adding to your overall composure and control of the room.

How should one introduce their group during a presentation?

You might say something like, “Let me introduce my amazing team: Alex, our researcher, Jamie, our designer, and Sam, the developer. Together, we’ve spent the last few months creating something truly special for you.”

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