Читать книгу Presentation Skills in 7 simple steps - James Schofield - Страница 20

Your audience should always be in the foreground of your preparation. Ask yourself these questions.

 How many people will be there? The number will have an impact on what technology you use and how you talk to them. If it’s only a small number, you can ask them direct questions or get them to discuss something. With a larger audience, you might need a microphone and speakers.

 What do they know about my topic already? Don’t overestimate their knowledge or underestimate their intelligence. If it’s a complex topic, use a simple analogy that they can relate to. For example, you could compare an electrical circuit with traffic flow controlled by traffic lights. If you’re giving an internal presentation, think about what your colleagues already know and what will be new to them.

 How do they feel about my topic? The reaction of your audience can normally be predicted. Be ready for this by preparing concrete evidence to confirm what you’re saying.

 What can they do with the information they get from me? Ideally, you should give your audience something they can take away and use themselves. On the other hand, in a regular internal meeting you may need to get information from some of your colleagues. Make sure you get it.

Take this pro-active approach to your presentation and it will come through in the way that you talk about your subject. If you treat an audience as you would a friend, they’ll return the favour.