Professional Training: Presentation Protocol

How to Prepare a Speech

1. The event

• Appropriate remarks
  • Light for social occasions
  • Serious for restructuring with layoffs
• Long speech between 9-11 a.m. and 2-5 p.m.
• Short speech at breakfast, after lunch or cocktails
• How essential is A-V presentation?

2. The Audience

• Show familiarity with the topic (avoid excessive jargon)
• Refer to issues near and dear
• Give reasons why they should listen to you

3. Your Role

• Moderator never steals the limelight - keep remarks short
• Coordinate your comments with other panelists

4. The Subject

• Be sure all your information is accurate - don't destroy your credibility
• If you can't answer a question, offer to discuss it afterwards

5. The Content

• Jokes - avoid them if you aren't a comedian
• Give an introduction; make a closing statement
• Tie-in to local event - check local newspapers, radio and TV
• Develop key points and repeat them
• Use examples and statistics to back up your data
• Stress solutions
• Write for the ear, not the eyes

6. Word Choice

• Read aloud; if you stumble - edit!
• Use active verbs
• Move your audience to action