Seven key questions before you start

1. Before you rush off to your PC and design your Powerpoint slides, consider these very important questions.

2. who are the audience? what do they know about the subject, and what age and background are they?

3. what are the audiences expectations? make sure your topic links into the main theme, investigate who is talking before and after you.

4. why are you doing this? just because youve been asked doesnt mean it has to be a full blown business presentation, if its more appropriate consider an alternative format like a memo.

5. when is the presentation? think maslow hierachy of needs, people need food and drink to make them function, so first thing in the morning or late at night you'll need to consider the basic motivational needs before you start on your content.

6. where is it going to be held? have you checked the location for lighting, power supplies, will you need a mic? who will deal with latecomers? - visit the location if possible and walk around

7. And lastly, how, how are you going to do this presentation? do you need mutimedia or will a flipchart suffice?