Plan. Structure. Pack a punch.

Part 1: Planning

To be truly prepared, you need a roadmap. I’ll break this into three parts. First, we’ll cover the mental preparation needed to find your topic and decide on the angle to take. Second, we’ll look at how to structure your presentation in practical terms. Finally, we’ll focus on how to deliver it effectively in front of an audience.

Finding the heart of the presentation

Start by clearly defining your topic and zeroing in on what really matters, so you can sharpen your message. Ask yourself: If my audience remembers only one thing, what do I want it to be? That single idea should guide everything else. The clearer the message, the easier it is to build the rest of your presentation. It also helps you cut unnecessary material and avoid overloading your audience.

Next, choose your angle—the approach that makes your subject easier to grasp. Maybe it’s an analogy that makes your point concrete, or humour that keeps the audience engaged. The key is to pick an angle that feels natural to you, so you can deliver with comfort and authenticity.

Two people can speak on the same topic in completely different but equally relevant ways. Think of films about the Vietnam War: Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now explores the madness of war as an allegory, while Oliver Stone’s Platoon immerses the audience directly in the soldier’s perspective. The more original and personal your vision, the stronger your presentation will be.

Once you’ve nailed down your message and angle, the rest falls into place. A clear theme makes it easier to find a catchy, representative title, one that’s short, memorable, and evocative. A great title sparks curiosity and sets the tone!

Answer the four context questions

  1. Who? Who will you be addressing? What concerns do they have? What do they know, or think they know? Where are they starting from, and where do you want to take them?
  2. What? What’s the context of your presentation? How much time do you have? Are you first on stage, or following others?
  3. Why? Why are you at this event? What will your audience gain from listening to you? And what are your personal goals: more visibility, more credibility, impressing your boss, stretching your limits? These are for you alone, but being honest about them will help you manage stress and evaluate your success. They’ll also connect you to the deeper motivations that push you to excel.
  4. How? What’s your game plan? Map out a timeline for every step of preparation. Never used a projector? Practice. Missing information? Track it down. Build a schedule that lets you prepare without scrambling at the last minute or sacrificing sleep the night before.

Now that you know what you want to say, you’re ready for the next step: Part 2, Structuring Your Presentation.