I’m preparing for a presentation. It’s not your usual presentation, its for a local radio station. Hutt City FMhas invited me to discuss a topic, live on the air this Saturday. It’s exciting to be invited and a bit worrying – I want to get it right and convey just enough information but not blab on about stuff that is not interesting. So, I need to get the balance right.

For most presentations the speaker needs to prepare. Firstly it's about defining my objective. Do I want to inform, persuade or sell something? Do I want the audience to understand something learn something new, sign up for something or make a change? The answers to these questions will determine how my presentation will flow. Next, I'll need to learn more about my audience. Is the topic something they are familiar with or is it all completely new? I'll need to understand how well informed they are and what they might expect from the presentation. Should I assume a particular persona that is listening to the radio show? 

Luckily for me it is a topic I am very familiar with so the preprepared questions that the host has sent me are very easy for me to answer. However, I want to make it interesting, lively and fun to listen to, so my plan is to add in personal anecdotes that can add a richness to the conversation. 

I will need to set the context; the “ why ” of why it's important to listen. And give some information about “ when ” they would they use these skills and techniques. Next I'll need to set the scene, I'll use this by asking the audience to use their imagination to put themselves into the situation I am describing. As it is a general topic about using MS Powerpoint in presentations many listeners will be able to relate to it. Then my plan is to give them the information – sharing tips and techniques. Here is where I intend to share a personal story about my experiences. 

This radio show is in the form of a conversation, so there will be a bit of ad libbing and a bit of back and forth discussion with the host. It will seem that the interview or presentation is more of a conversation between friends. 

The host of the show has promised to record the session. Later I can download it, edit it and make it into a podcast; so watch out soon for a podcast addition this website. 

Carol Speirs

carol@onedaytraining.co.nz