A presentation to achieve the greatest impact

Developing the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion

For almost every presentation, follow this traditional rule:

  • Tell them what you are going to tell them.
  • Tell them.
  • Then, tell them what you have told them.

This is the same method that the ancient Greeks taught about the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

Introduce the overall message and each of the supporting topics, like “I am going to cover (1), (2), and (3).” Then, discuss each of the supporting points in order and say in conclusion “I have covered (1), (2), and (3).”

For the opening to the presentation, use the “CPF” acronym:

C = Context—What is the impetus for the presentation? What surrounds it that could influence it?

P = Purpose—Why am I delivering this presentation? What is my reason?

F = Foreshadowing—What is coming in this presentation and in what order? What should the audience expect to hear as they listen to it?

Use the Pyramid Principle or write out a storyboard to insure a tight, logical story that flows easily from slide to slide.

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