[Translated by the author from a previous post -in French.]

You have seen this many a time, a presentation that goes horribly amiss because of an undesirable technical snag. Or maybe have you fell in a deep sleep during one of those 151 slide-long presentations detailing and explaining the ins and outs of ABC gizmo market? And what about those word-filled screens that are so small you can't even get close to knowing what they are about!

My 5 S Model
To present in front of an audience is a skill. A skill to acquire more than often as it is not a given for most. Such a competence goes beyond the art of talking. It starts with a well planned story and a well organized event --because presenting in front of an audience be it small or large is an event.

If you allow me, here is my presentation planning model: the 5S's. Use it and you will give yourself a better chance of blowing people away with a banging presentation, one that will more probably give you want you expect from it.

(Read also this post (in French) on my professional blog for a tad more details.)

• Style. Determine from the outset what will be the most appropriate format and tone for your presentation, i.e. formal or informal, friendly or "tightly" professional, etc. All styles are not necessarily good for all contexts. Make a thoughtful choice.
• Subject. Have a clear mind and a precise idea of the story you want to tell. Word of caution! To do this well requires effort!
• Structure. Your presentation is a story to your audience. Tell a story that people will remember. Tell it with a beginning, a middle and an end.
• Simplicity. The average audience will only retain two or three ideas from your presentation. Know which ones you want them to remember and help them remember them: repeat your key points often!
• Save it! [Note: the French version is Savoir. I couldn't find a more direct translation in English that started with an S. Give me a point for the effort! ;-)]. Define yourself an objective; know your audience (level of knowledge and interest in the matter) and the context of your presentation including all environmental aspects of it (room, layout, time of day, equipment), and know your stuff Then, save all this to memory! And please don't underestimate the technical risks... Murphy is never very far.