This week I share my Grab -> Give -> Goal approach to easily plan a short presentation or talk.

How to plan a short presentation

Ask anyone in your business to prepare a presentation and the chances are they will open up PowerPoint, create some slides and then try to work out what to say about their slides.
 
This is the wrong way to approach it.  Great speaking starts with great writing.  Write your talk first, and then decide whether any slides or props are needed to illustrate your key points.
 
Just like you were taught to structure your essays at school with a beginning, a middle and an end; your presentation should also be structured.  For a short presentation of 5 minutes or less, I recommend the Grab -> Give -> Goal model.

During your talk you will:

1. First Grab your audience’s attention

2. Next Give them information they will value

3. Finally ask them to make a response – this is your Goal

 
However, before you start writing, decide what is the Goal of your talk.

What do you want the audience to do as a result of hearing what you have to say?  Do you want them to buy a product or service, or buy into an idea, perhaps give you some information or book an appointment.  
 
Start with the end in mind, and decide first of all what is your Goal – and then write the rest of your talk with that goal firmly in mind.
 
Let me explain these in a bit more details.
 
Grab your audience’s attention with a strong opening. (See this blog post for some ideas). By using a question to engage them, unexpected or controversial statistic to make them think or a joke to make them laugh, let them know what you are going to be talking about is worth listening to.
 
Next Give your audience some valuable and useful information.  Make sure you are focused on adding value to your audience. (Don’t be a self-centred presenter).  Don’t overload your audience with too much information, make your point and illustrate it with a personal story or relevant example.
 
Finally ask your audience for a response. This is where you achieve the Goalof your talk. Clearly present the audience with the opportunity to respond, and make sure you present it from the audience’s perspective.  How will this help the audience, how will it make them feel – and how will they be better off as a result?
 
The Grab -> Give -> Goal approach is a great way to structure a short talk to ensure you engage, entertain and influence your audience.
 
This is one example of the type of easy to use, but extremely effective tools that I teach on my courses for speakers and presenters.
 

Upcoming Courses

Speak with Confidence

This free 2 hour workshop will show you how to beat fear and anxiety when speaking and presenting.
Limited places are available on the following courses so act fast to secure your place: www.malmesburyspeakers.com/confidence

Stand up and Speak

This one day course for people who need to speak about their business.  Participants will design, write and deliver a 10 minute presentation. Stand up and Speak is ideal for managers, team leaders and sales people who have to speak about their projects or their business.
 
Upcoming Stand up and Speak courses are listed here: www.malmesburyspeakers.com/stand

Speakers Masterclass 

This three day course is for people who speak for their business. Participants will design, write and deliver a 30 minute keynote, complete with slide deck. Speakers Masterclass is ideal for people who want to present at conferences, run seminars or be paid to speak by their audience.
 
We only run the Masterclass a few times each year.  Secure your place now – limited availability - there are just 2 places left on the next Masterclass.  This will be the last Masterclass before the Autumn.  Book here: www.malmesburyspeakers.com/masterclass
 
Both course cover the same core training elements, the Masterclass adds additional advanced modules on scriptwriting and stagecraft, more exercises and the use of slides and PA equipment.

If you would like advice on how best to improve your public speaking and presenting skills, I offer a free 15 minute discover call - click here to arrange your no obligation consultation: