You're struggling to organize your presentation. What's the best way to get started?

You have a great idea for a presentation, but you don't know how to turn it into a clear and engaging story. You feel overwhelmed by all the information you want to share, and you're not sure how to structure it in a logical and coherent way. If this sounds familiar, don't worry. You're not alone. Many people struggle with organizing their presentations, especially when they have limited time and resources. But there is a simple and effective way to get started: use the PREP method. The PREP method is a four-step process that helps you plan, refine, execute, and polish your presentation. Here's how it works:

1 Plan your purpose and audience

The first step of the PREP method is to plan your purpose and audience. You need to define what you want to achieve with your presentation, and who you want to reach. Your purpose should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, your purpose could be to persuade your potential clients to buy your product within the next month. Your audience should be clearly identified, and you should consider their needs, expectations, and preferences. For example, your audience could be a group of executives who are looking for a reliable and innovative solution to their problem.

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Florian Bernard

PrÃ¤sentieren im Vertrieb. Aber Ã¼berzeugend! // Mehr Umsatz und Gewinn durch begeisternde und ganzheitliche Salespitches, die fÃ¼r Applaus und AuftrÃ¤ge sorgen. // Training, Coaching, Beratung.
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Start with your guiding sentence. This is crucial and will determine the content and structure of the presentation. Use the following frame: I want to (goal of the presentation) (audience) with my presentation in order to (purpose of the presentation). Example: I want to convince the HR manager with my presentation in order to arrange a meeting with the decision maker. You should only use content which fits the guiding sentence.

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Anjam Shahzad

CEO Redesign Presentation | Startup Presentation | Presentation Specialist | Business Presentation | Pitch Deck Presentation | Investor Presentation | PowerPoint Presentation | Presentation Designer | PPT & Canva Expert
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Begin by outlining the main points, structure the information logically into an introduction, body, and conclusion, and then storyboard to visualize the flow of your presentation. Would you like assistance in outlining your content or advice on structuring your specific presentation for an Upwork project?

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Martin Beyer

"Just make money with your (own) energy - easy and for everyone - with renewables" Mit LumenHaus bekommst du viel mehr als nur eine Solaranlage aufs Dach!
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The point of every presentation is to reach the target group. So: what is the concern, the interest or the pain of my target group and what can I contribute with my solution to resolve this concern or this pain and this is what needs to be summarised succinctly in a presentation

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2 Refine your main message and outline

The second step of the PREP method is to refine your main message and outline. You need to summarize what you want to say in one sentence, and then support it with three to five key points. Your main message should be concise, compelling, and relevant to your purpose and audience. For example, your main message could be: "Our product is the best choice for you because it offers superior quality, performance, and value." Your outline should follow a clear and logical structure, such as problem-solution-benefit, or situation-analysis-recommendation. Your outline should also include an introduction, a conclusion, and transitions between your key points.

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3 Execute your design and delivery

The third step of the PREP method is to execute your design and delivery. You need to create your slides, handouts, and other visual aids, and practice your speech. Your design should be simple, consistent, and appealing, and use images, charts, graphs, and other elements to enhance your message. Your delivery should be confident, clear, and engaging, and use your voice, body language, and eye contact to connect with your audience. You should also anticipate and prepare for questions, objections, and feedback.

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Ian Wong

Director, FP&A @ Johnson Electric | Strategic Partner, Business Insights | CPA | Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA, ACMA) | CIA
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Use of charts / graphs / pictures â€“ In most cases, a line chart is clearer than a table or bullet points because it visually allows the audience to understand whether the â€œtrend is your friendâ€. If there are many multiple data points in a chart, force rank the important points to draw the audienceâ€™s attention to them (E.g. â€œLooking at the drivers of profits, out of the top 3 components, all are due to market fluctuations such as commodity price softening or currency benefits, with none of them related to volume driven earnings growth. We as the executive management must turn this around.â€)

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4 Polish your presentation

The fourth and final step of the PREP method is to polish your presentation. You need to review your presentation, and make any necessary adjustments or improvements. You should check your content for accuracy, clarity, and relevance, and your design for readability, alignment, and contrast. You should also rehearse your presentation several times, and ask for feedback from someone you trust. You should also test your equipment, and arrive early to set up and relax.

By following the PREP method, you can organize your presentation in a systematic and efficient way. You can also improve your confidence, credibility, and impact as a presenter. So, the next time you're struggling to organize your presentation, remember to PREP yourself for success.

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Olena S.

Independent Freelance Designer and Website Builder
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Rehearse your presentation excessively, until you know it by heart. Make sure you are not reading your presentation, and instead speaking to your audience directly. It takes a lot of practice hours, but the outcome is a presentation that feels engaging and direct.

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Ian Wong

Director, FP&A @ Johnson Electric | Strategic Partner, Business Insights | CPA | Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA, ACMA) | CIA
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Rehearse â€“ nothing beats the experience of standing in front of a live audience to practice delivering the presentation. There are multiple benefits of a rehearsal. First, it draws your (and your audienceâ€™s) attention as to whether the presentationâ€™s content (E.g. text, charts, figures) show up clearly or whether there are any typos. Secondly, it engages your brain to ponder potential questions that may arise on the content, giving you time to prepare an answer before the real presentation. Finally, it builds confidence.

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5 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're struggling to organize your presentation. What's the best way to get started?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Plan your purpose and audience

2 Refine your main message and outline

3 Execute your design and delivery

4 Polish your presentation

5 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Presentations

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Directory

You're struggling to organize your presentation. What's the best way to get started?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Plan your purpose and audience

2 Refine your main message and outline

3 Execute your design and delivery

4 Polish your presentation

5 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Presentations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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