The number one way to improve your public speaking is…prepare. Though that may sound self-evident, believe me, it isn’t. As any good trial lawyer will tell you, preparation is the key to winning cases. Preparation is also the key to outstanding presentations—especially if you prepare the following way.

The Questions

First, research your audience. Who are they? Why have they come together? Why do they want you to speak? What common problems do they have? You see, when you know, and understand the answers to these questions, it makes putting your presentation together far easier.

Next, know your objective. This is sometimes difficult, but the clearer your objective, and the clearer you are about what you want the audience to get from your presentation, the better your speech will be. Ask yourself what you want from making this presentation. Then consider what you want the audience to learn and remember. These questions take work, but the clearer you answer them, the better your presentation.

Customizing

Now you’re ready to customize your talk. This is actually fairly straight forward, Construct your presentation with that audience in mind. If it’s a presentation you’ve given before and will give again, then customize it this way: say something in the introduction that relates especially to that audience. Another way to customize is to create examples using their profession. In other words, make your examples relate to them.

We are inundated with information today. We need less information and more ways to organize and understand that information. We need guidance. We need your expertise on the subject, your perspective as a knowledgeable person. Tell us where you stand on this topic. What’s your point of view? Tell us what you think and why.

Be sure to limit the scope of your topic–and limit your main points. Usuallly three is the maximum number of main points; the audience won’t remember more than three. You want to be able to be specific and go into some detail. If your topic is too broad that won’t be possible. If you have too many points, you won’t be able to elaborate. So decide on the three most important points you can make to this audience. Then support those points.

By preparing thoroughly, knowing who you’re talking to, and what you want them to understand and remember, you’re on your way to creating a top-notch presentation.

Next time, I’ll tell you several more ways you can improve your public speaking success.