To be a successful speaker, with winning communication, you need a GAME PLAN. Even more important, you need an OUTLINE, a game plan that works. Consider this sequence for organizing your next important communication.
1. Define your objective.
Complete this statement, "At the end of my communication, the audience will
. . . . ." What is it that the audience will think, believe, say,
or do when you finish talking? A one sentence objective statement works best.
2. Write your conclusion.
You can polish your conclusion later.
3. Prepare your audience analysis.
Who is in your audience? What do they know about your subject? What don't
they know? What would they like to know? Emphasize new ideas,
new information and new ways to see old information.
4. Organize your communication.
Think only of your objective statement. List the points you would make if you
had unlimited time to speak. List as many points as you can. Forget the audience
for now. Preferably, set your list aside for a day or so and add other points as
they come to mind.
After you're satisfied you have a complete list of points, come back and prioritize. This time think of your audience analysis. If you had 20 points, rank them 1 through 20. Then, select the main points which will best fit your audience analysis, your objective statement, and your time frame.
5. Write your introduction.
Get the audience's attention. Tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em.
6. Title your presentation
Other communications don't require a title.
7. Deliver your communication.
Give your communication from your outline directly for formal presentation or
write a script. Whatever decision you make, practice, practice, practice on
video before you communicate your message. You determine the amount of time you
practice on video by the importance of your objective to the company and the
effect the objective has on your job results.
You will benefit personally by using this sequence. An outline is easier to write than a script. Since an outline is easier, you can get started earlier in preparing you presentation. Getting started is half the battle.
An outline helps you clearly define the specific objective of your communication. It helps you focus attention on your purpose. An outline helps you think of the listener with your audience analysis. Remember, the audience is asking the question, "What's in it for me?"
The outline gives you a structure to organize your thinking. It will make it easier for the audience to not only hear, but to understand what you are saying.
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