4. Draft backwards for a “bottom line up-front” approach.
We have learned to write and speak in a 1-2-3 structure: (1) Introduction – (2) Body – (3) Conclusion. For presentations, this is counterproductive: in contrast to reading a memo, audience members do not have the luxury of going back and reading again what they missed the first time. When you initiate your presentation draft with your conclusion, then the presentation will be focused on merging your objective with your audience’s problems, interests and concerns. Place your conclusion on a card marked (3), and then develop an introduction that signals the audience that you know its problems and will be offering a solution. Place this on a card marked (1). Finally, place your supporting arguments on a series of cards marked (2A), (2B), etc. You can have sub-points listed parenthetically. Having them will help if you must go to a “Plan B” presentation. (See #7 below.) You may even deliver your conclusion first, and then tell the audience you will now show the process you used to come to this conclusion. This “3-1-2” method, which I explain more fully in my book, enables the presenter to deliver actionable information in a “bottom line up-front” manner.