I have faith in the basic principle of time-management mentioned by presentation and business coach, Brian Tracy: “There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the important things.”
If you acknowledge that presentation can have a significant influence on your working life, then put its preparation high on your list of priorities.
As soon as you know the date of your slot, get some content down – even if it’s just a few scribbles on pads or Post-it®* notes (more on this later). Allowing your mind to work with the subject subconsciously is one of the best ways to prepare, and that requires time.
You’ll find yourself thinking the subject over in the shower, in the car to work, and over coffee with a colleague. When those thoughts start to flow, add them to your rough notes; your story is beginning to form.
Make a quick preparation schedule so that you can manage the time up to the deadline;
• First ideas on paper • First draft on-screen • Refined version
• Test run
• Final edit and test
Setting up a timetable for developing the presentation to its end will set your mind at rest, and will also help ensure you prepare strongly.