Steps for delivering an effective business presentation.

1. Steps to Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness

2.  Predictor of success is directly related to public
speaking (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 457).
 “Good speakers are not born.” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p.
457).
 Conquer your fears with “preparation, organization,
audience rapport, visual aids, delivery” (Guffey &
Loewy, 2011, p. 457).

3.  What is the purpose? (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 458).
 Understand and know your audience (Guffey & Loewy,
2011, p. 457).
◦ Evaluate “age, gender, education, experience” (Guffey & Loewy,
2011, p. 458).
◦ Learn about the trainee’s background (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p.
458).

4.  “Good organization and intentional repetition” (Guffey
& Loewy, 2011, p. 458).
◦ “Tell them what you are going to say” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p.
458).
◦ “Say it” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 458).
◦ “Tell them what you have just said” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p.
458).
◦ Introduction, body, and conclusion reinforce main idea (Guffey
& Loewy, 2011, p. 458).

5.  Utilize effective imagery (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 463).
◦ Analogies (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
◦ Metaphors (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
◦ Similes (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
◦ Personal anecdotes (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
 “Connects you with audience” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
• Verbal signposts (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
◦ Previewing, summarizing, switching directions (Guffey & Loewy,
2011, p. 464).

6.  Look professional (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
 “Be enthusiastic” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
 “Emphasize ideas to enhance points” (Guffey & Loewy,
2011, p. 464).
 “Speak extemporaneously” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p.
464).
◦ Learn the material (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
◦ Refrain from using notes (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).

7.  Approximately 85% of all knowledge is obtained visually
(Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 465).
 “Clarify main points” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 465).
◦ Comprehension and retention (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p.
465).
Visual Knowledge

8.  Multimedia programs have many advantages.
◦ “Stereo sound, videos, and hyperlinks” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p.
465).
◦ “Easy to use and transport” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 466).
◦ “Inexpensive to update” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 466).

9.  Disadvantages of Multimedia
◦ Possible computer incompatibility issues. (Guffey & Loewy,
2011, p. 466).
◦ Computer may have a different version of you presentation
software.
◦ Tempts user to utilize features that are unnecessary.

10.  “Memorize significant parts-the introduction, the
conclusion” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 476).
 Utilize techniques to avoid “stage fright” (Guffey &
Loewy, 2011, p. 477)
◦ “Prepare, rehearse, time yourself, check the room” (Guffey &
Loewy, 2011, p. 477-478).

11.  During the Presentation
◦ “Begin with a pause” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 478).
◦ Present first sentence from memory (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p.
478).
◦ “Maintain eye contact” (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 478).
 Post Presentation
◦ Provide handouts (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 478).
◦ Encourage questions (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).
◦ Reinforce main points (Guffey & Loewy, 2011, p. 464).

12.  Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2011). Business
Communication: Process and Product (7 ed.).
Independence, KY: Cengage Learning.