Skipping The Planning Phase

Problem

You didn't do any planning or design, so the presentation leaves the audience completely lost. You not only have wasted time, you have wasted the audience's time.

Solution

Do your planning up front and keep the planning information current. Create a storyboard or outline. Do an audience analysis (re-read Chapter 2 if you need help with this part). Find out if the presentation will be shared. If it will, plan that into the presentation. Plan the colors, styles, fonts and templates. Finally, keep good records of who you talked to, when and what about. Those notes and records will save you if there are problems later.