Different Types of Presentations

We said earlier that presentations tend to fall into 5 broad categories. Preparation of script will differ, depending on the type of presentation that you intend to do.

Persuasion

This type of presentation is designed to influence opinions or urge people to adopt a certain line of action. It could contain the following elements:

• Dramatic facts or statistics to grab attention,
• Negative scenario if nothing changes,
• Positive scenario if change happens,
• Your main ideas (the change which is required) and their supporting arguments,
• Anticipated objections and your responses to them,
• Description of desired future,
• Action plan.

Challenge

This type of presentation reveals what people must face up to or dare to do or significantly improve. It could contain the following elements:

• Description of the current situation, in detail as graphic and vivid as possible.
• Vision of the desired future, equally as bright and clear.
• Steps to be taken.
• Action plan.

Information

People need to be updated with news, facts, figures, decisions and many other types of information. Such a presentation could contain the following elements:

• Overview of the topic (tell them what you’re going to tell them).
• Main ideas and the supporting arguments (tell them).
• Relevance to the audience (Radio WII FM).
• Summary and conclusion (tell them what you’ve just told them).

Instruction

This type of presentation is similar to a training or coaching session. Such a presentation could contain the following elements:

• Outcomes.
• Learning content delivered in small chunks for easier assimilation and in a logical sequence.
• If skills are involved, demonstrate them.
• Allow adequate time for practice.
• Give feedback during the practising.
• Check understanding by asking participants to re-phrase, demonstrate, give their own examples or to prove understanding by any means other than your asking: Do you understand?
• Test against the outcomes.
• Indicate in what way their learning is to be used after the presentation.

Bad News

If people have to hear bad news, bear in mind:

• Head straight in, don’t beat about the bush.
• Be accurate and truthful.
• Recognise that what you are saying may cause sorrow, anguish, fear and/or anger and let them know that you acknowledged this.
• Outline the way forward and any genuine good news on the horizon.
• Be encouraging and supportive.