Professional presentations: transmitting information with polish and flair, Part I--Preparing the presentation

Writing a presentation requires the speaker to know the audience and the purpose of the presentation. Research, whether in the library or through interviews, is important for a presentation to be current and accurate. The organization of the presentation hinges on a clear central idea, measurable objectives, coherent outline complete with main points and supporting material, effective transitions, an introduction that previews the presentation, and a conclusion that summarizes it. This process provides a foundation for a presentation that is interesting, informative, and memorable.