3 Questions To Ask Before Presenting To Any Audience

If you’re anything like me (i.e. love to talk), then you’ve probably had a parent at one time or another say, “Next time, think before you speak!”

You too? It’s okay, because now you can use that gift of gab to build your business. But not so fast—we need to think about a few things before we speak. (You forgot already!?)

We already know you’re amazingly knowledgeable, experienced and successful in your business or industry. You want to tell the world about it, but where do you start? The key is to take mom’s advice and think through WHY, not just WHAT we want to speak about.

Discovering the answers to three key questions will not only help to craft a more powerful and profitable presentation, but it will set you miles apart (and above) your competition. So before you do your next presentation, think about these 3 questions before you speak.

What’s the PURPOSE of my presentation?

For some, it’s teaching a skill, while others want to share their story. Some do it for branding, while others use it as their primary solicitation tool for new business. There is no right or wrong answer, but your response will lead the direction of your talk.

What do I want the audience to LEARN?

Is it your success story or techniques to complete a task? Do you want them to walk out knowing more about a topic or themselves? Making a clear decision on what you want them to learn will help you become more clear on how to teach it.

How do I want my audience to FEEL when they leave?

Ready for the secret sauce? This is the most important question you’ll ask and the most critical to helping you understand how you’ll create IMPACT. Answer this question, and find a way to deliver it, and you’ll have audiences (and meeting planners) begging for more!

I know—this seems like a lot of work. We haven’t even starting outlining the presentation yet. But attention to detail will absolutely help you connect to your audience and improve your presentation results.

Think about it like this—it’s kind of like your business plan for the presentation. You don’t have to have all the answers, but with some key direction and goals, you’ll accomplish a lot more.

See you at the front of the room!

Brian Sharp

Brian Sharp is owner of the Go Big Company, which specializes in small business training & development. As a national, award-winning business speaker and author, Brian has the privilege of traveling the country helping companies achieve BIG results through keynote presentations, workshops, & coaching programs.