So, you’ve been asked to give a presentation. What kind of presentation will it be? – Thinking about the “Types of Presentations”

What kind of presentation will you be making? Be clear about that, and you might do a much better job.

Understanding the purpose of a presentation is an important first consideration – a starting point.

Traditionally, the big “two” have been “Informative” presentations and “Persuasive” presentations.

“Informative” is simple—“I will inform you of something” (something that you may know next-to-nothing about).

“Persuasion” is much more challenging – I will seek to change your mind, your attitude, your behavior.

You see why persuasion is so challenging, don’t you? I don’t like to change my mind, or attitude, or behavior, and I don’t want you trying to change it either.

But, there are variations even within these two. So, here is my new “lecture outline” on the types of presentations (speeches) which I have prepared for my speech class. Look it over; you might find it helpful.

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Broad Category — Informative Presentations

• Let me inform you (Let me explain to you) — (you do not know this – I will tell you)

• Let me teach you – (you don’t know enough about this – I will teach you)

• Let me remind you – (think daily huddle)

• Let me report to you – (you need to be kept up to date – I will give you a progress report)

 

Broad Category — Persuasive Presentations

• Let me challenge you/stretch you – (with some information; challenging you to aim higher)

• Let me correct you – (you’re off target; here’s how to get back on target)

• Let me motivate you – (you know what to do; get to it!)

• Let me sell you on this –
• (think customers; you are persuading them to accept your solution/product/service/suggestion)
• (and, think of a response to an RFP — a “pitch” of some kind)

 

Broad Category – Other

• Let me honor you — (think retirement or award celebration)

• Let me entertain you – (think department or company picnic)

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Note – each and every presentation matters to:

• the audience – (they need to hear this; know this; learn from this)

• you – in regards to your own professional development — (you are delivering a presentation of consequence; and, each time, you are working on delivering better presentations, aiming for “outstanding” every time)