The main thing should be the first thing. This is so true in life. It is also true when preparing your speech or presentation.
How do you start with the main things?
I have a friend who asked me, “Chris, can you give some activities or games I can use for my seminar?”
I acknowledge and commend him for his humility and willingness to learn. But there’s something missing in his question or in the information he prioritizes to prepare. He was asking for activities or games but he doesn’t have the main things yet.
Before looking for activities or games to use, you should start with PAM: Purpose, Audience, Message.
First, you have to know your purpose. What is the objective of your speech or seminar? What do you want to accomplish?
Second, you have to know your audience. Who will you be talking to? Who are the participants?
Third, you have to know your message. What is it that you want to tell them? What is it that you want to convey?
Get clear with your purpose, audience, and message first before you start asking the questions, “What games or activities can I use to support my point? What examples will I use to illustrate my message?”
When you are set with these main things, the games and activities will be easy to find or create. You can have your own or you can model from those of others. You can find a lot of examples on Google or Youtube.
Again, let the main thing be the first thing. Start with PAM: Purpose, Audience, Message. This way, the activities will be aligned to your message, will fit your audience, and will accomplish your purpose.
If you want to enhance your competence and confidence in giving speeches or presentations, join me at the SPEAK 2.0 Public Speaking Workshop on March 16 at the SIRIB Center, Saint Louis University, Baguio City.
To register, go to http://bit.ly/SpeakBaguio. For inquiries, you may text 0945-761-6577 or email info@chrisdaoanis.com.
(Chris Dao-anis, CPA, DTM is a presentations coach, keynote speaker, and author of 4 books. Like his page at http://facebook.com/chrisdaoanis. Visit his website at http://chrisdaoanis.com.)
