Define Your Goal

An effective presentation begins with focused thinking. You’ll need to figure out your primary aim, which usually involves getting people to understand something or take action.

Your broad objective

Go back to that short phrase you wrote down earlier—turn it into a crisp sentence that states your goal. Begin with “I want,” and include your audience. Here are some examples:

 “I want to inform my department about the new process for proposing new product ideas.”

 “I want my colleagues to help brainstorm ideas for the project we’re about to start.”

 “I want to show people how well my team’s new system works.”

 “I want to get other managers to sign on to a set of recommendations I’ve developed for our top executives.”

 “I want ...

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