Ingredients for a Successful Presentation?

¶ … ingredients for a successful presentation? What are the challenges that you personally face in presentations? What are some successes that you have had in making presentations?

A successful presentation covers a new and interesting topic that the audience will be interested in and frames the material in a context that the audience can relate to. The presentation will provide information that offers new insights, appropriate supporting evidence and actionable advice. and, a great presentation keeps the audience engaged in the topic. The largest challenge I've found when presenting is not always having a clear understanding of the audience composition or having an audience with mixed backgrounds and interests. The best presentations that I have given are when I facilitate interaction with the audience. I like to start by asking a few questions about the audience's composition and interests along with a request for a show of hands. With this knowledge, I then spend more time on slides that are the most likely to meet the needs of the audience. and, I like to encourage interactive questions and answers. Although this can time management a bit more challenging, I've found that answering questions at a high level with a one-on-one follow up after the presentation as a mutually beneficial way to deal with this issue.

B: Can a presenter really change his/her image from presentation to presentation? If so, how? Is it ethical? Try to think of an example in which this might happen or has happened. What are/were the results?

Presenters are constantly trying to represent themselves as experts of the knowledge they are conveying to their audience. Often, the topics presenters must cover vary by the needs of the business being represented, conference agenda, and audience. As topics vary, the depth of presenter knowledge also varies. In attempt to gain credibility, the presenter may make attempts to boost their image as a subject matter expert. I've seen speakers use references to organizations and companies that give the illusion that the speaker is somehow affiliated with them or has specialized knowledge that they don't actually have. I've also seen speakers change their job titles from presentation to increase credibility and try to mask the fact that they are giving a vendor pitch rather than impartial commentary. and, I've also witnessed speakers trying to "wing" answers to questions when it's apparent that they have no idea what they are talking about. This type of behavior is not ethical and, typically, the audience sees behind the facade and is not receptive to the presenter.