
© iStockphoto/Sean_Warren
Speaking to an audience can be fun and exciting. However, lack of preparation or not clearly defining the presentation's goals and its audience can make even the best-intended presentation a complete disaster.
To ensure your presentation is effective, first determine your objective. Ask yourself:
Second, determine your audience. Their familiarity with the presentation topic will determine the level at which you present your speech.
Once you have determined your presentation's objective and overall goal, as well as the audience, it's time to structure your presentation. You will need to start this process by...
Join the Mind Tools' Club. Access 600+ career-boosting tools and get the training, support and advice you need to get ahead.
Learn on the move with the free Mind Tools iPhone and iPad Apps. Short bursts of business training ideal for busy people.

Useful free tools from the Mind Tools site, brought together into easily downloadable, easily printable PDFs.