Recognize you are the expert as you prepare your presentation. Begin by thinking through the goals and objectives, with consideration to the time available. What key insights do you want the participants to take away from the seminar? Write the script when you have clearly defined these objectives. Plan to begin with a relevant story. Stories illustrate the speaker's point in a more interesting way. Thinking through the elements of the story will guide you to select only the ideas your audience needs to know, making it easier to digest and retain the information. Organize the slides so that you can naturally tie back to the principles of the story.
Create the presentation slides. The look, feel and flow of the presentation slides are very important. Slides that are too flashy or cluttered detract from the importance of what the speaker has to say. Include pictures or graphs where possible. Advance through the slides at a rate of 2 -- 3 minutes per slide. Use minimal amounts of text per slide, making sure the written text is a point you want to make, not an explanation of the point. Clarify the main point with a handout when detailed points cannot be included in the slide. Reinforce the message on the final slides and outline next steps for participants.
Record a practice presentation using a video camera or tape recorder and review it. Detect the areas of the seminar that need to be enhanced or corrected and where you can more effectively make your point. See if there is enough variety in the presentation to sustain interest. Consider adding more class participation with role-playing and buzz sessions that focus on the topic if needed. Test the presentation out on your friends. Ask them to pay attention to how relaxed you are in front of a group and if you can casually bring out examples that allow the audience to be in sync with you. Be receptive to their feedback. Chances are they will like it, and if they do, you can be confident it will be a hit with your attendees.
Prepare the room with consideration for the number of attendees and the duration of the seminar. Seating arrangements influence the atmosphere and make the session feel either relaxed or tense. Arrange the room with round tables rather than a formal classroom style. Using round tables with approximately 5 -- 6 participants seated in a crescent shape allows for group discussions while still permitting views of the presentation at the front of the room. Setting up a small trainer table up front with a laptop and projector is more inviting that a podium. This allows you as the presenter to be more engaged with the group. Provide name badges so that attendees can get to know each other and so that you can address them by name.
Welcome your participants. Introduce yourself, and allow them to do the same. This can be effectively done with an ice-breaker such as "two truths and a lie." Each attendee tells two things about themselves that are true and one that is false. The group tries to determine which of the facts could be a lie. This is an engaging way to make everyone feel comfortable. Increase their ability to learn by making the participants feel safe at the beginning of the session. Be animated and enthusiastic as you deliver your presentation. Pay close attention to the dynamics of the group and adjust the presentation accordingly. Mingle with participants during break times and ask questions relating to the presentation. Determine if the pace is correct and if you are on course. Gather questions throughout the day and let the participants know they may ask any additional questions. Be certain all the questions and concerns are addressed.
Request written feedback from the class at the close of the seminar. Let the participants know the purpose of the evaluation is to help you improve. Open-ended questions and anonymous replies on evaluations generally give you the best snapshot view of the presentation. Consider using just 3 -- 5 questions. You can benefit from asking: What would you like me to continue doing? What would you like me to start doing? What would you like me to stop doing? Thank them for their participation. Read each evaluation after the session. Incorporate the suggestions that fit your style to improve your next class.