Presentations - Planning Your Weeks

Managing your one-minute presentations is like fueling your car; don't wait until the last moment. Here's how to avoid running on empty:

Avoid the Last-Minute Rush: Just as driving on a near-empty tank can harm your car, squeezing in your final message after the bell can dilute its impact. Plan to finish with time to spare.

Maximize Your Opportunities: With around 50 chances a year to present, make each one count. Use this time to clearly communicate what you're looking for and educate your "sales force" – your fellow members.

Keep It Memorable: Present information that's easy to understand, remember, and relay. This helps your network refer you more effectively.

Plan Your Approach: Like climbing a mountain, success in presentations comes from preparation. Outline the key topics you want to cover over the next few weeks.

Here is a quick way to plan things:

On a piece of paper write down the three most important subjects you want to talk about, the three subjects that will allow your fellow members to find you referrals.

Next, write a core one minute presentation to cover this aspect of your business in an easy to understand way.

Now, draw a grid like the one below . You can do it roughly on your pad while planning things, then transfer it to the PDF “Presentation Plan” for adding to your folder.

Write the next 9 weeks dates of your meeting in the first column.

Now, write each of the three subjects on a separate line in the middle column until all rows are filled. Leave every fourth week blank.

Now think of a prop – use the same one for each instance of the presentation (unless a different one will be more relevant.

Finally, take your core presentation and tweak it to make three slightly different versions that cover the subject.

In a few minutes, with very little effort, you have created your first presentation plan.

Use a Presentation Plan: Create a schedule that alternates your main topics, leaving some flexibility for timely updates or special offers. Incorporate props for added impact.

Refine Your Message: Develop slightly different versions of your core presentation to keep the content fresh while reinforcing your key points.

Stay Flexible: While it's important to have a plan, be ready to adapt if an opportunity arises. Use blank slots in your schedule for last-minute additions.

Module Actions:

Print out the 'Plan Your Weeks' presentation planner.
Develop a structured schedule for your upcoming presentations, ensuring a balanced mix of topics and flexibility for unforeseen opportunities.