Communicating More Effectively
227UÊTo instruct . These may include presentations regarding how to perform a 
task (like how to use a new computer program) or how to develop a new 
skill (for example, learning to dance).
UÊTo brief . Some presentations are designed to brief an audience regarding 
some matter. For example, this may include a four-minute presentation to 
update management about the status of union negotiations or to brief your 
customers about changes in the price of a product.
UÊTo entertain . Examples of presentations designed to entertain include theat -
rical presentations (for instance, stand-up comedy) and sometimes speeches 
at weddings, anniversaries, or parties.
STEP 2: DETERMINING THE NATURE OF THE AUDIENCE
Before planning a presentation in detail, it is helpful to know something about the 
nature of your audience. In some cases, you may even need to ask the audience questions 
about their background at the start of the presentation and adapt your style or content 
to meet their needs. Some questions that are helpful to consider include the following:
UÊHow big is the audience?
UÊWhat is the likely composition of the audience (factors such as age, gender, 
professional background)?
UÊWhat is the audience expecting?
UÊHow much does the audience already know? What do they still need to 
learn?
UÊWhy is the audience attending the presentation—because they have to or 
because they want to?
STEP 3: DECIDING UPON THE SUBJECT MATTER
Before giving your presentation, you should have an idea of the main message that 
you want to convey. In most cases, the main point of the presentation should be simple