In a talk, illustrations are word pictures that clarify, support, exemplify, or demonstrate points in the message. Basically, there are two kinds of illustrations: “pointed” and “pointless.” A pointed illustration supports the subject while a pointless one does not. Pointed

The structure of a talk varies depending on the message and the messenger. Some speakers like to use the “manuscript method;” in which they write out their message word for word, and leave nothing to chance. These presenters have something

Generally, the best talks come from presenters who speak on topics that resonate with their own values. These devoted orators talk about subjects that matter to them deeply. They speak with power and passion because they believe so strongly in

Suppose someone asked you to do a presentation on “The History of NASA’s Space Program.” Do you think the approach and content would be impacted by the length of time they gave you to speak? Of course it would. That

The first question a presenter must answer involves the listening audience. The composition of a group influences what and how one prepares. Determining the makeup of an audience involves certain considerations that can be broken down into two categories: Demographics