{"id":798,"date":"2017-10-27T12:58:00","date_gmt":"2017-10-27T12:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/18.217.66.101\/?p=798"},"modified":"2025-08-08T14:04:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T14:04:16","slug":"checklist-for-before-and-after-a-presentation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/blog\/checklist-for-before-and-after-a-presentation","title":{"rendered":"Presentation Checklist: What to do Before and After Delivery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Before you give a presentation, you might want to work through this checklist to make sure you haven\u2019t missed anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purpose of the presentation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is the purpose of your presentation?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the end goal?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What would you consider a successful outcome?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Presentation preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check how long your presentation slot is<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check that your presentation doesn\u2019t overrun on time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rehearse your presentation to friends or colleagues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rehearse your presentation using&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/courses\/public-speaking\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">virtual reality<\/a>&nbsp;to reduce nerves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepare speaker notes or cue cards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take a&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/learn\/presentation-skills-training\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">presentations training course<\/a>&nbsp;to improve your skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think about where to breathe and pause<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Number your notes in case you drop them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-presentation\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your introduction<\/a>&nbsp;explains your objectives and grabs the audiences\u2019 attention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clearly define the points of the presentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the main points are in&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-speech\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">logical order<\/a>&nbsp;and flow well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The conclusion should be clear, concise and tie with the introduction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure you are knowledgeable about the topic you are presenting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Presentation slides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep slide designs&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/visage.co\/11-design-tips-beautiful-presentations\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">simple and concise<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; use minimal text and high quality pictures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure there are no grammar or spelling errors on the presentation slides<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check and facts you display and make sure you can back them up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If appropriate, post slides to the web, include URL at end of talk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saved your presentation onto two different formats (USB, cloud storage, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirmed that the audio-visual equipment you require will be in the room<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure you\u00a0practice with your presentation slides\u00a0to get the correct timings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visual aids and handouts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check the&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/blog\/visual-aids-presentation\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">visual aids<\/a>&nbsp;are easy to read and understand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure they tie into the points you are trying to communicate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure they can be easily seen from all areas of the room<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.speakingaboutpresenting.com\/delivery\/presentation-handouts\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prepare any handouts<\/a>&nbsp;you want to give out and proof read them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure you have sufficient handouts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Double check the visual aids are working (especially if it\u2019s a demo)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Audience analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Think about&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/blog\/audience-analysis-speech\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">who will be in the audience<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Determine if there will be decision makers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think about their knowledge of the topic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think about if their native language is the same language as the presentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check if the organiser can provide a rough demographic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Audience questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Think about possible&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/blog\/guide-for-handling-questions-after-a-presentation\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">questions you will be asked<\/a>&nbsp;and have spare slides to address them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide how long you will leave for questions at the end<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide if you want to specify areas you are willing to answer questions on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other speakers at the event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Found out who else will be speaking and what they will be speaking about<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check if other speaker topics are related to yours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check if someone else will introduce you or if you need to do it yourself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Determine whether you will be presenting alone or as part of a group<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Location and type of event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check the floor, room and location of the event<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find a contact persons email or number in case you are running late<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get directions to the venue, including parking vouchers if required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try to find last year\u2019s programs to determine the style of the event<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check if there are reviews of the event on blogs or social media<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the type of event &#8211; is it an industry event where you\u2019re expected to address professionals? Is it a seminar for aspiring leaders looking for inspiration and motivation?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the style of presenting you\u2019ll be doing (indoors, outdoors, standing, sitting, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand the size and layout of the room you will be presenting in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your appearance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure you are dressed and groomed appropriately and aligned with the audience&#8217;s expectations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/blog\/how-to-make-good-first-impressions\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">First impressions<\/a>&nbsp;are very important for credibility, maintain a polished and professional look<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practice your speech paying close attention to your body language and posture, both of which will be assessed by the audience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decided what to wear the day before<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As a rule of thumb, dress slightly better than your audience members<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On the morning of the event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eat a good breakfast to give you energy on stage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get some light exercise in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check your laptop is charged<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check you have your slides ready on your laptop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid unnecessary stress by getting to the venue early<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bring with you to the event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bottle of water in case your throat goes dry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your laptop and any necessary cables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Backup slides on a USB or hard drive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A remote to&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Office-Presentation-Remotes\/b?ie=UTF8&amp;node=160358011\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">control your slides<\/a>&nbsp;if required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extension cord if required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any physical demo, handouts, or other visual aids if required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your presentation notes or cue cards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">At the event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Register and let the organiser know you\u2019ve arrived<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find your room and watch another speaker present<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If time allows, mingle and&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/blog\/how-professional-networking-can-help-your-career\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">meet people<\/a>&nbsp;who might be in your audience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return to the room before the speaker before you finishes, maximising your time to set up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get your laptop hooked up to projector immediately &#8211; most problems occur here<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test your slides and any videos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walk around on stage and get comfortable with the room<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run through the first couple of minutes of your presentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure you have a glass or bottle of water with you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sit in the back row and make sure your text is readable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you&#8217;re nervous, distract yourself by going for a walk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn your mobile on silent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">After the event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make yourself visible so people can find you to ask questions about your talk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write questions from attendees on their business cards so you can answer in email later<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post slides online or to&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.slideshare.net\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SlideShare<\/a>&nbsp;if appropriate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email people who gave you their cards, answering their questions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thank the organiser and ask for any feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your talk was filmed, ask for a copy so you can learn from it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read our complete presentation checklist for all essential tasks to prepare and think about before, during and after your speech, including what to bring with you on the day of the event.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":799,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-798","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-presentation-skills"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/798","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=798"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/798\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4306,"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/798\/revisions\/4306"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=798"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=798"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualspeech.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=798"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}