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The 5 Ps of Preparing a Presentation

Techniques > Public speaking > Preparing the Presentation > The 5 Ps of Preparing a Presentation

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

In preparing for a speech or presentation, remember to use the five P's of preparation:

Prepare
Plan
Practice
Practice
Practice

Preparation includes researching the audience, subject and so on. Planning includes construction of the speech, including what not to say. Practice is, of course, essential.

Example

When asked to do a presentation I pause and think about the five Ps and whether I have sufficient time for them all. If not, then I will refuse. If time then I take care to research and take care in development, followed by assiduous practice.

Discussion

The main point of this little saying is to emphasize the need for practice. When you ready '5Ps' you probably expected five different things. The three 'Practice' points were likely a bit of a surprise, which will in fact help you to remember how important practice is.

Preparation is of course also important, as is planning. Yet both of these are often forgotten or done insufficiently well. In fact overall the five Ps are not so much a complete methodology as a brief reminder of important activities that are too often ignored.