About the Author 1

To the Reader 2

Preface 3

About the Crisp 50-Minute Series 5

A Note to Instructors 6

Part 1 Assessing Your Skills 7

Evaluating Yourself 9

Dealing with Anxiety 12

Tips for Reducing Anxiety 13

Turning Your Assessment into a Plan 16

Part 2 Planning Your Presentation 17

Clarifying Your Strategy 19

Six Steps to Planning Your Presentation 20

Some Thoughts on Using Handouts 30

Preparing For Your Next Presentation 32

Part 3 Using Slides and Other Visual Aids 33

Using Slides and Visual Aids Effectively 35

Designing Your Slides 37

Use Your Slides-Don't Let Them Use You 50

Part Summary 51

Part 4 Preparing for Your Presentation 53

Personal Appearance 55

Controlling the Presentation Environment 57

When You Can't Practice-Successful Impromptu Speaking 59

Part Summary 61

Part 5 Delivering Your Presentation with Energy and Composure 63

Engaging Your Audience 65

Putting Energy to Work 66

Maintaining Composure 69

Question-and-Answer Techniques 71

Dealing with Hostile Questions 74

Part Summary 75

Appendix 77

Appendix to Part 79

Additional Reading 81