Question

Before deciding on the content or structure of a presentation, you should first gather as much information as possible about the people to whom you'll be presenting. What is the first step you should take before deciding on the content or structure of a presentation?

1) Create an outline of the presentation
2) Research the topic of the presentation
3) Practice delivering the presentation
4) Gather information about the audience

Answer 1

The first step before structuring a presentation is to gather information about the audience to tailor the presentation to their needs. A purpose statement should be developed to guide the direction of the content. After preparation, create an engaging introduction and organize your content logically.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first step you should take before deciding on the content or structure of a presentation is to gather information about the audience. Understanding your audience's perspective, their social, cultural, or linguistic backgrounds, as well as their existing knowledge of the topic, is crucial. This will help ensure your presentation is tailored to the audience's needs and interests, thus improving its effectiveness.

Prior to creating an outline or practicing delivery, develop a purpose statement for your presentation that outlines your objective. This will guide the direction of your presentation and help maintain focus on the intended outcome. Next, consider using a graphic organizer to brainstorm and gather formal and informal data about your topic, identifying gaps in your knowledge that might require additional research or interviews.

After thorough preparation, you can then focus on creating an engaging introduction, structuring your content in a logical flow according to your outline, and considering the best ways to support your arguments while reaching your audience effectively.