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In the current globalized world of business, Presentations have become an intrinsic part. Not a day goes without making a Presentation to the CEO or the Chairman, or the Angel Investor, or banker, or any one else for that matter, for clinching a deal, or for raising a fund or a loan, or what have you. Presentations need not be such an awesome task if you learn to apply the basics.

The main elements of a Presentation are preparation and practice. In order to make the right preparation you have to first define the purpose of your Presentation. You have to be clear about the objective of your exercise at every point of your Presentation. You will then have to decide the main message you wish to convey, the kind of audience and the best and appropriate mode to reach the audience. The duration of your Presentation, the settings and facilities available at the venue are other factors that play a definite role for make a scintillating Presentation.

By far the most important aspect of Presentation is maintaining eye contact throughout your Presentation, for only then you will be able to strike a rapport and keep them riveted on what you say. Having a positive and genial approach, keeping your content simple, concise and informative and spicing up with humor and questions to prevent them from losing their interest are other elementary aspects of a Good Presentation.

Equally important to know is that you should capture your audience’s attention in the crucial first 7 minutes, which is the maximum span of attention before your audience’s attention begin to sag. The vital message and objective of the Presentation must come through clearly within those first few moments so audience are aware where you are leading them.

It must be obvious by now that preparation is absolutely vital for making meaningful Presentation. This is where Mind Mapping as a Mind Tool will be of immense aid. In writing the purpose, content, speech and in fact the entire course of Presentation can all be effectively dovetailed into a Presentation Mind Map. You can sequence every step of your Presentation using Mind Map. As Mind Mapping involves giving our full attention, you can be thorough and plan your Presentation well.

Beginning with writing the content of your speech, text for the visual display, the allotment of time for each aspect, being prepared with probable questions to field your audience, quoting anecdotes, humor and so on, Mind Maps serve a simple and yet effective tool. They are not at all obstructive as you will be able to capture the entire sequence of your Presentation, step by step, within just one page. That speaks for the simplicity and power of the Mind Maps. You really have got to learn the technique to understand its true value.