Rehearsing your presentation

While the public speaking skills covered in the last section are an important aspect of delivering a presentation worthy of your new status, mastering the specific material at hand is a crucial step toward establishing yourself as a leader within your organization. Sloppy, rambling, unprepared, and unrehearsed presentations are unprofessional, inconsiderate, and an inefficient use of the time and talents of other members of the organization. Sufficient rehearsal enables you to speak with authority, streamline your delivery, and complete your presentation within the allotted time. As a new manager, delivering a polished, well-prepared presentation will underscore the professionalism, attention to detail, and effective time management you expect from your team.

Evaluating your rehearsal

To ensure your success at conveying managerial excellence through your presentation, evaluate (or have others evaluate) your rehearsal efforts on the basis of the following six key...