In project work, I am frequently called upon to share work in progress with clients and their co-workers. Sometimes the same material is shared with different stakeholders, each with their own personalities, agendas, and pet peeves. When I work with a client in a large organization, the diversity of audience can become even greater.

I use this checklist to make sure I have all the information I need to make an effective presentation and satisfy the goals of the call.*

audience
Names, roles, titles, relationships to each other, hot issues and touchy subjects.

purpose
Why is the presentation happening in the first place? To keep someone informed? To get someone’s thoughts or ideas? To test an idea? To persuade someone?

desired outcome
What will happen as a result of this presentation? Are there specific answers needed or next actions to be taken?

anticipated discussion
Are there issues, questions, or concerns that might surface during the discussion?

modifications to material
Does the language, order, or content need to be changed in any way to better support the discussion or more effectively speak to the audience?

* By asking these questions, you might find out that there isn’t a clear goal or desired outcome for the presentation.