This short primer is intended as a guide for those who don't have much experience talking to groups. It contains some very short and very good advice. If you like it or don't, tell me. If you would like more information visit the Long Presenting Primer for Non-Presenters.

The short advice:

1. Tell them what you are going to tell them.
   
2. Tell them.
   
3. Tell them what you told them.
   
   

This is old, old advice but very important. It solves A LOT of problems for presenters, such as:

Part 1:

• Part 1 gives the audience a “frame of reference” for your information before you really start. Most people need this!
  
• Part 1 gives you a “frame of reference” for the information before you really start. Most presenters really need this.
  
• Part 1 helps hold badly timed questions until the correct part of the presentation.
  
• Part 1 prevents “useless” questions. Since the audience will wait for the part they know is coming before asking, they sometimes hear the information they need.
  
  

Part 2:

• Part 2 keeps you on track and helps you deal with distractions.
  
  

Part 3:

• Part 3 is a summary. It helps the audience sort out the information and reminds them of confusing points.
  
• Part 3 helps you remember items you left out by accident.
  
• Part 3 gives closure and naturally leads to a productive Q&A session.