Management Tip of the Day: Before a Big Presentation, Brainstorm

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile DECEMBER 11, 2012 Before a Big Presentation, Brainstorm A big presentation is only as good as the message it delivers. Once you know what you want that message to be, you need to create the right supporting content to reinforce it. Start by sitting alone with a blank piece of paper. After you've done some initial brainstorming on your own, bring together a group to help clarify your argument. Encourage them to put half-baked or embarrassing ideas out there. Treat every idea as valuable. Have someone facilitate and record the ideas so the discussion can move quickly. If it slows down, people will start to question and censor themselves. Take the seeds of ideas that came from the rapid-fire group session and then do another round of quiet brainstorming on your own to further hone ideas. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations. Buy the book and learn what it takes to be an effective speaker » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR Press Available exclusively through HBR.org: Ebook + Video! Purchase of the "HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations" ebook includes a 20-minute video case study. This video features author Nancy Duarte walking you through tips covered in the Guide and is available to download (as an mp4 file) or to stream online. Duarte uses a former client, Alta Devices, to clearly illustrate how you can apply the techniques discussed in her book. Get it now — this Ebook + Video is available only through HBR.org. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Quit Your Job, for Real This Time Don't Be a Bad Boss The One Person Every Network Needs Be Assertive While Being Yourself Motivate Disgruntled Employees Use "Returnships" to Bring in Fresh Talent What You Can Do To Prevent Layoffs Keep Your To-Do List Fresh with the 3-Day Rule Delegate, Delegate, Delegate Don't Waste Your Organization's Anniversary All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)