Presenting to Gain Input

One of the most common and critical types of business presentations is the presentation to gain input. Rather than being a one-way delivery of information, this presentation seeks involvement from the participants and relies on getting productive outcomes to move processes forward. By its nature, this type of presentation requires flexibility on the part of the presenter and a willingness to allow the process to unfold without dominating the discussion. In planning a presentation to gain input, carefully consider the people who will attend the meeting. Who is your audience?

Knowledge of the topic. To gain input, you typically invite participants who have a thorough knowledge of the topic. Sometimes, however, you want an audience that has little or no experience with the topic, as in focus groups or market research.

Previous experience with the topic. Does your audience include individuals who have had a range of experience with the topic? How have they reacted: positively or negatively? What specific examples do you know?

Level of preparation required for the meeting. If you are looking for informed input, you may need to ask your participants to prepare for the meeting. Consider what they may need to bring with them to the presentation in the way of documentation, homework, research, or planning and let them know in advance.

Individual bias concerning the topic. Are you aware of bias for or against your topic? Does this audience include individuals who either champion this topic or who are antagonistic toward some aspect of it?

Attitudes of open-mindedness and cooperation. Review the individuals participating in the presentation. Do they include people who are open about exchanging their ideas and opinions? Are there participants who are reluctant to speak up? Will this audience cooperate with your agenda and purpose?

Degree of detail preferred by participants. Some audiences want only the basics about the topic under discussion. Others need more details before they are willing to express themselves. Consider preparing levels of detail from broad to specific that you can bring into the discussion as needed.

Supporting evidence needed to present the topic. Present basic evidence in the body of your presentation. Be prepared to reveal additional evidence in response to questions and requests for clarification.

Alex Zaborenko
Dale Carnegie Training of Colorado and Southern Wyoming
www.dalecarnegiecolorado.com