You’ve been asked to do a presentation. They said you’d have 45 minutes to speak. How much content should you actually prepare?
Always figure on ten percent less time than they quoted. If they said you’ll have 45 minutes to speak, plan on a max of 40 minutes of material, maybe even a little less. Why? Because one of the following will probably happen…and you’ll still be expected to end on time!
- The meeting will start late.
- The presentation ahead of yours will run long.
- Announcements or other “housekeeping” details will preempt your introduction.
It’s always better to end a few minutes short than to run overtime anyway. Audiences will love you if they’re dismissed early, but will sneer (or slip out the back door) if you run long. If you have a few minutes to fill at the end, you can always do Q & A.
© Jill Bremer 2014