Presentation Guidelines Congratulations on your acceptance to give a presentation at AEI 2003! This is an excellent opportunity for you to share knowledge and information with your colleagues. It is important that you prepare an interesting and informative presentation for the congress. The following guidelines will assist you in preparing your presentation. PREPARING YOUR PRESENTATION: When you organize your presentation, it may be helpful to begin by considering the following: What is the topic of my presentation? Of course, you know this, but be sure your audience is fully aware of your goals. Who is my audience? How would you like the information presented if you were a member of the audience. What is the objective of my presentation? Choose main points and elaborate on them. Once you have answered these questions, you may then begin to outline your presentation. A speech may be divided into three parts: 1. Introduction/Opening State your goal or ideas in general terms. Share a relevant story, anecdote, or quote. Startle them with a statistic. Use a metaphor or comparison to your topic. Use humor very carefully; it can be powerful and engaging, but jokes, as a particular form of humor, are risky and difficult to use successfully. Any one or a combination of these introductory methods may be used in your opening to draw your audience into the presentation.