Substance

We are starting to look at what it takes to create and present winning presentations. If you have ever had an idea or project an you wanted to sell the idea to your boss you may have to create a winning presentation.

The tool you need to make sure your presentation is a winner is to use the simple concept of SOW and REAP. Each letter of these two words stands for some aspect of the presentation. The SOW relates to the presentation and the REAP relates to the audience.

Today we will look at the S. It stands for Substance. Every presentation must have substance. It can't be vague and general. You really have to give details and back it up with facts. There are three things you must have in order to establish substance within your presentation.

• Vision/Mission - Have a vision as to where your idea or project will go. Convey that vision in your presentation.
• Details - Back up your vision with details. Supporting your idea with details in your presentation will give it credence.
• Facts - Back up those details with facts. How does it affect the bottom line or what are the cost savings? Put these facts in your presentation.

Follow these three things and your presentation will have exceptional substance. Tomorrow we will look at what the O stands for in SOW.