When you begin with the end in mind you will waste less time and be more effective.
When you know where you are going you will avoid the tangents and diversions that often destroy presentations. And if you reach your goal early - they agreed to the deal - then finish your presentation early and sign the contract. Stay focused on your goal during your presentation so you don't get thrown by diversions or drawn off on tangents. The only reason you are speaking is to achieve your goal. Deliver your presentation with the end in mind. They have plenty of others things on their mind and they will not give you the attention you want unless you convince them that you know where you are going.įor example: "By the end of this presentation you will have a better understanding and appreciation of the safety measures that we have put into place for you."ģ. Your audiences needs to know why they should listen to you. Don't make them guess - because you might lose, confuse or annoy them. Tell your audience, early in your presentation, where you are going. Thus, their presentation becomes a chore - to them and the audience.Ģ. Too many people speak just because they were asked or told to speak. Invest the time and thought to clairify the purpose and desired outcomes of your presentation. Then you will develop your presentation faster and it will be better focused. The first thing that you should do is to write a short simple statement that clarifies your purpose. Develop your presentation with the end in mind.
You can apply this first habit from Stephen Covey's leadership prinpcles to your presentation in three ways.ġ. "Begin with the end in mind" is the first habit and thus likely the most important. The book is a guide to developing your personal leadership. Begin With the End in Mind is the second habit of Stephen Covey’s legendary book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Stephen Covey offers this advice in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". Begin With the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.