It’s a cliche that we’ve all heard – PRIOR PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE – but just because it’s a cliche doesn’t mean it is untrue.

Over the years, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of successful presentations that resulted from the presenter ‘winging it.’

Oh, we have all seen cases where it was apparently ‘off the cuff’ – but almost every time, the presenter has had the material in his or her repertoire, and has pulled it out and modified it for the specific audience.

Seriouly, it is almost impossible to deliver a meaningful presentation unless you at least know what you are talking about.

“Fake it ’till you make it” is not a sound strategy for a speaker – because at least one person in the audience is likely to know you are a fraud.

I know we all lead busy lives – but it is in your own interests to make sure that you are across the major issues in your industry, for example.

Because if you are called on to update colleagues or peers, it will only improve your standing (and prospects) if you’ve done the first two Ps before then!