You will have guessed that they don't really care about nails and wood.
They want to know if you can handle powerpoint/flipcharts/standing up/talking confidently/dealing with questions/keeping to the time allotted/keeping to the definition of what you are there for. I recommend that when you prepare your talk, you speak it - don't write it at first (spoken English is different from written English). Rehearse and time yourself. Be on top of your subject and any visual aids. Be friendly but businesslike and not casual. Take Flip-chart pens to explain points and in case the equipment fails.
Remember that your flips or slides are just signposts to your talk - put key points on them - not your text. Twenty words, a dozen words, five words plus the heading - that's what you want on each. Don't give then anything to read when they should be looking at you. If you have any handouts give them at the end to avoid that.
A few things people forget:
Introduce yourself
Ask them who they are (note it down on your table plan diagram so you can address them by name - otherwise you will forget)
Say why you're there
Tell then you will accept questions as you go (or at the end, whichever you decide) if you accept and deal with questions as you go, you will get a bit more participation - they may try to throw you off course - if so, say "that's a very interesting question. I'll be coming to that, so if i may, I'll check at the end if I've covered it to your satisfaction... AND WRITE IT DOWN ON A FLIPCHART OR SOMETHING SO THEY CAN SEE YOU AREN'T JUST PLANNING TO IGNORE IT
Some talks are to impart information (I think yours is ) many more are to request a decision or approval. Be aware of what the objective is; state and agree it at the beginning; confirm it at the end and ask for agreement that it has been achieved so you can do the next thing that was dependent on your successful presentation.
Be aware that the terms of reference are likely to include a timing e.g. "A five minute presentation on..." and that if you overrun you have failed to do what you were asked. As you only have 3 minutes incuding intro and questions you are not expected to cover much.
You will have planned the structure for your talk, you can put that up at the beginning if you like.
E.g:
__________________________________________10 Aug 2006
Ethelbert Blenkinsop
Presentation to selection board at R Swipes & Co
Subject: How to Knock Nails into wood
Structure:
- Introduction
ToRs
The problem
Options
Methods
Recommendations
Questions
Conclusion
______________________________________________slide 1 of 6
Put up the question you were asked to address and check that that is the topic they are expecting and want to hear about.
When you've finished, check understanding "have I covered everything?... any further questions? No? Thankyou... then sit down and shut up.
