When you need to make a presentation at short notice, you do not have much time to beautify it or think about peripheral things. So, where do you begin and how do you ensure you make maximum use of the time you have available?

Answer 3 simple questions:  

- What do I want to say - My message

- What should the audience do after hearing it - Their action

- How will I say it - My words

The best way to put across  points in a creative and memorable way is to use analogies.

To make it memorable

1) Use examples around you in the auditorium or

2) Personal experience about dealing with similar situation

These are things that do not require much practice to speak about.

Their action: follow my advice.

Practice - if you ever expect to give presentions with 15 minutes notice, then practice speaking with analogies frequently.

Example 1:

Give a speech to people who have newly joined the organisation.

My message: Welcome them

Their action: They need to feel comfortable and good about being here.

My Words: 12 years back when I joined this company, I stood there, like you feeling hopeful ane excited about starting a new phase of my journey. I felt like a baby just born sitting here looking at the acivtity around, wondering all it was about...

I would like to welcome you all as you take your baby steps towards the wonderful journey ahead.

Example 2:

A speech on how you attained success in insurance world and became a platinum employee of the year.

My message: Share my success secret

Their action: Follow my success

MY words:

Imagine building a tower with these coins in your pocket. One on top of another, then another, then another.... After a while it becomes difficult to ignore what you have already built. You want to be careful about not knocking it over. Once you have that fear in your heart, these coins will most likely get knocked down.

Instead if you think of each coin individually, then the challenge becomes simple. There is no fear and when you stand back and see what you have achieved you will surprise yourself.