As a kid, I always dreamed of going to London someday.

My mom loved the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and all things Princess Diana. I remember watching the wedding between Charles & Di on television. I owe being an Anglophile to her (thanks Mom for the expensive hobby).

My first trip to London was a HUGE event for me. I was so excited. After 16 hours of travel, I arrived at London Heathrow. I was in London, my destination.

I hopped on the next plane back to the states. I mean I made it to my destination. What else is there?

I didn't really jump the next plane back to the good, ole USA or get deported. In presentations, too many times the speaker's main goal is to get to the end of the presentation. This is a lot like getting to your dream destination and turning around to go home.

As the band Rush says:

The point of the journey is not to arrive.

What is your presentation destination?

Before your next presentation, workshop, or even an important meeting, I want you to ask yourself “What is my presentation destination?” The destination should be something beyond getting through the speech or making better eye contact. You will be more inspired to improve your communication if there are bigger goals in play.

Be audience centered

When you start preparing the presentation, think about what you want for the audience. What knowledge do you want to impart? How do you want them to feel? What action should they take?

You have been asked to present for a reason. It is your job to figure out why and help the audience solve any challenges or pain points. They've got a lot riding on you. They need the information that only you have. How can you best create and deliver that content to truly make an impact and be memorable?

Presentations are about you too

Being audience centered is where you need to start, but you have a lot riding on this presentation too. You need to think about your own personal goals when presenting.

Public speaking makes you visible.

If you are trying to promote your career, being asked to give a big client presentation is an enormous opportunity. Down the line it could mean a promotion and a raise or that your ideas are heard.

For a small business owner, a workshop or educational session communicating your knowledge is a great way to attract new clients, and to meet other business owners you could partner.

Whether a professional in a large corporation or a small business owner knowing what your personal goals are for a presentation is a great way to motivate yourself to prepare, practice and present.

The ABC's of your presentation destination

Once you know where you are going in your speech, then you are beginning the journey to your ultimate destination. Just like taking a trip to London, there is a lot to do before you step on the stage. For the next few weeks, I am going to discuss how to get to your destination, on time and in a way that will impress your audience and get you to your ultimate goals.

Watch this video about using the ABC's of presentation design to achieve your ultimate speaking goals.

[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/ZKrKlmMcoQY”]

Next time we are going to talk about assessing your goals and your strengths.

Until then, I want you to think about your presentation destination and the spectacular journey that public speaking can take you on. Feel free to share it with me in the comments.