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21) You've been asked to give a presentation on cybercrime. List two steps that can help you
define the main idea of your presentation, and then provide an example of the second step.
Answer: The first step is to figure out the one message you want audience members to take
away with them. Then compose a one-sentence summary that links your subject and purpose to
your audience's frame of reference. An example would be, "With cybercrime more common than
ever, the public needs to be smarter about using the web."
By identifying the message you would like to send to your audience, you can focus your
presentation. Stating your main idea in one sentence further focuses your presentation and
ensures you will provide a unified message to your audience.
LO: 14.1: Highlight the importance of presentations in your business career, and explain how to
adapt the planning step of the three-step process to presentations.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Critical Thinking
22) In a longer presentation, how does your purpose influence the way you organize your
material?
Answer: If the purpose is to inform, use a direct approach and a structure imposed naturally by
the subject (importance, sequence, etc.). If the purpose is to analyze, persuade, or collaborate,
organize the material around conclusions and recommendations or around a logical argument.
Informative presentations may vary widely depending on the subject matter, which dictates the
structure of the presentation. Analytical, persuasive, and collaborative presentations, on the other
hand, should be focused on conclusions, recommendations, or the logical argument that
underpins your point of view.
LO: 14.1: Highlight the importance of presentations in your business career, and explain how to
adapt the planning step of the three-step process to presentations.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Difficult
Classification: Critical Thinking
23) Briefly explain the difference between a planning outline and a speaking outline.
Answer: Whereas a planning outline is very detailed and includes all the points you plan to
cover in your presentation, a speaking outline is much simpler.
A speaking outline contains merely the cues and reminders the presenter needs to stay on task for
the presentation. The planning outline contains a thorough list of the bulk of the presentation.
LO: 14.1: Highlight the importance of presentations in your business career, and explain how to
adapt the planning step of the three-step process to presentations.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual