If you spend the time to create it, and people spend the time to listen to it, shouldn't your presentation give your audience a clear message that they won't forget?  It's not as hard as it sounds.  Here are 10 major points from Carmine Gallo, author of Fire Them Up, to consider when developing your next presentation.

1. Set the Tone.  Just as journalists and writers do, your presentation needs a defined theme, angle and tone.  It must be consistently woven throughout the presentation, with all points reflecting it.  Don't meander.
2. Demonstrate Enthusiasm.  Let your passion for the topic show--because that passion will keep your audience engaged.  Monotone delivery styles equate to sleep time for the audience.
3. Provide an Outline.  Let your audience know what points you plan to cover.  When you are done, recap to those same points.  Make lists to give your audience guideposts to follow.
4. Make Numbers Meaningful.  Put large numbers in context, such as what it may mean as a per day, or per hour figure.  Develop context that is easy for the audience to relate to and understand.
5. Try for an Unforgettable Moment.  Build up your presentation to one key, memorable fact.  if possible, be able to physically demonstrate it.  People remember climactic remarks or actions.
6. Create Visual Slides.  Do not place your thoughts verbatim on your slides.  Allow for considerable white space to frame key words or concepts.  Keep it simple and memorable, not complex and crowded.
7. Give 'em a Show.  Consider demonstrations, meaningful video clips, guest speakers, or other events to keep people engaged.
8. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.  When little snafus occur, and they will, smile and get past it.  Don't dwell on it--expect the worst and keep on going.  Stopping only breaks your momentum and interrupts your audience's concentration.
9. Sell the Benefit.  Your listeners are always asking; "What's in it for me?"  Make sure you answer that!  Clearly state the benefit of every service or product; clearly discuss the implications of the numbers as it relates to the audience.
10. Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse.  Know your stuff.  The audience will easily know when you don't.  if you don;t care to know it, why should they?

For more insights into presentations, and running "Great Meetings," watch for our second book, Earning Success, which will be available from this web site in June 2008.