When giving Technology Talks, I realize that even though the basics of powerful presentation skills should be used, this type of presentation offers many different challenges to the speaker. In this article, I examine the various Ts -- some helpful and necessary; some to be overcome and/or avoided.

Topic(s) -- As with planning any type of presentation, we must remember that it is important to choose a topic that will interest the largest number of people who will attend. The majority of those in our audiences are interested in topics that provide solutions to their problems and affect them directly.

Trends -- These help determine the topics that are hot. Every program I have attended where Microsoft products are being presented and explained is filled to capacity. Not only is Microsoft a hot trend topic, it is also performed by Microsoft employees with the best equipment, beautifully designed visuals and well rehearsed programs.

Techniques -- Whether or not your topic is technical, you must have a passion for it, be enthusiastic, be prepared, have control, keep it lively and interesting, and speak to the level of the audience.

Trust -- Make sure that your audience members know who you are, where you are coming from and why you are there. Once we have their trust and they know we are real people experiencing the same problems they face, the participants will listen and take note of what we are saying.

Triads -- I feel that one of the biggest challenges faced by presenting a technology talk is the huge scope to cover. I suggest planning your presentation using three major points. Triads work because they narrow the topic; they are more readily remembered and will easily keep you on Track.

Time and Timing -- Many of the technology talks I have attended have either gone over the time allotted and/or have not covered what was expected by attendees. Below are some Tips for ways to avoid this Trap:

• Tactics -- These refer to the way you set up the structure of your presentation. When we are giving a technology talk, listeners often interrupt to ask a burning question. The primary tactic I use to reduce this diversion is to show that I have saved a slot for Questions and Answers.
• Takeover -- Especially in the field of technology, there are those listeners who are even more knowledgeable than you, the speaker. They will jump in and try to takeover. Thank them for their interesting and helpful comments, however, point out that in the interest of time, you must move on.
• Tangents -- Even with proper planning and preparation, it is the nature of the beast that when we are presenting a technology talk it is easy to go off on a tangent. Remind yourself to keep on topic. It might even be a good idea to ask a friend to sit up front and signal you if you start to wander.

Teacherly, Tedious and Tiresome -- three descriptions that we don't want to encounter as presenters. Our goal is to make our presentation lively and interesting enough that no one is bored. I find that during the Q & A session, there may be others in the audience who can answer a question better than I can and I welcome their feedback at that time in the talk.

As long as your audience members leave Thirsting for more, you have succeeded!

Chris King is a professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, free agent, and fitness instructor. Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.PowerfulPresentations.net You will find her information-packed E-book How to Leave Your Audiences Begging for MORE! at http://www.OutrageouslyPowerfulPresenter.com and her business website at http://www.CreativeKeys.biz