Bangalore: Some time or the other, most executives, even a mid-level one, is going to be called to make a presentation in front of superiors, peers and perhaps, customers, including potential ones.

Even the tongue-tied types need to get into delivery mode. "Communication skills are often learned and not something one is born with,'' says corporate consultant, M.K. Rao. He has trained many executives in the 28 to 58 age group in making effective business presentations.

You need to first understand what exactly is the objective: to report on the progress made by your department at a specified time span; to announce a new product or service or to launch a new line of business altogether for your company.

Then comes the question who will be the audience: only those from within the organisation or even those from outside. Their numbers and the time allotted to you. And the time for questions and answering them afterwards.

"Be careful of time limits. If you are next in line, make sure your laptop is loaded and if possible, even plugged in. The previous day you should have gone through the entire exercise, in front of your own colleagues,'' advises Mr. Rao.

As to the contents themselves, they are the most important part of your presentation, even if you choose to appear with an open collar.

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