What is the first step in preparing a presentation?

Identifying the objective is the first critical step in preparing a presentation because it sets the foundation for everything that follows. When you clarify what you want to achieve with your presentation, you provide direction for your content, delivery, and design choices.

By establishing a clear objective, you can tailor your message to meet the needs of your audience, ensuring that the information presented is relevant and engaging. This understanding allows for efficient gathering of materials that align with the objective, the writing of scripts that effectively communicate the key points, and the creation of slides that visually support the intended message.

Without a defined objective, the presentation can lack focus, which potentially leads to confusion and disengagement among the audience. Hence, starting with the objective is essential for a cohesive and impactful presentation.