We talk a lot about organizing our content, main points, opening and closing, but we rarely talk about how to get from one segment to the next.

How do you handle the spaces in between your points, stories, examples, and exercises? These are your transitions.

It’s as important to plan your transitions as it is to plan the rest of your presentation. Clear transitions help the audience stay focused (and awake) and process your material. They’re like links in a chain that keep your presentation cohesive and organized.

Here are ten ways to transition from one idea to the next.

1. Repeat and recap the main point you just covered.

2. Use humor or tell a joke that closes your previous point.

3. Show a slide or give a handout that gets the audience thinking about your next segment.

4. Ask a question that previews the next segment and write the answers on a flip chart.

5. Ask a question that gets the audience to respond to or summarize their learning from the last segment and write the answers on a flip chart.

6. Have the audience stand up and stretch.

7. Share a quote or story that summarizes your previous point or leads to the next one.

8. Use a logical chronology of points, or numbered points, so that transitions are clear (your talk goes from biggest to smallest, longest to shortest, outside to inside, general to specific, 1960 to 1980, etc.).

9. Pause or take a drink of water before moving to the next point.

10. Physically move to a different part of the room or stage.

Incorporate clear transitions into your presentation and your audience will never be confused about what comes next or how you’re going to get there!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lisa Braithwaite works with individuals to uncover their challenges and build their strengths in presenting themselves confidently as speakers. Find your voice with public speaking coaching! Sign up for the Presentation Pointers newsletter or a free consultation at http://www.coachlisab.com. And check out the Speak Schmeak blog.

Ideally by the time you get to a presentation, you should be well prepared and ready to have some fun. But sometimes little problems can throw you off your game and result in a less than satisfactory talk. The best way to be ready to speak is to have a good routine that gives me peace of mind as well as prepares me for any challenges.

Get Some Exercise:

This is a great way to get rid of any pre-speech jitters. Public speaking can produce a higher amount of adrenaline in your body. It’s a normal reaction to anticipating a presentation. Try getting some exercise early in the day, especially if you have a morning presentation. It gives you a chance to review my talk in my mind as well as silence any nervous thoughts. If you’re speaking later in the day, you may want to take a short walk. You’ll release some tension from your muscles and get some fresh air. An athlete stretches before a game and you need to also make sure you’re as physically relaxed as possible before you reach the podium.

Arrive Early and Mingle:

By arriving early, you eliminate any tension you might have felt about being late! It’s a great chance to get the feel for the room. You should also use this as a chance to get to know the people who will be in your audience. A roomful of strangers can be intimidating so it’s nice to make a few friends beforehand. Some small talk can go a long way. “Hi, I”m happy to be speaking to your group today,” is a very safe icebreaker. You can also ask how long someone has been with the company, where they live, or even if they prefer Coke or Pepsi. Your goal is to build some rapport so you become a person to the audience and not an unknown presenter. You’ll also have an easier time relating to the crowd.

Watch Your Food and Drink:

Many Speakers don’t like to eat too much before they speak as the digestive process raises your body temperature. Next thing you know, you’re on stage and feel hot, which is a distraction. If a meal is served, try to eat it later. Of course you need to make sure it’s not taken away by an overeager server! For the same reason, beware of drinking hot beverages before talking. Soft drinks bring with them carbonation, which could lead to an unexpected burp. It may be dull but I find water is the best way to wet your whistle.