The Presentation Process
1. One Word Open a ritual to begin, pushing down the clutch to shift
from first gear into second, refocusing on being together after a break,
centering and being fully present, barometer of how people are feeling
1. Confidentiality Reminder and Level always important to remind
people of this core principle
2. Communication Starter – Warm up question led by the coach. (30
seconds/person) purpose is so the presenter does not feel alone,
builds empathy with the presenter, not designed to resolve the
situation (Note that the communication starter comes before the
presenter’s purpose has been shared.)
3. Presenter’s Purpose – The coach writes the following on a flip
chart: the purpose of the presentation, boundaries, obstacles, and
feelings. (1 minute) make sure that everyone understands the
presenter’s focus
4. Moderator ensures members are clear on the presenters’
purpose. One last reminder of the focus.
5. Presenter presents – Presenter describes the situation and is not
interrupted. Interruptions break the presenter’s train of thought and
the emotional unburdening process. (No more than 15 minutes.)
A presentation consists of:
Background – Relevant history
Current situation – Situation which has prompted the
presenter to present
Options – Options presenter has considered
Future Implications – What are the potential outcomes?
6. Q&A -- The Moderator controls the order of member participation by
making a list of individuals in the order in which they raise their
hands, acknowledging each with a nod at the moment they are added
to the list and periodically letting the group know who’s on the list.
(No more than 20 minutes) Can be much shorter, only 5-10 minutes.
Some groups even skip this entirely.
Types of questions:
Clarifying questions. Keep these to a minimum; they benefit
the question asker, not the presenter.
A thought-provoking question. May suggest new framing for
the presenter’s issue, should not be hidden advice
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7. Silence – This is time for members to think about their experience
and write them down. (3 minutes) not a time to go off and check
your messages
8. Experience Sharing – Members with applicable, relevant
experience share with the group. (No advice, 3 minutes/person) can
be done “popcorn” style (speak when you are ready) or go around
the circle, members can pass but should be given another chance to
contribute at the end of the experience sharing.
Tell stories, speak in the first-person, past tense.
9. Presenter’s Closing Remarks – The presenter remarks on “How
did the experience feel for me as a presenter?” (3 minutes) How am
I feeling now? Does not have to be a commitment to the group.
Optional: allow other members to share their key learning and
takeaways as well.
10. One word close – Start with the presenter. Should not be
masked advice
Note: Times can be adjusted based on the size of the group.
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