What is the first step in preparing an effective presentation?

Determining the objective of your presentation is essential as it sets the foundation for all subsequent steps in the preparation process. By clearly defining what you want to achieve, whether it's to inform, persuade, or train your audience, you provide direction for your content and structure. This objective guides the selection of relevant information, the tone of the presentation, and the engagement strategies you will utilize, ensuring that you stay focused on delivering a coherent message that meets the needs of your audience. Without a clear objective, the presentation may lack purpose, leading to confusion or disengagement among the audience members.