What Are the 7 P’s of Presenting?
Whether you’re speaking in front of a class, pitching a project at work, or presenting to a large crowd, the way you present matters. Good presentations don’t happen by accident. They take preparation, practice, and the right techniques.
One popular framework for giving strong presentations is called the 7 P’s of Presenting. Each “P” is a key element that helps you deliver your message clearly and confidently.
Here are the 7 P’s:
Purpose
People
Place
Preparation
Planning
Practice
Performance
Let’s break down each one so you can learn how to use them effectively.
1. Purpose
Before you create your presentation, ask yourself: Why am I presenting?
Your purpose is the reason you are speaking. Every decision you make, what you say, how you say it, and what visuals you use should connect to that purpose.
Examples of purpose:
To inform (e.g., explain a topic or process)
To persuade (e.g., convince someone to support your idea)
To inspire (e.g., motivate people to act)
To entertain (e.g., engage your audience in a fun way)
Tip: Write down your purpose in one sentence. Keep it visible while you plan so you stay focused.
2. People
Your presentation is not just about you; it’s about your audience.
Ask: Who am I speaking to?
Consider their age, background, knowledge level, interests, and what they care about. The more you know about your audience, the better you can shape your message.
Example:
If you’re speaking to classmates, use casual language and relatable examples.
When presenting to a company executive, use professional language and focus on results.
Tip: If possible, learn what your audience expects and how much they already know about your topic.
3. Place
The place where you present affects your message. Consider the physical or digital space where your presentation will take place.
Ask: Where am I presenting, and what are the conditions?
Consider:
Will you be in a classroom, a boardroom, or online?
Will you have a projector, microphone, or whiteboard?
Will people be seated close or far away?
Is it noisy or quiet? Bright or dark?
Your setup affects how you move, speak, and interact.
Tip: If possible, visit the space ahead of time. If it’s online, test your equipment and internet connection.
4. Preparation
Good presenters don’t wing it. They research, organize their ideas, and prepare materials.
Ask: What content must I prepare to meet my purpose and fit my audience?
What to prepare:
A clear outline of key points
Data, stories, or examples to support your message
Visuals like slides, props, or handouts
A strong opening and closing
Answers to possible questions
Tip: Don’t cram too much in. Focus on three to five key points so your audience can remember what you said.
5. Planning
Preparation is about your content. Planning is about how you deliver that content.
Ask: How will I organize and structure my presentation?
Plan:
Your timing: How long will each part take?
Your flow: What order makes the most sense?
Your transitions: How will you move from one idea to the next?
Your support tools: Will you use PowerPoint? Videos? Handouts?
Your interaction: Will you ask questions or use activities?
Tip: Start strong and finish strong. People remember the beginning and the end the most.
6. Practice
Once your presentation is planned, it’s time to practice.
Ask: How can I make sure I speak clearly and confidently?
How to practice:
Say it out loud, don’t just read it in your head
Use a timer to stay within your time limit
Record yourself and watch for pacing, tone, and body language
Ask a friend to listen and give feedback
Practice in the actual space or with your digital setup
Tip: Don’t try to memorize everything word for word. Instead, learn the flow and key phrases.
7. Performance
This is the final “P”, and the one people will see. Performance is how you deliver your presentation in the moment.
Ask: How can I connect with the audience and deliver with confidence?
Focus on:
Body language – Stand tall, make eye contact, and use hand gestures
Voice – Speak clearly, vary your tone, and project your voice
Pacing – Don’t rush. Pause for effect or after important points
Energy – Show that you care about your topic
Handling nerves – Take deep breaths, smile, and focus on your message
Managing mistakes – If you forget something or mess up, stay calm. Keep going or adjust.
Tip: Remember, your audience wants you to succeed. Most people are supportive and forgiving.
Bonus Tips: What Makes a Presentation Great?
Even with the 7 P’s, here are a few extra tips that help:
Tell stories. People remember stories better than facts alone.
Keep visuals simple. Don’t fill your slides with too much text.
Use examples. Show how your points apply in real life.
End with a takeaway. What do you want your audience to remember or do?
Thank your audience. A little gratitude goes a long way.
Real-Life Examples of the 7 P’s in Action
Example 1: School Presentation
Purpose: To explain climate change to classmates
People: Grade 10 students with a limited science background
Place: School classroom with a projector
Preparation: Research facts and prepare three examples
Planning: 5-minute intro, 10 minutes of content, 2-minute conclusion
Practice: Rehearse twice with a friend
Performance: Spoke slowly, used clear visuals, ended with a call to action
Example 2: Business Pitch
Purpose: To convince a company to invest in a new app
People: Business leaders, aged 35–60
Place: Corporate boardroom
Preparation: Market research, financial plan, user feedback
Planning: 15-minute presentation with slides and demo
Practice: Rehearsed in the same room with equipment
Performance: Confident tone, answered questions clearly, used numbers to support points
Why the 7 P’s Matter
If you skip one of the 7 P’s, your presentation may fall apart. You might forget your message, confuse your audience, or lose their attention.
But if you use all 7, you’ll be more confident and effective.
Think of it this way:
Without purpose, you’re just talking
Without knowing your people, your message may miss
Without understanding the place, you might run into problems
Without preparation, your ideas may fall flat
Without planning, you may go off track
Without practice, you may freeze or forget
Without a strong performance, your message won’t land
Final Thoughts
Presenting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being clear, prepared, and engaging.
The 7 P’s of Presenting gives you a structure you can use for any presentation—school, work, public events, or even online videos.
Focusing on your purpose, audience, and delivery will make you a stronger speaker, one presentation at a time.
Getting Help From Experts Like reVerb
You don’t have to do it all on your own.
If you're preparing for an important presentation, whether a business pitch, a public meeting, or a community announcement, a communications firm like reVerb can help you succeed.
reVerb works with professionals, project teams, and organizations to improve their presentation skills. They understand what audiences expect, help you stay on message, and ensure your voice comes through clearly and confidently.
Here’s what reVerb can help you with:
Whether you’re speaking to one person or one hundred, reVerb helps you present like a pro.
The best speakers don’t just practice, they also get the right support. Let reVerb be part of your team so that you can bring your best to the stage.
