A Presentation to Attorneys Checklist (Part 1)

You’ve been asked to make a presentation to attorneys. You are thrilled at the opportunity to speak to your target audience. What do you need to know in order to be super prepared for the event? Here’s how to get ready?

QUESTIONS OF THE CONTACT

Why would the contact like you to speak at this event?
How does the event match what you want to accomplish?
What is the expected number of people in the audience?
What type of attorneys will be present in the audience?
Who is hosting the event?
Who are the sponsors?
Who else is speaking?
How long is your presentation time?
What does the contact want you to cover in your presentation to attorneys?
Should you allow time for questions and answers?
Will you have a table where you can provide material to attendees?
If you are bringing material to distribute, is there anyone onsite who can help you bring in your boxes, or do you need a cart?
May you offer something like a special report, a discount, or something else to attendees?
May you pass out services brochures or flyers?
How is the event being advertised? How can you help to promote it?
Are you encouraged to provide handouts? (Be sure your contact information is on them.)
Will your handouts be loose or included in a physical or digital compilation of materials?
Are you expected to bring loose handouts with you?
What is the due date for your materials?
What AV equipment will the host provide?
Will the host have a computer with your presentation preloaded (if you are using PowerPoint)?

Is there any compensation for your talk?
If you have to travel to get to the site, are any expenses being paid?

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

What will it cost to duplicate materials to give to each attendee (if you will be passing them out) or for any other giveaways?
Do you have a marketing and promotions plan for the days leading to the event and day of?
How will you let others in your circle or social media sites know about your presentation to attorneys?
Do you want your session recorded?
Are you presenting a PowerPoint?
Have you thoroughly proofread your PowerPoint and used images and fonts that will be clearly visible in the back of the room?
Do you have no more than 6 lines of text and no more than 6 words per line on each slide?
Did you use a variety of engaging images?
Is your brand clearly conveyed through all printed and digital material?

PACKING LIST FOR A PRESENTATION TO ATTORNEYS

If you will have a table: banners, table throw, signage, easels
Handouts (if not already included in the attendees’ materials)
Business cards
E- mail sign up list
Computer (if you have a mac, bring a dongle!) if you will be using your own
Flash drive, clicker, power cord, phone charger
Pens, tape, sharpies, post-it notes, notepad
Giveaways
Services brochures or flyers
Two sets of clothing (spills happen), safety pins, comfy shoes
Shipping labels prefilled out if you are shipping materials back
Your presentation on a flash drive in case your computer is not compatible with the projector and you need to use someone else’s machine.

You feel like you are ready for your presentation to attorneys. You are excited to do this. In my next post, I cover what you need to do on the day of the event.

Pat Iyer MSN RN LNCC has made presentations to attorneys and paralegals at state and national conferences teaching about medical records, hot tips for getting the most of expert witnesses, pain and suffering reports, and other topics.

Are you looking for tips on how to give a polished presentation to attorneys? Listen to Carol Little’s podcast at this link. Her topic is The Secret of Being an Effective Speaker.

Modified from Red Elephant Speakers’ Checklist