Titling Your Presentations

I often chime in on LinkedIn discussions that are related to business communication. This question about titling presentations was posted earlier this morning, “How do you title your speech or presentation?” Here’s my answer.

Every presentation and every audience is different. Therefore there’s no single answer to your question. However, here are some ideas to get you started.

First:
The title should frame the discussion, so think big picture and don’t get caught up in the details.

Second:
If the presentation is persuasive think of the benefits your listeners get from taking your recommendation and use that in the title.
Examples:

• Increasing Incremental Sales by 5%
• Quicker Expense Reimbursements

If the presentation is more informative think of what your listeners learn from your presentation and use that in the title.
Examples:

• Informed Decision Making by Understanding XXX Report
• Quarterly Update: Understanding the Financials
• No More Clawing Through Data — Finding It Fast Through XXX Process

This should lead you to a workable title.

Third:
Once you land on what you think is a suitable title, go back and think about your listeners. You want to make sure your title speaks to them. Is your working title too hokey? Too general? Too full of fluff? Does it over promise? Does it frame the presentation appropriately?

Modify as necessary.

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