Four letters will sail you past all fear…P.R.E.P. This acrostic stands for Plan, Research, Examples, and Practice.  The Planning stage is the toughest for me.  This is where you need to determine who your audience is and the route you want to lead them down.  I like to create an outline from introduction to conclusion and all the points in between.

Next, it is time to Research each point and find information to support your outline.  This is getting down and dirty to find the meat of the lecture.  Dig deep, because simply stating what everyone already knows wastes everyone’s time.  However, doing a good outline will make research much easier and faster.

Planning and research are the two most vital components of any presentation.  Finding Examples is going to add vibrance.  Nobody wants to get slapped with statistics and mere facts.  Look for interesting stories or even jokes that lighten the mood while keeping everyone on topic.  We all have been to the death by PowerPoint meetings but still are tempted to do the same thing.  Look for other visual aids such as videos, equipment, handouts, etc. to keep their attention.  An example of this is if you are pitching a new business venture for a hotel, let everyone feel the extra soft towels you want to purchase instead of just putting the costs on the board.

Finally, Practice your speech or presentation.  The more experienced you get, the less time you will have to spend here.  Regardless, you need to ensure that all of your slides are working properly and follow your outline.  Do the links actually take you to the site?  Nothing is more embarrassing and stressful than having your visual aids sabotage your presentation.  Make sure everything works.

The morale to this posting is PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE!

Just say the word ruby and suddenly one visualizes romance, passion, fiery hearts and, politically, blood and power. Ancient peoples believed the ruby had medicinal powers. In India, there have been found thirteenth century medical literature that explains that rubies can cure digestive disorders and braces for teeth. In battle, Burma warriors put rubies under their skin for protection. The beauty of this stone made ancient cultures believe that a ruby ring would bring health, wealth and wisdom and of course love. They are also prized in the fashion industry.

For thousands of years the most valued gemstone has been the Ruby and the finest rubies are rarer and more valuable than the colorless top quality diamonds (current diamond prices).

A sapphire becomes a ruby only when there is enough chromium to give it that radiant red color. Ancient cultures actually believed that when they had a sapphire that was of its normal colors of green, yellow, orange or pink that if they put it back in the earth it would ripen to be the beloved red Ruby.

Next to the diamond, the ruby is the hardest mineral known and they make an excellent choice for jewelry When Rubies are found in sizes larger than 5 carats and unflawed they are more valuable than a Diamond that is of equal quality and size. The Latin work ‘ruber’ means red which is where this gemstone derives its name.

Much of this is covered under industrial standards (>standards like ISO 14443).