The first step when planning a multimedia program is to have the objective clearly defined.
The objective should be stated in terms of the desired change that is to take place in the attitude of the audience as a result of viewing the production. One approach is to think of the objective in terms of desired audience behavior.

The first question to be answered, therefore, is: "What do we want the audience to do after seeing the presentation? Perform a task? Demonstrate a skill? Take some action? Become concerned about an unfortunate or unjust situation?" The questions indicate only a few possible outcomes that a presentation might be expected to induce. After viewing, if the audience reacts in the desired manner, the presentation is a success. Time and money should not be expended on preparations until the objective has been definitely stated.

Analysis of the audience is usually interwoven with definition of the objective, as well as with each successive step in planning the presentation. In each case where the target audience is not well known, it is wise to analyze the members of that audience as thoroughly as possible. How much do they know about the subject? What is their educational level? What are their ages? What are their income levels? What are their backgrounds? What are their religious views? How are they employed? Are most of them employed locally, or at a distance?

The more that is known about the audience, the firmer the basis for planning the content of the presentation.

In an endeavor to help you create a successful multi-image presentation, we are providing you a list of questions that are designed to help you focus your ideas into crystal clarity. The better your show is planned, the greater are its chances of complete success.
So please consider the list carefully.

1. What is the objective of the presentation?
2. What is the subject matter?
3. Who is the audience?
4. Why are they being given this message?
5. Where will the presentation be given?
6. Will it have to travel?
7. What are the physical properties of the showplace?
8. When is the production scheduled to be shown?
9. Will there be physical props or products involved?
10. Will the multimedia production aspect ration be standard 4:3 or wide-screen 16:9?
11. What is the availability of existing art and computer graphics?
12. Will the presentation be used for normal projection, wide-screen, PC, TV or Internet use?
13. Will the original presentation be adequate or will duplicate sets be needed for distribution? How many?
14. What is the desired running time of the presentation?
15. What shooting locations will be involved?
16. Will technical advice about the subject matter be required? Who will provide it?
17. Will sound be included? CD? DVD? Cassette? Sync signal? Live?
18. Will experienced models be needed, or are in-house personnel satisfactory?
19. Will musicians be needed, or will canned (pre-recorded) music or a combination be satisfactory?
20. What budget will be established?

Not all of the questions listed will arise in the making of every slide program; a relatively simple show may involve very few of them. Generally, the more ambitious and complex the multimedia presentation, the more factors must be considered. But there are two factors in planning that must always be carefully considered: the objective and the audience.