by Hill, Barolet & Associates
11. August 2010 20:02
There’s nothing more painful than listening to a boring presentation, unless, of course, you’re the one giving it! So what’s the secret to giving a great presentation? Well, in many ways, it’s a lot like creating a great meal:
- Use fresh ingredients. You wouldn’t serve leftovers when you’ve got dinner guests. Likewise, your presentation should have something fresh to offer — new information, new ideas or new insights.
- Strike a balance. Just as over-seasoning can ruin a dish, providing extraneous information can have your audience nodding off or ducking out early. So no matter how passionate and knowledgeable you are about your topic, make sure the level of detail you provide is appropriate to your audience.
- Make it visually appealing. We eat with our eyes. Similarly, the right images — graphics, video clips, illustrations or charts — will help your audience grasp and retain key concepts and bring your material to life.
- Watch your pacing. You don’t want to deliver the entrée in the middle of the appetizer course. Similarly, you don’t want to rush through your material or, on the other hand, drag it out with filler just to take up the allotted time. Always practice your presentation out loud to get a feel for the rhythm and cadence of your words to ensure a smooth, polished delivery.
- Make it personal. There’s something intimate about a great meal. You’ll feel as if it’s been prepared just for you, even if other diners are enjoying the same dishes. As you develop your content, weave in appropriate anecdotes, stories, quotes or analogies to connect with your audience emotionally, as well as intellectually.
- Keep your focus. Everyone knows the risks of having too many cooks in the kitchen. Well, writing by committee also has its risks. Although it’s tempting to divide and conquer, especially when you’re preparing a lengthy presentation, allow time for a final edit and polish to ensure that your material flows smoothly and presents a consistent “voice” and point of view.
- Have a vision. Each course of a meal should complement one another. Just so, the segments of your presentation should coordinate together and build towards a strong and satisfying conclusion.
So the next time you’re asked to give a presentation, don’t just focus on what you can tell people. Think about creating an experience that will nourish your audience and provide sustenance for both heart and mind.