Category: Presentation Science

How to Deliver Small-Scale Presentations

Powerpoint tips

presentation tips

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius Blog

small-scale presentations

Oct 14, 2014

When we think of presentations, we often imagine standing in front of a large audience. But as JD Schramm points out in his article for Harvard Business Review, plenty of meetings and presentations involve a much smaller crowd.Often, you won’t find yourself addressing an auditorium full of people. In truth, most presentation meetings involve less than 10 participants. Most of the time, presentations happen with you and the audience interacting closely with one another.While you may think this is an easier scenario to handle, small-scale presentations can also have a few challenges.

What do you do with your slides?

In small-scale presentations, you won’t need to project your slides. But this doesn’t mean that visuals aren’t necessary. Even with a smaller group, your presentation will still need to connect and engage. As you would with any presentation, highlight your main points with powerful visuals.So how do you share your slides then? You can prepare a printed deck. Build your slides as you usually would, but skip the animation and huge pictures. Instead, opt for interesting color schemes and eye-catching illustrations. As always, keep your content precise and concise. Another option is to make an iPad or tablet PowerPoint presentation.

Should you sit or stand?

As you may have guessed, standing is a powerful nonverbal cue. When you stand while others remain in their seats, you show that you’re in a position of power and authority. This is important at the start of a presentation, and why you should stand as you begin your presentation. If the presentation meeting is more formal in nature, you can opt to remain standing as you delve into the main presentation and only take a seat when it’s time to answer questions. For meetings that are more casual, you can deliver the entirety of your presentation seated.The seat you take is another crucial factor in small-scale presentations. As the presenter, you should be seated in a place that allows you to see everyone in the table. It’s important that you’re in a place where you can easily make eye contact with the group. If you’re delivering a pitch, you should sit close to the primary decision maker.

How should you speak? How should you move?

Even as you sit with the audience, it’s important to be mindful of your voice and gestures. As always, speak with a voice that’s loud and clear. A strong voice comes from the diaphragm, so maintain proper posture once you’re seated. Keep your back straight and your feet firmly on the ground. When you’re talking, you can lean forward slightly to show the audience that you’re engaging in a conversation with them. As you would in any presentation, maintain eye contact throughout. When taking questions, Schramm suggests that you can lean back into your chair to seem more approachable.

Conclusion

Regardless of the size of your audience, the goal of your presentation remains the same. You want to be able to communicate your ideas in the most efficient way possible.When facing a small group, always be mindful of how you present yourself. You can still command authority and create an engaging atmosphere without the usual presentation set up.

Reference

Schramm, JD. “How to Present to a Small Audience.” Harvard Business Review. August 20, 2014. Accessed October 14, 2014. Featured Image: Sebastiaan ter Burg via flickr.com

9 Simple Rules for an Effective Sales Presentation

sales pitch

sales presentation tips

sales presentations

Oct 08, 2014

There’s a lot at stake when delivering a sales presentation. After cold calls and endless follow-ups, you now have the opportunity to meet with prospects and have a worthwhile discussion with them. You get to showcase the service or product you’re offering and all the benefits attached to it.In order to succeed, you can’t just throw a PowerPoint deck together and deliver a haphazard presentation. Instead, you need to be mindful of the correct techniques, making use of your creativity to leave a lasting impression. Here are 9 simple rules to make sure your pitch goes according to plan:

1.) Keep it short and simple

It’s easy to lose interest in a presentation that seems to go on forever. Even with an extremely engaging topic, most audiences have a hard time focusing their attention for more than a couple of minutes.The first step to improving your sales presentation is by cutting down the content. Focus only on the points that are crucial to the message you’re delivering.

2.) Hook the audience with a story

There’s nothing more compelling than a good story. Instead of presenting your pitch in a traditional, matter-of-fact way, you can spin it into a narrative. Following the dramatic arc of ancient Greek plays, or use the AIDA method as a guide.With a specific and structured narrative, you can easily determine which points are crucial to your message, and which ones feel excessive or unnecessary. This technique can also lead to a stronger connection between you and your audience.

3.) Create tension by identifying challenges

All the best stories are able to build tension for conflict and suspense. The same thing should be true for your sales presentation. Briefly show your prospects just how crucial your product or service is. Let them know that you’re aware of the problems they encounter. Describe a scenario that enumerates the challenges they face. Aside from making your pitch more compelling, this will let your prospects see how much you understand their current situation.

4.) Release tension by detailing your solution

Of course, you’ll need to do more than talk about the problems. Too much suspense can also kill engagement, so balance your story out by bringing attention to positive details as well. Delve into the features of your product or service, and focus on the opportunities it can give your prospects. Show them how your solution is the best way to overcome their challenges.

5.) Showcase your accomplishments, expertise, and experience

Another thing you can’t miss is to showcase the value of your brand and company. Build audience trust by enumerating your key accomplishments and relevant industry experience. Let your prospects understand the culture and logic behind your product or service, but don’t spend too much time blowing your own horn. Majority of your sales presentation should be spent on connecting with your prospect and showcasing the benefits of your offer.

6.) Emphasize your message with slides that incorporate your brand

Your brand encapsulates your entire company identity. By creating a PowerPoint deck that mirrors your brand, you can help your presentation become more unique and distinguishable. The easiest way to go about this is by using a color palette that’s similar to your logo. You can also incorporate the overall theme of your product into your design. These examples can serve as inspiration.

7.) Prepare for the difficult questions

You can never tell how the audience will react to your presentation. Your prospect might ask you questions that are difficult to answer. They could also bring up points you weren’t made aware of in your previous conversations. For situations like this, it’s always better to be prepared. Get ready to improvise. It will also help if you list down and answer all the possible questions that your audience might ask. Consult your colleagues and other members of your team to expand your list.

8.) Close with a specific Call-to-Action

The Call-to-Action (CTA) is perhaps the most crucial part of your sales presentation. It summarizes the purpose of your pitch in a bold statement that urges your prospects to take positive action. In other words, the CTA puts the ball on their side of the court. To be effective, a CTA needs to be direct, precise, and straight to the point.

9.) Don’t forget to follow up

Your work doesn’t stop even after your sales presentation ends with positive feedback. You can’t assume that your prospects will immediately act on your presentation. The people in your audience, especially the key decision makers, often have busy schedules. To make sure the impact of your sales presentation doesn’t dwindle, send an email to your prospects and reiterate your points. READ MORE: What Makes a Sales Pitch, As Told by Mad Men’s Don DraperFeatured Image: Ted Eytan via Flickr

Brainstorming Techniques for the Dazed Presenter

brainstorming

presentation tips

presentation writing

Oct 06, 2014

Presentations are enormous and often difficult tasks. Whether you’re set to pitch investors or address potential clients, you’ll feel plenty of pressure to ace your performance. The pressure can be even more debilitating when you realize that the road to success requires plenty of steps. Writing the perfect speech and content involve several factors. Aside from that, there’s also the challenge of designing a PowerPoint presentation that’s both effective and engaging. First coined by Madison Avenue advertising executive Alex Osborn, brainstorming has been defined as a “relaxed and informal approach to problem-solving.” You lead with your topic and try to generate several different ideas that build off of each other. During the process, you can list down the craziest and most impossible solutions. The only goal is to sort through everything in order to pick out the best ideas.Here are a few brainstorming techniques you can try to jump start your presentation prep:

Freewriting

In a quiet space, write down as much as you can in 9 minutes. Don’t stop until the time is up. Just let your pen run through the page. Keep writing down your thoughts, even when you feel like they’re pretty unsubstantial. When the time is up, read back on everything you’ve written. Pick out the ideas that stand out and try the next three techniques to arrive at a more specific message.

Cubing

Pare down your ideas by considering your subject from a variety of different perspectives. Just as a cube has 6 sides, you can approach the subject of your presentation using 6 methods. Take a sheet of paper and try to answer the following points:

  • Describe peculiarities of the topic
  • Compare it with a related idea
  • Associate it with something else
  • Analyze the components closely
  • Apply it for a particular situation
  • Argue for and against it

Desired outcome

Another way to sort through ideas is by understanding the goals you want to achieve. In other words, try to figure out your main purpose. Why were you asked to deliver the presentation? What do you want to accomplish? What is the outcome you’re hoping for?

Audience perspective

You can also narrow down your list by keeping the audience in mind. Consider their point of view, and what they might feel about your presentation. In particular, ask yourself these questions:

  • Who are in your audience?
  • Why are they coming to hear you speak?
  • What do you want them to do?
  • How might they disagree with your ideas?

–If you’re in this situation, it’s not strange to feel a bit dazed and confused. There’s so much to consider and it can be hard to get started. The only way to know where to start is by figuring out which direction to take. You’ll need to know the message you want to deliver, and the ideas that you want the audience to take away. This is where brainstorming comes in.Organize your thoughts to arrive at a clear and definite direction for your presentation. Try these brainstorming techniques to find the exact message you want to share and deliver.

Reference

“Brainstorming: Generating Many Radical, Creative Ideas.” Mind Tools. Accessed October 6, 2014. Featured Image: Carl Milner via Flickr

The Science of Effective Storytelling in Presentations

We often talk about the advantages of storytelling as a presentation technique. A presentation that’s filled with facts and figures can easily stray into a monotonous lecture that slowly lulls the audience to sleep. But if you choose to tell a story, you can give your audience something personal, concrete, and relatable to listen to. You can elicit very strong emotions that allow them to participate and engage with what you’re sharing.As Dr. Paul Zak of the Center for Neuroeconomic Studies found, narratives can trigger powerful responses when told the right way.

The science of effective storytelling

In this short film made for the Future of Storytelling Summit, Dr. Zak carefully explains how the human brain responds to effective storytelling:

After observing the neural activity of respondents who viewed the story of a terminally-ill two-year-old boy, Dr. Zak found that effective storytelling can evoke powerful feelings of empathy that come from the release of particular neurochemicals, including oxytocin and cortisol. Furthermore, these powerful responses often turn into concrete and positive action.This, however, doesn’t happen by telling just any other story. In order to be effective, the narrative has to follow the dramatic arc outlined by German playwright Gustav Freytag: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Otherwise, as Dr. Zak concluded, listeners will have “little if any emotional or chemical response.”

What does this mean for presentations?

To elicit the same powerful emotions from your audience, craft a story that follows the solid structure Gustav Freytag first envisioned 150 years ago:

Exposition

In a literary story, this is where the author lays out some “ground work” by presenting the characters, setting, and basic conflict.For your presentations, this is where you establish some context. Introduce the point of view you’re presenting, and share some background information. If the story  focuses on an experience you had with a client, set the scene and introduce important details.

Rising Action

After presenting the context of your story, it’s time to build tension and increase conflict. This is where you identify obstacles that prevent your character from feeling fully satisfied or happy. If your story is from a target customer’s POV, tell your audience about the challenges they face.

Climax

As the turning point of your story, the climax is the part where your character comes face-to-face with their problem. This is where the conflict becomes fully-realized and a solution is seen on the horizon. For your presentation, the climax marks where you start driving home your core message.

Falling Action

Slowly, as a solution becomes clearer and clearer, your character takes a course of action towards the identified goal. In the traditional sense, this is where the protagonist battles the antagonist. For your presentation, this is where you continue explaining your core message, focusing on how it helps resolve the problems you introduced early on.

Conclusion/Resolution

Finally, describe how your character meets their goals. This is where you explain how you and a difficult client came to an agreement. In another example, the conclusion is the part that details how your target customer finally achieves full satisfaction.–Powerful storytelling can change the outcome of your presentations. Share stories that engage your audience by following an age-old technique that has always been universally effective. Featured Image: Screen shot from Future of StoryTelling: Paul Zak 

How to Create a STAR Moment for Your Presentations

Nancy Duarte

presentation delivery

presentation expert

presentation tips

star moment

Sep 26, 2014

A STAR Moment (Something They’ll Always Remember) is a memorable point or experience in your presentation that leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Designed by communications expert Nancy Duarte, a STAR Moment captures attention and makes your message resonate long after the presentation is over. Here’s how to create a STAR Moment for your presentation:

1. Identify the Key Message

  • Why it matters: The STAR Moment should amplify your core message. It’s the idea or point you want your audience to walk away remembering. Having a clear, central theme helps ensure that the STAR Moment reinforces the overall goal of your presentation.
  • How to apply: Before planning your STAR Moment, ask yourself: What is the one takeaway I want the audience to remember? For example, if you’re presenting a business proposal, your STAR Moment should highlight the most compelling benefit or insight.

2. Use Strong Visuals or Demonstrations

  • Why it matters: Visuals are powerful tools for creating memorable moments. A surprising or stunning visual can leave a lasting impact.
  • How to apply: Use a compelling image, infographic, or video that reinforces your message. You can also consider live demonstrations. For example, Steve Jobs was known for incorporating STAR Moments in Apple presentations by unveiling new products in dramatic and unexpected ways.

3. Tell a Powerful Story

  • Why it matters: People connect with stories on an emotional level. A well-told story can make complex ideas relatable and memorable.
  • How to apply: Share a real-life anecdote or a personal story that supports your key message. Ensure it’s emotionally engaging and relevant to your audience. For example, a speaker introducing a new healthcare solution might tell a moving story about how it transformed a patient’s life.

4. Create a Dramatic Moment or Big Reveal

  • Why it matters: Surprises grab attention and make information stick. A big reveal or unexpected twist can make your STAR Moment unforgettable.
  • How to apply: Plan a moment where you introduce a surprising statistic, stunning fact, or reveal an innovative product that catches the audience off guard. This could involve unveiling new information or a solution in a way that the audience doesn’t expect.

5. Incorporate a Call to Action or Challenge

  • Why it matters: A powerful call to action can inspire the audience to take the next step and keeps your presentation in their minds.
  • How to apply: End your presentation with a bold challenge or call to action that motivates the audience to act. For example, if you’re presenting on sustainability, ask the audience to commit to making a specific change in their lifestyle or business operations.

6. Use Silence or Pause for Emphasis

  • Why it matters: Pausing at the right moment can build tension and anticipation, making your point more impactful.
  • How to apply: After delivering a significant statistic or major point, use a strategic pause. This allows the audience to absorb the information and adds weight to your message.

By focusing on these elements, you can craft a STAR Moment that leaves a lasting impression, helping your presentation stand out and making your message “Something They’ll Always Remember.”Sources:

  • Nancy Duarte’s STAR Moment Concept in her book Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences.

What to Watch Out for During Your Presentation’s Q&A

presentation q&a

presentation tips

questions and answers

Sep 23, 2014

Handling the Q&A session effectively is a critical part of your presentation. While it can enhance credibility, there are key things to watch out for to avoid pitfalls and maintain control. Here are some crucial aspects to monitor during the Q&A:

1. Managing Time

  • Why it matters: Q&A sessions can easily stretch beyond the allocated time, disrupting schedules or leaving you rushed at the end. It’s essential to keep track of time to ensure you can wrap up the session appropriately.
  • How to manage it: Set a time limit for Q&A and let the audience know in advance. Keep an eye on the clock, and if questions go long, politely let the audience know that you’ll take one more question. You can also invite those with additional inquiries to speak with you afterward.

2. Handling Difficult or Off-Topic Questions

  • Why it matters: Sometimes, audience members ask challenging, critical, or unrelated questions that can derail the session or create tension. These moments can lead to discomfort for both the presenter and the audience.
  • How to manage it: Remain calm and composed, and use phrases like, “That’s a great question, but not directly related to today’s topic. I’d be happy to discuss it with you afterward.” For difficult or critical questions, acknowledge the concern and provide a brief, respectful response without becoming defensive.

3. Avoiding Long-Winded Answers

  • Why it matters: Giving lengthy or overly detailed responses can disengage the audience and eat up valuable time. You risk losing the audience’s attention, especially if the question only applies to a small subset of attendees.
  • How to manage it: Keep your answers concise and focused. Answer the question directly, provide necessary context, and then move on to the next question. If more detail is required, offer to follow up with the person one-on-one after the session.

4. Engaging the Entire Audience

  • Why it matters: Focusing too much on one individual or a specific question can lead to disengagement from the rest of the audience, especially if the topic is very niche or technical.
  • How to manage it: Address the entire audience even while responding to individual questions. Make sure your answers are broadly applicable, and if a question is highly specific, offer to discuss it with the person separately after the Q&A.

5. Dealing with Multiple Questions at Once

  • Why it matters: Some audience members may ask multiple questions at once, making it difficult to provide a coherent and structured response. Answering all at once may confuse both you and the audience.
  • How to manage it: Politely request the person to focus on one question first, or address the first part of their question, and then ask them to clarify or repeat any remaining inquiries. This helps keep the flow of the session organized.

6. Recognizing When You Don’t Have the Answer

  • Why it matters: Not knowing the answer to a question can be intimidating, but it’s better to admit you don’t know than to guess or provide inaccurate information. Trying to answer when uncertain can hurt your credibility.
  • How to manage it: If you don’t know the answer, be honest and say, “That’s an interesting question. I’d need to look into it further and get back to you with the correct information.” Follow up afterward if possible to maintain trust.

7. Encouraging Questions from a Quiet Audience

  • Why it matters: Sometimes, the audience might be hesitant to ask questions, leading to awkward silences. This can make the session feel less interactive and may even reflect poorly on engagement.
  • How to manage it: If no one is asking questions, be ready with a few pre-prepared questions to get the conversation going. You can also rephrase or summarize key points from your presentation and ask the audience if they would like further clarification.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can manage your Q&A session with confidence and professionalism, ensuring that it adds value to your presentation rather than becoming a source of stress.

Presentation Tips: How to Supercharge Your Monday Morning Meetings

The weekend has come and gone, and you’re faced with another Monday. As much as you love your job, it’s always a challenge to start a new work week with plenty of enthusiasm. It’s no wonder that “Rainy Days and Mondays” easily became a hit in 1971.

Perhaps, after a cup of coffee, you can easily plunge in to work mode. But the real challenge is getting through the dreaded Monday morning meetings. If you’re the one presenting, you’ll find yourself addressing a group of people longing to crawl back into their beds. To help, take note of these three presentation tips:

Start with something fun

Stop people from dozing off by starting your presentation strong. Try to integrate an element of fun to get everyone excited. You can organize a quick activity, or try your hand at telling a few jokes. Be creative and try to come up with something that suits your topic and presentation delivery style. If you have to use slides for your meeting, don’t dim the lights until you’ve finished with the introduction. As we all know, a dark room is the perfect place for a nap.

Keep it quick and simple

A brief and concise presentation is always better for audience engagement, and it’s particularly crucial for Monday morning meetings. Give your audience a quick overview by outlining key points. Don’t let it drag out by focusing too much on the details. There’s plenty of time to tackle that during the rest of the week. For Monday meetings, you want to encourage your team to gear up and accomplish as much as they can. You can’t achieve that by overwhelming them with data.

Encourage dialogue and discussion

To get maximum engagement, you can also encourage the audience to take part in the discussion. Allow people to raise their points and concerns as you go along your presentation. With a non-linear structure, you can have a more organic conversation without disrupting the flow of ideas. Simply introduce the main points you want to discuss, and allow your conversation to navigate the direction of your presentation. You can make use of Prezi to create non-linear slide decks. You can also get a similar effect by using PowerPoint’s hyperlink function.Give your audience the motivation they need for the rest of the work week. Make sure your Monday morning meetings are fueled with engaging and productive discussions.READ MORE: Monday morning presentations – The Prezenter Featured Image: trophygeek via Flickr

4 Different Ways to Practice Your Presentation Skills

presentation tips

speech writing

speech writing tips

Sep 16, 2014

Presentations can be nerve-wracking for anyone. Even with relative experience, you’ll never be able to predict how things will turn out. You can’t ever be a hundred percent sure about how the audience will react. If you want to be ready for anything, you need to practice and perfect your presentation skills. These techniques are based on activities outlined by Gabrielle Jones, an ESP teacher who writes for The Business English Experience. Jones uses these activities to teach her class about presentation delivery. To do it at home or during your free time, start by setting up a camera and record yourself while practicing. You can use the footage to review what you said, noting all the areas that need improvement.

1. Practice structure and brevity

We’ve written about the importance of structure and brevity in presentations. Practice your ability to logically structure ideas by telling a story that you’re completely familiar with and do this within 10 minutes. In Jones’ class, she asked her students to introduce themselves one by one.In your presentation, you can do the same thing by picking out the most important details about yourself and ordering them in a way that would be easy to follow.For a real challenge, you can also try to recall your favorite book or movie. To relay the story in 10 minutes, you have to choose the details that are most crucial to the narrative—keep your story linear and avoid segues.

2. Practice transitioning from one idea to the next without losing sight of your main goal

When tackling a variety of topics, you need to know how to properly transition from one idea to the next. Practice your ability to sequence various ideas while keeping in line with your main goal. To do this, Jones asked her students to relay instructions describing a certain process.A few of them described how to use gadgets like Google Glass while some talked about studying at university and filling up your car with gas. Choose a process you know well and try to describe it step by step. Use words like “first of all,” “then” and “finally” to help audiences keep track of the progression of your ideas.

3. Practice making an impact through rhythm and intonation

Adding variety to your speech allow audiences to distinguish the emotions and attitudes in your presentation. Avoid a monotone and deadpan delivery by practicing your rhythm and intonation. This is best done if you already have a presentation prepared.You can also use a presentation you’ve delivered in the past or something you commonly give every now and then (like a sales pitch or a quick introductory seminar for new hires). Deliver your speech as you would in front of an audience. Give yourself time to pause in places that need a more dramatic effect.Add feelings to your voice by changing up your intonation. Be mindful of what mood you’d like to express and experiment by reading your speech in several different ways.

4. Practice improvisation and responding to difficult questions

As we mentioned earlier, there’s no way of knowing how your presentation will turn out. Practice your ability to think on your feet by doing some improv exercises. Try some of the common techniques comedians and actors use.Aside from improvisation, you should also practice how to navigate through difficult (and perhaps aggressive) questions. Do a quick Google search for an article on any topic that interests you.After reading it, scroll down to the comments section and browse for one that you disagree with. Imagine that this was a comment in your own presentation. How would you answer it? To make things more challenging, look for comments posted by “trolls” and think of a way to handle the situation.–You can do these activities at once, or focus on the ones where you think you need the most help with.Need more help improving your presentation skills? Download the Definitive Guide to Designing Presentations for Business. If you have your own tips and tricks to share, give us a shout out by clicking on our social media links Featured Image: Glen Wright via Flickr

10 Ways to Make a Positive First Impression during Presentations

first impressions

presentation tips

Sep 11, 2014

We’re often told not to judge a book by its cover.But as science has proven time and again, first impressions count for a lot more than we’re ready to admit. While it’s not ideal, we all form initial opinions based on the most arbitrary things. Researchers even found that it only takes us a few seconds to judge someone we just met.As the old saying goes, you won’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Here are 10 ways to make sure your presentations start off right:

Arrive early

Time is valuable, so make sure you don’t make anyone wait. The people in your audience took a few moments from their busy schedules to listen to your presentation. Respect that and always be the first one to arrive at the venue.

Look your best

According to the University of Hertfordshire’s Professor Karen Pine and her colleagues, first impressions are largely based on physical appearance, so you have to look your best. Make sure you’re wearing clothes that are appropriate for the occasion. The general rule is to always dress a little bit better than the audience would.

Mind your body language and non-verbal cues

As we’ve established previously, you can say a lot without saying anything at all. When facing an audience, it’s important to keep in mind the non-verbal cues you’re giving off. Avoid gestures that look closed off or defensive. Strengthen your connection with the audience by maintaining constant eye-contact.

Shake off your nerves

It’s hard to project confidence if presentations makes you feel anxious. Before taking the stage, take a moment to calm yourself by doing breathing exercises. You can also try to pump yourself up by listening to your own power music.

Smile!

Of course, there’s no better way to show off a positive attitude than through a sincere smile. Don’t forget to flash a big smile the moment you step up to face your audience.

Start strong

Create an emotional connection with your audience as soon as you begin your presentation. To capture their attention, try to come up with a creative way to open your speech. Sims Wyeth of INC.com made a list of a few techniques that you can try.

Know your presentation well

Aside from a positive attitude, it’s also important to exude a feeling of trustworthiness. To do that, you need to know your presentation well. Prepare everything you need long before you’re scheduled to present. Most importantly, take the time to rehearse your presentation as much as you can.

Handle interruptions and difficult questions with grace

They say that we tend to reveal our “true self” during high-stress situations. During a presentation, you could end up facing a situation you didn’t prepare for. Whether it’s a heckler trying to get a rise out of you or a question you don’t have an answer for, always remain calm and keep your composure.

Avoid presentation clichés

Sometimes, first impressions are also formed based on previous experiences. Set yourself apart from all those bad presentations that people continue to see. Avoid committing common presentation mistakes such as bad PowerPoint decks and reading directly from your slides.

Be genuine and enjoy your time on stage

It’s important to put your best foot forward during a presentation. But it’s also crucial to be yourself and enjoy your time on stage. Sincerity comes easier when you’re not putting up a front. Be yourself, enjoy, and give your best as you present.–After a few conversations, you’ll be able to get to know one another on a deeper and more personal level. Unfortunately, this won’t be the case when you have to face an audience and deliver a presentation. Especially for big events, your audience will mostly be made up of people you’ve never met before.That could be about 50 different individuals hastily judging the way you look, speak, and even stand. How can you make your message count if the audience has already decided that you’re sloppy, untrustworthy, and unprofessional?

References:

Rowh, Mark. “First Impressions Count.” American Psychological Association. Accessed September 11, 2014.Pine, Karen J., Fletcher Howett, and Neil Howett. “The Effect of Appearance on First Impressions.” Karen Pine. Accessed September 11, 2014. Featured Image: anthony kelly via Flickr

Why Storytelling is an Effective Presentation Technique

presentation storytelling

storytelling

Sep 09, 2014

Storytelling is one of the most powerful and effective techniques for delivering presentations. It engages audiences on both an intellectual and emotional level, helping to make complex ideas more relatable and memorable. Instead of simply presenting facts and data, storytelling allows presenters to weave a narrative that captivates, persuades, and inspires action.Here’s why storytelling is such an effective presentation technique:

1. Engages the Audience Emotionally

Stories have the ability to evoke emotions such as empathy, excitement, or curiosity, which helps keep the audience engaged throughout the presentation. By tapping into emotions, storytelling fosters a deeper connection between the speaker and the audience.Why It’s Effective:

  • Creates a Connection: When people feel emotionally connected to your message, they are more likely to stay engaged and invested in the presentation.
  • Triggers Emotional Response: Stories make facts and figures more personal by showing how they affect real people.

Example: Instead of simply showing statistics about a company’s growth, tell the story of how the company overcame challenges and achieved success, highlighting the human effort behind the numbers.

2. Simplifies Complex Information

Presentations often involve complex ideas, data, or processes that can be difficult for the audience to grasp. Storytelling helps simplify and clarify these concepts by providing relatable examples or metaphors, making it easier for people to understand.Why It’s Effective:

  • Breaks Down Complexity: Stories offer context and meaning, which helps audiences absorb difficult concepts more easily.
  • Enhances Comprehension: Presenting information through a narrative helps listeners follow the logic of the argument and see the big picture.

Example: If you’re presenting a complicated technological process, explain it through a story about how the technology helped a particular company solve a real-world problem.

3. Makes the Message Memorable

People are more likely to remember a story than a list of facts or bullet points. The brain is wired to retain stories, making storytelling a powerful tool for delivering messages that will stick with the audience long after the presentation is over.Why It’s Effective:

  • Increases Retention: Stories engage both the analytical and emotional parts of the brain, which enhances memory retention.
  • Builds Lasting Impressions: A well-told story creates vivid images in the audience’s minds, making it easier for them to recall the message later.

Example: A personal anecdote about how a new product improved your daily workflow is more memorable than simply listing its features.

4. Creates a Clear Structure

A well-structured story has a beginning, middle, and end, which provides a clear framework for your presentation. This structure helps the audience follow your narrative and keeps them engaged throughout the presentation.Why It’s Effective:

  • Guides the Audience: A story provides a logical flow, ensuring that your audience can follow the progression of ideas without getting lost.
  • Builds Anticipation: Stories often include elements of tension or conflict, which keeps the audience curious and engaged as they anticipate the outcome.

Example: Start your presentation by introducing a challenge or problem, build tension by describing the obstacles, and then resolve the story by showing how your solution provided the answer.

5. Humanizes Data and Facts

Data is critical in many presentations, but numbers alone can feel impersonal and abstract. Storytelling adds a human element, showing how data impacts real people or organizations, making it more relatable and meaningful.Why It’s Effective:

  • Personalizes the Message: Stories humanize abstract data, helping the audience understand why the information matters.
  • Boosts Persuasiveness: Combining data with a narrative can make your argument more compelling, especially when the story demonstrates real-world benefits.

Example: Instead of just showing a graph of customer satisfaction scores, tell a story about how one satisfied customer’s experience reflects the larger trend.

6. Encourages Action

Storytelling is a powerful tool for persuasion. When done effectively, it not only conveys information but also inspires the audience to take action. By illustrating how a particular solution has worked in the past, you make a strong case for why it will work for your audience as well.Why It’s Effective:

  • Inspires Change: A compelling story about overcoming challenges or achieving success can motivate the audience to take similar action.
  • Creates a Call to Action: By ending your story with a clear takeaway or next step, you can encourage the audience to act on your message.

Example: Tell the story of a client who faced the same problem as your audience and explain how your solution helped them succeed, ending with a call to action for the audience to implement the same solution.

Final Thoughts

Storytelling is an effective presentation technique because it engages the audience emotionally, simplifies complex ideas, and makes the message more memorable. By weaving data and facts into a compelling narrative, you can captivate your audience and inspire action. Whether you’re delivering a business proposal or a keynote speech, incorporating storytelling will elevate your presentation and make it more impactful.