Tag: audience

Using Images to Control Your Audience

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Gregory Berns

Mark Zuckerber

Mark Zuckerberg

Picture Superiority Effect

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Jul 23, 2013

It’s safe to say that most people that went through elementary school have heard the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.” What most people don’t know is exactly what those thousand words can make people do or think.Some of the world’s most famous CEO’s are adopting an image-rich style when it comes to their corporate presentations. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, and even Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer all jumped on the bandwagon. If these global business leaders are doing it, it must be effective.Here’s an overused fact: the brain processes information more effectively when the information is expressed in both pictures and words in place of words alone. The process is called Picture Superiority Effect, and as overused as it may be, most people don’t genuinely understand the value in the statement and consequently don’t act on it.Each of the aforementioned business leaders have continued to prove that image-rich presentations are powerful forces for helping audiences retain the information being presented. Here is a list of ways they use the Picture Superiority Effect to shape the way their audiences react to their presentations.

Use Images…

  • to spark some confusion that you will resolve. 

Show a weird scenario that attracts the eye, but doesn’t fully explain itself. Then go on to explain it yourself.

  • to highlight a point through silliness. 

Laughter is always a great component of keeping your audience in an interested and open-minded state.

  • to tease your audience for your next slide. 

Always keep your audience guessing what is next. As soon as they think they found some predictability aspect to your sequence, they will zone out and think they already know what you are saying.

  • to visualize the abstract. 

Many business related concepts, more commonly financial ones, are difficult to grasp. Use images to clarify.

  • as a play on words.

Hearing and seeing an explanation of a certain concept will make it much more relatable. 

  • as a rhetorical ploy. 

Metaphors and analogies shown through images.Gregory Berns said it best, “A person can have the greatest idea in the world— completely different and novel—but if that person can’t convince enough other people, it doesn’t matter.” Using images is a vital component of convincing your audience during you presentation. It really doesn’t matter what you are talking about. Images, like colors, music, and food, are universally understood and valued. Use them to your advantage!Ill leave you with Jonathan Klein’s AMAZING TED talk about the power of images.

References:

Gallo, Carmine. “Jeff Bezos And The End of PowerPoint As We Know It.” Forbes. September 7, 2012.”Pictures in PowerPoint.” Microsoft MVP Award Program Blog. April 23, 2012.Stenberg, Georg. “Conceptual and Perceptual Factors in the Picture Superiority Effect.” 2006.

Presentation Lessons from the Fed; Intentional Vagueness & Ambiguity

Alan Greenspan

Although Fedspeak

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Steve Jobs

Jul 19, 2013

When Federal Reserve officials speak, their words are often deliberately vague and ambiguous. This strategy allows them to navigate complex topics without making overly specific promises, giving them flexibility in the future. While this communication style might seem counterintuitive for a presentation, there are times when a similar approach can be useful.Here are key presentation lessons from the Federal Reserve’s use of intentional vagueness and ambiguity:

1. Manage Expectations Carefully

The Federal Reserve often leaves its statements open to interpretation, which allows for flexibility and adaptability. In presentations, you can use vagueness strategically to avoid overpromising or committing to details that may change.Why It’s Important:

  • Provides Flexibility: Leaving certain points open-ended gives you the room to adapt as circumstances evolve.
  • Manages Audience Expectations: Ambiguity can help temper audience expectations if the situation is uncertain.

How to Apply It:

  • Use qualifiers such as “likely,” “potentially,” or “subject to change” when discussing future plans or outcomes that may not be guaranteed.

Example: If discussing the projected growth of a project, say, “We are likely to see growth in the next quarter, but it will depend on market conditions.”

2. Avoid Overloading with Specifics

The Fed often refrains from giving overly specific details to avoid overwhelming its audience. Similarly, in presentations, too much granular detail can bog down your message and distract from the key takeaways.Why It’s Important:

  • Prevents Information Overload: Keeping things high-level allows your audience to focus on the bigger picture.
  • Encourages Audience Reflection: Leaving some details vague encourages the audience to think more deeply and engage in discussion.

How to Apply It:

  • Focus on the broad strokes and only provide specific details when they’re critical to understanding the overall message.

Example: In a presentation about a long-term plan, emphasize the overarching strategy rather than diving into every individual task.

3. Encourage Follow-Up Discussions

The Federal Reserve’s vagueness often leads to analysis and interpretation from experts and stakeholders. You can use this technique in presentations to encourage further discussion and engagement after the formal talk is over.Why It’s Important:

  • Keeps the Conversation Going: Leaving some aspects of your presentation open-ended can spark curiosity and lead to more in-depth discussions afterward.
  • Builds Engagement: Encouraging follow-up questions or discussions shows that you value input from your audience.

How to Apply It:

  • End your presentation with an open-ended question or a statement that invites feedback: “There are many factors at play, and I’d love to discuss your thoughts on how we can address these challenges moving forward.”

Example: After presenting an industry trend analysis, say, “These are just preliminary thoughts, and the situation is still evolving. I’d welcome further insights as we monitor these changes.”

Final Thoughts

Intentional vagueness and ambiguity, when used strategically, can help manage expectations, simplify complex topics, and foster continued engagement. While it’s important to be clear on key points, leaving room for interpretation can create flexibility and encourage deeper discussions, much like the communication style of the Federal Reserve.

Body Movement in your Presentation; How to Make it or Break it

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public speaking

Steve Jobs

Jul 19, 2013

Body movement during a presentation is a powerful non-verbal tool that can either enhance your message or become a major distraction. Effective use of movement can engage your audience, emphasize key points, and project confidence. On the flip side, uncontrolled or awkward movement can detract from your message, making you appear nervous or unprepared. Understanding how to use body movement correctly can make or break your presentation.In this guide, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of body movement, showing you how to use it strategically to support your presentation and captivate your audience.

The Importance of Body Movement in Presentations

Movement during a presentation serves several important purposes:

  • Engagement: Movement helps keep your audience visually engaged, adding energy and life to your presentation.
  • Emphasis: Strategic movement draws attention to key points or transitions, making them more memorable.
  • Connection: Moving around the stage or room helps you connect with different sections of the audience, making them feel included.
  • Confidence: Controlled, purposeful movement projects confidence and helps you appear more authoritative.

However, too much movement—or the wrong kind of movement—can be distracting, confusing, or even alienating. The goal is to strike a balance between purposeful movement and moments of stillness.

How to “Make It” with Body Movement

1. Move with Purpose

One of the most critical aspects of body movement is making sure your movements are purposeful and deliberate. Random or constant movement can make you appear nervous or unorganized.

  • Move During Transitions: Use movement to signal a change in topic or section. For example, when transitioning from one key point to the next, take a few steps to the side or toward the audience. This visually reinforces the shift in focus.
  • Step Forward to Emphasize: When making a critical point, step closer to the audience. This adds emphasis and makes the moment feel more intimate and impactful.
  • Return to Neutral: After making a point or transitioning, return to a neutral, centered position on the stage. This helps you reset and maintain balance in your presentation.

2. Use Movement to Connect with the Audience

Moving around the stage or room allows you to engage with different sections of the audience. This helps establish a connection and ensures that everyone feels included in the conversation.

  • Address All Sections: Avoid staying in one spot or addressing only one part of the room. Shift your position throughout the presentation to engage the entire audience. This could mean walking to different areas of the stage or making subtle shifts in body orientation.
  • Use Proximity Wisely: Moving closer to the audience during key moments can create a stronger connection. For example, during a Q&A session, stepping toward the person asking the question can make the interaction feel more personal and engaging.

3. Anchor Movements to Key Points

Linking specific movements to key points in your presentation can help reinforce your message and make it more memorable.

  • Visualize Movements for Concepts: For example, if you’re explaining a process with multiple steps, consider moving from one side of the stage to the other as you outline each step. This visual association helps the audience follow along.
  • Use Spatial Anchors: Assign different areas of the stage to represent specific topics or ideas. As you move back and forth between these areas, the audience will subconsciously associate the movements with your key points.

4. Control Gestures and Body Language

While body movement involves the whole body, gestures—especially hand movements—are another key component. Use gestures that complement your message rather than distract from it.

  • Emphasize with Gestures: Use open and deliberate hand movements to emphasize important words or concepts. Gestures should be natural and proportional to the size of the room; smaller rooms call for smaller, more controlled movements, while larger spaces may require more expansive gestures.
  • Open vs. Closed Gestures: Open gestures, such as open palms, indicate honesty and inclusivity, while closed gestures, like crossed arms or hands in pockets, can signal discomfort or defensiveness. Aim for open and inviting gestures to enhance audience connection.

5. Maintain Balance Between Movement and Stillness

While movement adds energy to your presentation, moments of stillness are equally important. A balance between movement and stillness allows your audience to process information and focus on your message.

  • Pause for Impact: After making a key point, pause for a moment in stillness. This gives your audience time to absorb the information and underscores the significance of what you’ve just said.
  • Avoid Fidgeting: Constant, small movements, such as shifting from foot to foot or fidgeting with clothing, can be distracting. Be aware of nervous habits and practice staying still when needed.

How to “Break It” with Body Movement (What to Avoid)

1. Pacing Without Purpose

Constant pacing is one of the most common mistakes presenters make. Walking back and forth without clear intention makes you seem nervous, restless, or unorganized.

  • Avoid Random Pacing: Uncontrolled pacing is distracting and can make the audience lose focus. Instead, use intentional, measured steps to emphasize transitions or key points.

2. Standing Still the Entire Time

Just as too much movement can be distracting, standing completely still throughout your presentation can make it feel stiff and unengaging. Being stationary can create a barrier between you and the audience, making your presentation less dynamic.

  • Don’t Lock Yourself Behind a Podium: If you’re using a podium, step away from it at times to engage with the audience. Moving around the stage or room makes the presentation feel more interactive.

3. Overusing or Exaggerating Gestures

While gestures are an important part of body language, overusing or exaggerating them can be just as distracting as poor movement.

  • Avoid Constant Gesturing: If your hands are always in motion, the audience may become distracted. Limit gestures to moments where they support or emphasize your words.
  • Don’t Overdo Large Movements: Exaggerated gestures or wide, sweeping motions can overwhelm the audience. Keep your gestures appropriate for the room size and the context of your message.

4. Fidgeting or Nervous Movements

Small, repetitive movements such as playing with your hair, adjusting your clothing, or tapping your fingers can signal nervousness and detract from your presentation.

  • Control Fidgeting: Practice becoming aware of any nervous habits and work on minimizing them. If you have a habit of fidgeting with objects, try holding a pen or clicker to keep your hands occupied in a controlled way.

5. Turning Your Back to the Audience

Turning your back on the audience, even briefly, can disengage them. This often happens when a presenter is reading from slides or looking at a monitor behind them.

  • Always Face Forward: Stay aware of your body orientation. Even if you’re referencing your slides, try to face the audience as much as possible. If you need to look at your slides, glance quickly and return your focus to the audience.

Final Thoughts

Body movement is a powerful tool that can either elevate or diminish your presentation. When used correctly, purposeful movement adds emphasis, boosts engagement, and makes you appear more confident. However, random or nervous movement can detract from your message and make you seem unprepared.The key to “making it” with body movement is awareness and intentionality. By moving with purpose, using gestures strategically, and maintaining a balance between movement and stillness, you can command the stage and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Avoid common pitfalls like pacing without purpose, overusing gestures, or standing rigidly still, and instead, use body movement as a dynamic tool to amplify your presentation’s impact.With practice and mindful execution, your body language will become an asset that powers your presentations and helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

3 Tips for an Effective Investor Presentation

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business presenation

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professional presentation

Jul 18, 2013

There’s nothing to it, just walk in the room full of potential investors—don’t worry about your appearance, you’re probably fine just wearing a t-shirt—and say, “My idea is great. Trust me, just fork over the dough.” That’s always worked for us.Okay, maybe there’s a little more to it than that.Obviously a huge amount of time and effort is required for the formation of your business model, building resources, and the plethora of other milestones before one gets in a room full of angel investors. We won’t spend time on that vital aspect of the process, instead, we’ve got a few often overlooked tips for when you’re in the room with the investors.Know Your AudienceWalking into an angel investor presentation blind will not only diminish from your presentation, it’s a huge risk. Know the people you’ll be presenting to: their educational background, what fields they’ve worked in, what businesses they’ve been a part of. Identify the ones that you feel your pitch will resonate closely with and cater your presentation to them.The Q&A session that will follow your presentation will play a key part in gaining the trust of potential investors. Anticipating what questions you may be asked will go a long way in putting their collective mind at ease. Predicting what questions you’ll be asked ties back to knowing your audience. Rehearse your responses to potential questions just as you would your actual presentation.Be confident, Assertive, and PassionateThese are important qualities when giving any presentation, but especially in an investor presentation, where the sell is often difficult. Presenting an assured front is imperative to show that you truly believe your pitch.But you need to go further than just showing the likely success of your business model, you need to be passionate about your idea, about your product. Don’t forget that your investors are investing in the financial viability of your idea, not the idea itself; still, don’t underestimate the selling power of visibly caring about what you’re doing. It can go a long way in building confidence in potential investors.Be particularly assertive with those you’ve researched and identified as likely to resonate with your idea. They deserve extra attention because of the higher probability of investing.Prove that your idea is uniqueIt’s vital to identify a specific problem and your proposed solution to it (i.e. your business idea.) And remember to show, not tell. Rather than saying, “this is a unique idea and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity;” it’s much more impactful to present concrete examples and evidence showing why that’s true.Explain why your business model will succeed where others have failed, what makes your management team distinguished and capable, and tell a compelling story. Focus on the who, what, and why.Investor presentations may seem daunting, but if you’ve put in the adequate time and effort (and followed these tips on crafting a professional presentation) then showing the merits of your pitch should be a walk in the park.

Lessons from The Godfather: How to Make Them an Offer They Can’t Refuse

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Don Corleone

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Mario Puzo

Michael Corleone

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Vito Corleone

Work Cited

Jul 18, 2013

“Italians have a little joke, that the world is so hard a man must have two fathers to look after him, and that’s why they have godfathers.”

-Tom Hagen, the Godfather’s consigliore

Well in our boundless affinity for Mario Puzo’s trilogy, we’ve found that the Don’s wisdom reaches all the way into the world of presentation consulting!It seems as though sometimes, the best advice comes from where you least expect it. Though he may not be a presentation expert, here are 4 lessons Don Corleone can teach you about making an offer your audience can’t refuse, which can be applied immediately to any corporate presentation:

  1. Have a clear message and tangible vision. Michael Corleone makes it clear that he has a plan to evolve his illicit family dealings into a completely legal and officially recognized business. In the beginning of the second film, Michael describes this dream to Kay, his wife, claiming how “in 5 years our [his] family business will be completely legitimate.” While he never achieves this goal, the Don pushes himself and those around him in its direction throughout the three films. It’s crucial to make clear to the people you work with, or want to work with, what your goals are (quantify everything), what you want for your company in the short and long term, and what your overarching focus is on. If your presentation can say all of this, and leave your audience on the same page as you are and earn the respect and approval you deserve.
  2. Know your competition. “Never let anyone outside the family know what you are thinking.” Michael Corleone, and practically every mobster shown in the trilogy seems to know that competition in any industry is tough, and one has to think and act a very specific way in order to come out on top (or alive). Vito Corleone educates us about competition in saying, “never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.” While presenting, it is actually a good tactic to use your competition to show how you’re different or better than they are. Don’t blatantly insult or undermine them, simply come up with rational and objective facts that support your reasoning.
  3. You’re always building your community. The Godfather is recognized for knowing not only how to do a favor, but how to ask for others to repay it. He shows us that community building and networking is a 24/7 job. Business can be made anywhere from a conference room to a birthday party, to even a flight to San Francisco. With that in mind, use your presentation to reel in new friends into your family. Know who you’re speaking in front of, what interests they might have, and most importantly, show them what unique qualities you can offer them. Also, don’t be afraid or too lazy to do a favor. After all, you might even get lucky enough to repeat Marlon Brando’s iconic statement: “Someday, and that day may never come, I’ll call upon you to do a service for me.”
  4. Show decisiveness. The Godfather is both loved and feared for his decisive, and sometimes ruthless, character. Both Vito and Michael knew that protecting their family, and expanding their influence was necessary for survival and success. When circumstance called for it, both Vito and Michael were willing to kill or die for what they believed in. While you may not have to kill anyone to prove your point, it’s imperative to think logically and act quickly. Specifically to your presentation, if you’re asked a question, know the answer! Anticipate everything by practicing a lot and in front of varied audiences. Hesitation leads to regret. Additionally, don’t come off as ambiguous in any aspect of the content you present. Know your position.

While I don’t endorse crime or the mafia, it would be foolish to oversee the valuable lessons they share, applicable to all presentation designers. And finally, always remember, “Great men aren’t born great, they grow great.” Work Cited:

If You Don’t Want To Spend Money On Yourself, Why Would Others?

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Facebook

Mark Zuckerberg

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Raise Capital

San Diego California

Jul 17, 2013

In early 2004, when I was 19 or 20, I came up with this crazy idea to create a website where people would essentially log in to a virtual version of their real lives. People would’ve uploaded their own profiles with their own bio and interests. They’d choose to connect or not connect with other users in the network. They’d upload pictures they took on their recent trips or parties and then tag their friends. People would have been able to play games, watch videos, or read articles and then share them with the world with one simple click! I honestly think that idea could’ve changed the world like never before. The problem was that the cost to incorporate my idea was around $1000. As a student I really didn’t have much to live off of, so I decided not to go through with it.Imagine if that was Mark Zuckerberg’s story. Imagine if he decided not to spend that initial $1000 in Facebook (or “thefacebook” as it was called back then). Zuckerberg knew that $1000 wasn’t a cost, but an investment. Knowing the difference between the two is one of the most useful tools in any business.Investing in the way your company presents itself is one of the most tactical ploys of investment as a whole. Whether you are pitching to a client, raising capital or presenting to a group of your peers and employees, a well-crafted presentation will make your message more memorable. When people remember your name or company, they will reference you when they need expertise in your field. It really comes down to simple math: Better presentation = Increase in sales.At SlideGenius, our presentation experts see on average over 200 PRESENTATIONS PER MONTH and have years of professional experience creating captivating PowerPoint presentations for a wide variety of clients. We can update an existing presentation or build one from scratch, leveraging your brand. We work with you to ensure that the message you want to get across to your audience is communicated as effectively as possible.If you do’t have a professionally designed PowerPoint Presentation you’re undeniably leaving business on the table. Many sales people have reported an increase of up to 25-50% in closed sales simply by providing a highly visual presentation.With SlideGenius custom PowerPoint development services you will immediately:

  • Enhance your reputation.
  • Increase the customer’s confidence and trust.
  • Maximize your conversion ratio.
  • Increase your sales leads.
  • Raise Capital.
  • Increase your sales volume.
  • Decrease your operating costs.
  • Get the right message across.

According to a survey by Accenture, nearly 90 percent of sales executives said that they are not as good at PowerPoint as they should be and that they would sell more products if their message was more effectively conveyed. Stop looking at enhancing your presentations as a cost, and start investing in yourself. If you don’t want to spend money on yourself, why would others?

The Many Faces of President Obama as a Public Speaker

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President Obama

public speaking

Writer Carmine Gallo

Jul 16, 2013

A great public speaker is versatile. Despite one’s personal feelings about the 44th president, it’s hard to deny Barack Obama‘s prowess as a public speaker. The ability to have his range, seamlessly transitioning from humbly grave in the face of tragedy to the lighthearted performer at the White House Correspondents Dinner is a pivotal reason for his popularity and perhaps his greatest strength as an effective leader.The New York Observer did an excellent analysis of Obama as a public speaker in February of 2008, when he was a candidate vying for the office he now holds. Many professors interviewed about the president’s oratory skills liken him to past famous speech makers, such as John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.Linguist Geoff Nunberg credits much of the president’s excellent speaking skills to controlling his hand and body movements in a way that accentuates what he is saying without going overboard. Nunberg also cites Obama’s controlled, limited vocal range, which allows him to “convey passion without exhibiting it.”Another excellent piece appeared on Forbes.com titled “Barack Obama: A Master Class in Public Speaking.” Writer Carmine Gallo outlines three tools Obama uses in nearly every one of his speeches that makes him one of the most effective public speakers in modern American history.

Transcendence

The ability to tell a compelling anecdote and have audience members feel as though they’ve been transported to an entirely different place is a very effective skill for drawing out an emotional response in those you’re presenting to. If, for instance, you’re giving an investor presentation, and you have a powerful (or even mildly interesting) personal story about how your business or idea was formulated, tell it. This can foster a strong connection with audience members or potential investors, and can help them establish a sense of trust with you.

Repetition

The classic example of repetition is in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, but Obama also incorporates this into his speeches very well. Great public speaking has a rhythm to it, and it’s often likened to songwriting. This aspect of public speaking, the art behind it, can appear abstract, but all the great speakers have this almost poetic quality to their speeches that enable their presentations to inspire.

Gestures and Voice

As stated above, Obama’s voice and movements are very controlled and deliberate. He doesn’t shy away from communicating with body language, and he frequently gets visibly emotional during speeches, but he always does so in a very meaningful manner. He appears to be a master of manipulating his mannerisms and emotions in order to elicit a response from an audience, which can take lengthy practice in speaking in public.Personally, what impresses me about Obama as a public speaker is his ability to work a room. To read exactly how to approach each audience and to cater himself to them accordingly. This video starts near the end of his comedic speech at the 2013 correspondents dinner, where after a hilarious speech that had the whole crowd going, he abruptly transitioned to a grave, heartfelt speech about the recent Boston bombings. This stark change of pace could only be done in such a natural way by a truly deft presenter.

Using Statistics and Metaphors Effectively in Your PowerPoints

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data

IQ

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presentation techniques

presenting

statistics

visuals

Jul 16, 2013

Did you know that every person recorded in history that has been able to lick their elbow has had an IQ characterized as that of a genius?  While the previous statement is a complete fabrication of my imagination, it doesn’t negate the fact that you just thought of licking your elbow to see if you were a genius.Statistics, metaphors, pictures, videos they all make us think in very specific and useful ways. Knowing how to manage these presentational aids can be what makes your next presentation sound like if you have been taking private classes with Tony Robins.Presentations bogged down by statistics, overwhelming data, and technical topics can send your audience dozing off in minutes, but never fear, there are a few techniques that can help you convey the true significance of what you’re presenting.When it comes to data, simplify and get creative.If you’re presenting your data with a table, you might as well be force feeding sleeping pills to your audience. Instead of cramming all your data on to one page, give each statistic its own page, accompany each with a visual, and present them as individual, easy-to-digest morsels. If you have a slide crammed full with numbers, chances are nobody is going to take anything away from it.Why should we care?Statistics can captivate when presented effectively, they just need to be framed in such a way that makes your audience understand their significance. Paint a picture that depicts their relevancy. An excellent example of this was done during the 2012 presidential race when there was much to-do over the net worth of President Obama and of Governor Romney.While it was revealed that Obama was among the poorest presidents ever elected and Romney was among the most wealthy, their combined wealth didn’t even come close to that of George Washington’s, when adjusting for inflation. Framing statistics in this way helps to give life to numbers that can often be monotonous and sedating, because practical application and historical context can make them much more relatable.Metaphors, metaphors, metaphors.If you’ve got a tough sell or a hard point to make, a metaphor can often help paint a picture for your audience to wrap their heads around. Metaphors can evoke an emotional response, which is very desirable when presenting potentially dry information, such as an investment opportunity.Even better, Visual metaphorsWhen we listen to something, only 3 percent of our brain neurons are engaged, but when we see an image, that number jumps up to 30 percent. As far as engaging an audience on a chemical level, and ensuring that they retain the information you wish to convey, a visual representation of the conclusion your presentation seeks to reach will be, literally, 10 times more effective.What you talk about is meaningless unless you know how to express it. It all comes down to two factors: how you say it and how you show it. Whether the topic is stem cell research or peanut butter protein bars, the audience will only care based off of how you present what you are presenting.Harness the power of these presentational aids, and you will rule the world. Not really, but you will definitely have captivated your audience.SOURCES:http://www.slideshare.net/CarlKwan/how-to-present-data-and-statistics-visuallyhttp://www.forbes.com/2010/07/14/george-washington-hoover-jfk-obama-personal-finance-10-richest-presidents_slide_5.htmlhttp://soappresentations.com/the-value-of-metaphor-in-business-presentations/

3 Presentational Skills to Learn From Conan O’Brien

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Conan O'Brien

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Dartmouth University

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statistics

television

United States

Jul 15, 2013

“Starbucks says they are going to start putting religious quotes on cups. The very first one will say, ‘Jesus! This cup is expensive!'” –Conan O’Brien

The world is full of people that can stand in front of an audience, or sit behind a desk, and talk for an hour, and in so doing call themselves talk show hosts. What separates Conan from the rest of those “unworthies” is his flawless technique as a presentation expert. Conan’s jokes, one-liners, and funny anecdotes always seem to bring out a steady stream of laughter and applause in every venue.As one of America’s favorite television hosts, comedians, writers, producers, and voice actors, Conan is known for his “awkward and self-depreciating humor.”While every presenter has their own style, here are three tips from Conan’s spectacular swag, that as presenters we should study and practice:1)     Good-natured fun always has a place in a presentation. Whether talking about terrorism, the Queen of England, fast food restaurants, or 100-year-old sea turtles, Conan finds a way to put a humorous spin on any subject. For example, when referencing former President George Bush Sr. at the commencement speech at Dartmouth University, “Behind me sits a highly admired President of the United States and decorated war hero while I, a cable television talk show host, have been chosen to stand here and impart wisdom. I pray I never witness a more damning example of what is wrong with America today.”Humor has a way with people. It can actually help simplify the most complex issues so they can be understood by children. I shouldn’t have to tell you (but I will anyway) that jokes and humor are all good fun until someone loses an eye (or so the expression goes). While not many eyes have been lost by investor presentations, emotions can be poked at, and people can get offended. Just use good judgment.2)     Use rhetorical devices. Conan fills his monologues with metaphors, comparisons, statistics, and sarcasm. He uses these devices to convey his overarching themes and messages. In the aforementioned commencement speech, Conan exemplifies this idea by saying “I went from being in the center of the grid, to not only off the grid, but underneath the coffee table that the grid sits on, lost in the shag carpeting that is underneath the coffee table supporting the grid.  It was the making of a career disaster, and a terrible analogy.” Analogies, even those as off-color as this one, can make you more relatable to your audience, and add a human aspect to your presentation.3)     Your body may be a temple, but Conan’s body is a wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man. At 6”4, Conan’s long-limbed body caps off with his world-famous fiery red hair. Needless to say he can be easily seen from every angle by his audience. Even so, O’Brien makes an effort to shake or bob his head, dance around, transform his face, or even ride around in his imaginary canoe every couple minutes. He screams, he shouts, he seems like he’s the entertainment at a six-year-olds birthday party, but he does it beautifully and tactically. He keeps the audience’s eyes on him at all times. This is a great skill for any presenter.  In sum, while you may not be a ridiculously tall, red-headed Harvard graduate with his own talk show, you can definitely apply something from these tips to your next corporate presentation.Finally, this goes out to you Conan. Stay awesome!

Controlling Your Physiology for Your Presentation

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Sun Tzu

Jul 12, 2013

Controlling your physiology during a presentation is crucial for projecting confidence, maintaining focus, and engaging your audience. Here are key techniques to help manage your body and nervous energy while presenting:

1. Breathing Control

  • Why it works: Deep, controlled breathing helps calm your nervous system, reduces anxiety, and ensures that your voice projects clearly and steadily. Shallow or rapid breathing can lead to a shaky voice or feeling lightheaded.
  • How to do it: Practice diaphragmatic breathing (also known as belly breathing). Inhale deeply through your nose for four counts, hold for a couple of seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth for four counts. This not only reduces stress but also helps regulate your heart rate.

2. Power Poses

  • Why it works: Studies, particularly by social psychologist Amy Cuddy, suggest that holding expansive, open body postures (power poses) for two minutes can boost confidence by increasing testosterone levels and reducing cortisol (the stress hormone). This can make you feel more assertive and in control.
  • How to do it: Before stepping on stage, adopt a power pose like standing with your hands on your hips or reaching your arms overhead. This opens up your body and helps you mentally prepare for the presentation.

3. Mindful Posture

  • Why it works: A strong, balanced posture projects confidence and authority while also preventing physical fatigue. Slouching or closed-off postures (e.g., crossed arms) can signal nervousness and cause the audience to disengage.
  • How to do it: Stand or sit with your shoulders back, chest open, and spine straight. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, and use open gestures to reinforce your message.

4. Movement with Purpose

  • Why it works: Controlled and intentional movement helps convey confidence and keeps your audience engaged. Unconscious pacing or fidgeting, on the other hand, can be distracting and signal nervousness.
  • How to do it: Move intentionally during transitions or key points. For example, take a step forward when emphasizing an important idea, or move to one side of the stage to engage a different part of the audience. Avoid random, unnecessary movement.

5. Facial Expressions and Eye Contact

  • Why it works: Your face conveys emotions and helps build rapport with your audience. Eye contact helps establish a connection and keeps your audience engaged, while smiling can make you appear more approachable and confident.
  • How to do it: Practice making eye contact with different audience members, moving your gaze across the room in a controlled manner. Avoid staring at notes or the screen for too long. Use facial expressions that match the tone of your content—smile when appropriate, and show sincerity during serious points.

6. Managing Nervous Energy

  • Why it works: Everyone experiences some level of nervousness before a presentation. Instead of trying to eliminate it completely, channel this energy into enthusiasm and engagement.
  • How to do it: Convert nervous energy into dynamic gestures, animated delivery, and a positive tone of voice. Additionally, engaging in a brief, physical warm-up before your presentation (e.g., stretching or shaking out your hands) can help release some of that nervous tension.

By focusing on these physiological elements, you can improve your performance and ensure that your body language supports, rather than detracts from, your message. Maintaining control of your breathing, posture, and movement not only calms your nerves but also enhances your connection with the audience.