Tag: presentation preparation

Beating the Red Light: Organizing a Last-Minute Presentation

last-minute presentation

meaningful presentation

presentation preparation

presentation tips

procrastinating

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Nov 06, 2015

While it isn’t advisable to put things off to the last minute, there are some instances where you have to cram for a presentation. Sometimes you’re given limited time to prepare. Maybe your host suddenly asked you to give a brief speech on a related topic. Or maybe you lost track of your schedule and forgot about an upcoming event.

In such cases, you have to manage your preparation wisely. You shouldn’t let your audience know that you had less time to plan. It’s still possible to pull together a comprehensive, engaging, and meaningful presentation in just a few hours.

Learn How to Improvise

Writing down notes is an effective way to organize your thoughts. But even with notes written down, don’t be afraid to forget about your script. Or rather, don’t stick to it word for word.

A common misconception about presentation drafts is that they can save you when you come in ill-prepared. It’s similar to the idea that your slides will provide a safety net for when your speech gets boring. In truth, neither your script nor your PowerPoint should act as a replacement for you. If you don’t have enough time to rehearse, it’s okay to improvise.

Being too absorbed with a memorized script or worse, blatantly reading from your slides and notes, only makes you seem stiff and uninteresting. This also restrains your use of body language, which is an important tool in connecting with your listeners. Pairing up your speech with eye contact and hand gestures is necessary for creating a lasting impression.

People feel more relaxed in front of a speaker who uses the conversational tone, rather than one who is monotonous.

Avoid Rambling

However, don’t go to the other extreme. Rambling is just as bad as losing yourself in a script. You misplace your core message and confuse your audience in the process. Going off on a tangent for too long can also give away your nervousness. Put yourself at ease to assure your listeners that you know what you’re doing.

No one wants to listen to someone who appears clueless about the content of their presentation. As much as possible, keep your points related to what you originally wanted to say. It’s best to keep the gist of your speech in mind and improvise every now and then.

Last-minute Rituals

When you’re finally on the final countdown to your presentation, it’s good to calm your nerves down. This keeps you from being fixated on your script and rambling too much while speaking. Coming up on stage to present for something you had less time to prepare for can be a major cause for anxiety. But you shouldn’t let it get to you.

According to public speaking coach and Well Said, Inc. president, Darlene Price, there are a few small things you can do to relieve this anxiety 15 minutes before your time. In its feature of Price’s book, Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results, Business Insider gives a run-down of pre-presentation rituals like going to the restroom and focusing on positive thoughts. You can also check out your venue and interact with your audience before you speak.

Getting to know the environment and the people you are presenting to will let you see things in perspective. Situations appear more daunting when you let them mess with your head.

Conclusion

Contrary to what you might think, an audience can’t see through you as you speak. If a presentation is coherent and well-executed, people will appreciate it despite the time constraint. Stay calm and avoid using your notes or your PowerPoint as a crutch if you lack preparation.

At the same time, don’t distract your audience by rambling through your entire presentation. Substance is just as important as delivery. Although you can create a presentation under pressure, it’s always good to allot enough time for proper planning. Even for veteran presenters, procrastination and cramming can lead to disastrous results.

Having trouble organizing a last-minute presentation? Consult with our PowerPoint experts today and get a free quote!

References

Smith, Jacquelyn. “10 Things You Should Do In The 15 Minutes Before A Big Presentation.” Business Insider. May 2, 2014. Accessed October 8, 2015. www.businessinsider.com/what-to-do-15-minutes-before-presentation-2014-5

Featured Image: “Self portrait – Ticking away” by MattysFlicks on flickr.com

SOS! Presentation Disasters and Survival [Infographic]

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business presentations

Corporate presentations

effective professional presentations

powerpoint preparation

powerpoint presentation

presentation preparation

professional public speakers

public speakers

public speaking

Oct 14, 2015

Presentation disasters can happen to anyone.

No matter how much you prepare for your big day, there will always be a few obstacles that’ll appear, ones that you never expected would come up during your speech.

Unfortunately, nobody’s perfect, and even the best professional public speakers run into these occasional hitches.

What makes these people stay ahead of the competition is how they handle problems that suddenly happen without prior notice.

If you’re not careful, your discussions can turn into complete presentation disasters… even more so if you can’t handle unexpected events.

After all, Murphy’s Law became well-known because it’s been proven time and time again.

“Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.”

You can’t anticipate these moments like a psychic, but you can always cope with sufficient preparation and a calm demeanor.

Preparing for Possible Presentation Disasters

What are some good tips on handling presentation disasters?

All you need to do is to implement some simple back-up plans in case something goes wrong.

Before anything else, keep calm.

As soon as you’ve assessed the situation, start planning your response to the emergency.

Make sure you have presence of mind and you’ll have no problem overcoming any possible hitches during your big moment.

Here’s a short infographic on applying disaster preparedness to problem-proof your presentation.

https://www.slideshare.net/SlideGenius/how-to-survive-presentation-disasters

Making S.M.A.R.T. PowerPoint Presentation Goals

flowcharts

measurable objectives

presentation preparation

Rick Enrico

SMART

May 12, 2015

Every business needs objectives that get results. For presenters, defining these goals is a crucial matter for engaging the audience. They invest time and money to review your proposals and predict, at least to a certain extent, the ROIs.

Keeping your objectives measurable can make your pitches more credible.

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There are five elements that determine how successful you are in presenting a solid proposal. The SMART acronym has the following criteria for a pitch’s feasibility:

Specific

Intechnic.com defines ‘Specific’ as setting a precise target. Things like obtaining at least 500 new enrollees by the end of the year for an insurance premium or reducing employee turnover by 30% at the end of the quarter make compelling proposals.

As opposed to proposing objectives like using an advertising campaign to increase customer awareness or implementing an incentive system for employees, specific proposals can raise several feasibility-related questions from the client. It outlines exactly what you want to offer. 

Measurable

Establish how you’ll track your project’s progress. Instead of giving a vague estimate of your client’s potential earnings, use a graph to measure how many customers or profits they can get.

Don’t make your slides text-heavy by enumerating the step-by-step process. Instead, opt for a flowchart to give a visual map that’s easier to follow.

Achievable

Your proposal must answer this question: “Can it be done?”

Solidify your first two elements. Then, list the supporting factors, statistics or current problems to give supporting information for your idea. Present these in a comprehensive bullet-point list.

More questions to answer include:

  • What are the problems in the current industry that I want to solve?
  • Based on my information, can my client’s business support my proposed action?
  • What will it cost to have my plan put in motion?

Failing to answer any of these makes your PowerPoint presentation fall apart. Chances are, you could propose things like an ad campaign and expect every customer in that product category to immediately buy your product and reach your target profits within a few days. These types of goals lack the research put into being specific and measurable. They also have impossibly high expectations.

Relevant

Why does the client need this solution now and how does it tie in with its overall business strategy?

Consider if the solution or idea that you’ll propose is in line with the client’s corporate values. Suggesting a reduction in manpower and laying off experienced employees may not work if the client stands for providing excellent quality in its services. Proposing a more efficient management process might be the better option.

Time-Scaled

You’ve set the goal. Now, establish how long it will take. Clients want proposals to be measurable. Outline what will take place during that time to flesh out what to expect during your proposal’s implementation.

You can give a proposal for a program to manage a company’s finances, but if you fail to give a proper timeline on how long it would take to make that system compatible with the client’s business, the client will just reject your pitch. This is why it’s advisable to graph out a list of things that will happen from start to finish in order to properly present your plans.

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Measurable objectives are an important part of any business. Using these five elements allow for better presentation planning. Ultimately, what you get out of using these criteria is the ability to present your pitch in a language similar to that of your client’s.

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References

“The Art of Graphs and Charts.” SlideGenius, Inc. April 21, 2014. Accessed May 12, 2015.
“SMART Objectives.” Learn Marketing. Accessed May 12, 2015.
“How to Set SMART Website Goals to Reach Business Objectives.” The Intechnically Savvy Blog. Accessed May 12, 2015.

Presentation Planning in 5 Easy Steps

presentation planning

presentation preparation

presentation tips

Feb 19, 2015

Preparing for a high-stakes presentation is often stressful.

With so many different factors to consider, presenters might find themselves feeling pressured to create a memorable and efficient pitch. Planning then becomes a process that might involve a lot of frustration.

If you’re stressed out about that big presentation your boss recently assigned, there’s an easy way to keep your presentation planning organized.

By focusing on these five guidelines, you’ll be able to work through the process one detail at a time:

1.) How do you want the audience to react? 

As a presenter, it’s your responsibility to leave the audience with a favorable impression. The points you discuss should stand even after you’ve finished your speech.

As you prepare to draft the points you want to cover, ponder on how you want the audience to react to what you share.

Do you want them to feel inspired? Do you want them to be persuaded to take concrete action?

Whatever you decide, focusing on your desired effect will help you set the overall tone of your presentation.

2.) What do you want the audience to remember? 

Another thing to consider is your presentation’s key takeaway.

Think of it as your presentation’s premise. It’s a simple idea that can accurately describe all the points and arguments you want to discuss.

Again, consider the one idea you want your audience to leave the venue with.

To get an exact statement, think about the topic you’re covering and figure out how much of it will be included in the scope of your discussion.

3.) What will happen as a result of your presentation? 

According to public speaking guru, Stephen Boyd, establishing a sense of direction from the get-go is essential in guiding your listeners over your presentation. This also effectively captures people’s attentions, because it gives your pitch structure and meaning.

For that, always keep your desired outcome in mind.

Should everything go smoothly, what is your ideal scenario? Whether it’s to close in on a deal or impress upper management, use this as a guide on to act on the day itself.

What can you do to help convince the audience of your message’s credibility? What should you say if things fall apart and you have to salvage the situation?

4.) How can you motivate the audience to take action? 

With an intended outcome in mind, you can zero in on how to motivate your audience to take action.

At this stage, you need to consider their perspective. If you can learn what you can about their goals, you can tailor your presentation for them.

In this way, it will be easier to reach out and push them toward the results you want to see.

5.) How will you involve them in your discussion? 

Finally, it will help if you can think of ways to increase audience engagement in your presentation. It’s important to establish rapport with the audience and make them feel involved in your presentation. No one wants to sit through an hour long monologue.

According to leading venture capitalist, Marc Cenedella, knowing your audience is essential in engaging them and avoiding miscommunication during your presentation. To do this, periodically ask your listeners if they have questions or comments.

When they do participate, be open to hear an opinion that’s different from your own.

If you can, refer to the points they bring up as you move your discussion.

Presentation planning can be a lot of work. However, you can get an easy start by asking yourself these key questions. At the end of the day, what truly matters is that you deliver a presentation that results into positive action from your audience.

 

References

“Audience Participation: 4 Crucial Questions to Answer.” SlideGenius, Inc. August 28, 2014. Accessed February 18, 2015.
Cenedella, Marc. “Know Your Audience.” The Ladders. Accessed February 18, 2015.
“Fine-tuning Your Presentation’s Core Message.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 11, 2014. Accessed January 12, 2016.
“Producing Powerful Presentations.” SBoyd. Accessed February 18, 2015.

 

Featured Image: picjumbo.com

Presentation Preparation: 5 Tips on What to Wear

presentation preparation

presentation tips

what to wear for presentations

Dec 08, 2014

black suitGreat presenters know the importance of first impressions. While you should certainly work hard to prepare a well-crafted presentation, you also need to consider how the audience might perceive you. As we’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, it’s in our nature to form hasty opinions and make quick generalizations. It might not be ideal, but a lot of us will form impressions based on arbitrary factors. Among those factors is what others choose to wear. As Forbes contributor, Nick Morgan points out, “the clothes make the woman and the man.”

To get the audience on your side, you need to show them that you’re a credible and reliable source. In other words, you’ll have to establish rapport by making a positive first impression. We spend a lot of time carefully planning and preparing visuals that will help enhance our presentations. Why can’t the same be true for the way we present ourselves to an audience? If you do it right, the clothes you wear can be a great way to make a statement and inject some personality into your presentation.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re deciding what to wear for a presentation:

Dress for the occasion

As with most things, presentation wear depends on the context of a given situation. Before you can decide which clothes to wear, you need to consider key details about your presentation. Even if they seem unrelated to clothing, the information you have will actually help you set some parameters and decide what type of look you should go for.

What is your presentation about? If you’re set to deliver an executive report, it makes sense to be in business formal attire. On the other hand, if you’re leading a seminar, you might be allowed to go for something a little less formal. What about the venue of your presentation? If you’re presenting within your organization, your choice of clothing will obviously depend on a specific dress code. If you’ll be at a trade show or conference, you can take into account the culture within the industry. Those working in more creative fields can opt to wear something casual. Meanwhile, people working in investment and finance will be restricted to more conservative choices like tailor-fit suits and dress shirts.

Think of what the audience might wear

Another way to figure out an appropriate attire is by thinking of what the audience might wear. If there’s one rule to keep in mind about what to wear for presentations, it’s that you should always dress slightly better than the people you’re addressing. Who are you expecting in your audience? If you’re delivering an executive presentation, come to the venue in your best suit. For less formal crowds, your safest bet is to dress in business casual.

Business casual is your middle ground. It’s the perfect choice for situations when you’re not expecting a highly formal crowd, but you don’t want to risk looking too sloppy either. Scott Schwertly of Ethos3 describes it as “the grey zone of office dressing.” For men, you can opt to dress down your button-down shirts with a pair of khakis and loafers. James Wilson, a contributor for the Business Insider, provides a complete guide to business casual for men. For women, you can choose to wear your trousers with a blouse and cardigan. The blog Corporette offers some pretty useful tips for women struggling to find the balance between formal and casual.

Don’t neglect comfort

Body language plays an important role in presentation delivery. As we’ve noted before, you can’t just stand in one spot throughout an hour-long presentation. Audiences want to see something dynamic and engaging. To do that, you need to be mindful of your non-verbal cues. Wearing clothes that restrict your movement will definitely harm your ability to deliver a great presentation.

Prioritize your comfort by wearing clothes that fit you well. If you wear anything that’s too tight or too loose, you might eventually find yourself fidgeting with your clothes. To avoid distracting the audience, wear clothes that you don’t have to adjust constantly. For women, expect that you’ll be on your feet for most of the time. Heels might add an elegant touch to what you’re wearing, but they might also cause you great discomfort after some amount of time. If you’re someone who isn’t used to wearing high heels, you can opt for wedges or low-heeled dress shoes instead.

Avoid bright colors or distracting prints

As a presenter, it’s your job to make sure that the audience remains attentive and engaged. Considering how short our attention spans have gotten, you should assume that the littlest things can easily prove distracting. Aside from constantly fidgeting with your clothes, you can also distract the audience by wearing pieces with bright colors and over-the-top prints.

While an interesting design can add personality to your outfit, anything that’s too loud can easily attract unwanted attention. To experiment with color, choose a more muted shade and balance it out with something more neutral. For example, you can opt to wear a deep green tie paired with classic colors like white, black, or grey.

For women, you can add a bit of creativity to your outfits by wearing some jewelry. When choosing accessories, make sure you avoid pieces that are too large or noisy like hoop earrings and bangles. Instead, you can go for a simple necklace and a pair of stud earrings.

Pay close attention to details

Once you’ve finally decided on what to wear, you need to make sure that every detail is perfect for your presentation. While the audience might not see that your shirt is missing a button from afar, they might notice it once you’re networking around the room. Check the clothes you want to wear for anything amiss, like a loose thread or a small stain. You should also take the time to polish your shoes. For women, be sure to check your stockings for runs. If you notice wrinkles on your shirt right before you face the audience, you can check our presentation hack for a quick fix.

Aside from that, it’s also important to make sure your hair is well-groomed. Women should keep their hair out of their face with a bun or a ponytail. It’s also important to have a bit of makeup on. Meanwhile, men should always make sure to trim or shave their facial hair.

Remember that first impression are especially crucial when delivering presentations. Control how the audience perceives you by taking extra care with the clothes you choose to wear.

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Images: Robert Sheie via Flickr

The Complete Presentation Checklist

presentation checklist

presentation planning

presentation preparation

Nov 26, 2014

Creating a complete presentation checklist ensures you’re prepared, confident, and able to deliver a polished and engaging presentation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to check before stepping up to present:

1. Content Preparation

  • Define Your Objective: Clarify the purpose of your presentation. Are you informing, persuading, or motivating your audience? Understanding your goal will shape your content and tone.
  • Audience Research: Tailor your message to your audience. Consider their level of knowledge, interests, and what they hope to get out of your presentation.
  • Structure Your Content:
    • Introduction: Craft a compelling hook or opening statement to grab attention. State your purpose clearly.
    • Body: Organize your key points logically. Use a problem-solution structure, or chronological, comparative, or narrative formats depending on your message.
    • Conclusion: Summarize your key points and include a clear call to action or final takeaway.

2. Slide Design

  • Consistent Theme: Ensure that your slides follow a consistent color scheme, font, and layout. Avoid using too many fonts or clashing colors. Consider using a professional template for cohesion.
  • Clarity Over Complexity: Simplify your slides. Each slide should focus on one key message. Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive text or data.
  • Use of Visuals: Integrate relevant visuals (charts, graphs, images, and infographics) that support your message. Make sure visuals are high quality and easy to interpret.
  • Readable Fonts: Use large, clear fonts (minimum 24pt for body text) to ensure readability. Stick to clean, sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica for a professional look.
  • Slide Transitions and Animations: Keep transitions smooth and animations subtle. Too many flashy effects can distract the audience.
  • Branding: If presenting on behalf of a company, ensure your slides reflect the company’s branding guidelines.

3. Technology Check

  • Test Your Equipment: Ensure your laptop, projector, microphone, or any other equipment is functioning properly. Test all connections, cables, and speakers.
  • Backup Your Presentation: Save multiple copies of your presentation on USB, cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), and your laptop. This reduces the risk of losing access to your content.
  • Software Compatibility: Ensure your presentation works seamlessly with the software being used on-site. If using PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote, test it on the system you’ll be presenting from.
  • Check for External Media: If you have embedded videos or external media, verify that they load correctly. Have offline versions ready in case of an internet failure.

4. Practice and Rehearsal

  • Time Your Presentation: Practice delivering your presentation within the allocated time. Adjust your content if necessary to fit within the timeframe.
  • Rehearse Out Loud: Go through your entire presentation out loud, simulating the real experience. This helps you get comfortable with the flow, language, and timing.
  • Anticipate Questions: Prepare for potential audience questions. Rehearse answers for common queries related to your presentation topic.
  • Body Language and Voice:
    • Practice standing, gesturing, and moving naturally.
    • Work on voice modulation, varying tone, and avoiding filler words like “um” or “uh.”
  • Record Yourself: If possible, record your practice session to identify areas for improvement in body language, pacing, or clarity.

5. Day of the Presentation

  • Arrive Early: Get to the venue early to set up and address any potential technical issues.
  • Check the Room Setup: Confirm that the seating arrangement, lighting, and screen visibility are all conducive to a good presentation. Ensure all audience members will be able to see your slides clearly.
  • Bring Water: Have water on hand to stay hydrated and keep your voice clear during the presentation.
  • Backup Materials: Bring a printed version of your slides or notes in case of technical issues, so you can continue without disruption.

6. Engaging the Audience

  • Opening Interaction: Engage the audience right away with a question, anecdote, or interesting statistic to grab attention.
  • Eye Contact: Make consistent eye contact with different sections of the audience to keep them engaged.
  • Encourage Participation: Invite questions, comments, or polls during or after your presentation to create a dialogue and keep the audience invested.
  • Use Pauses: Strategic pauses give your audience time to absorb key points, and give you a moment to collect your thoughts.

7. Post-Presentation Follow-Up

  • Handle Q&A Smoothly: End with a strong call to action and then open the floor for questions. Be prepared to handle difficult or unexpected questions diplomatically.
  • Provide Supporting Materials: If appropriate, offer handouts, links, or other supplementary materials for further learning or reference.
  • Follow-Up: After the presentation, follow up with any key audience members or participants who expressed interest or asked for more information.

8. Review and Improve

  • Seek Feedback: Ask for constructive feedback from colleagues or attendees. This will help you refine your presentation skills for the next time.
  • Self-Assessment: Reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Were there any technical issues, timing challenges, or parts where you lost the audience? Use these insights to improve future presentations.

By following this complete presentation checklist, you ensure that your content is well-prepared, your technology is reliable, and your delivery is smooth and engaging. Whether you’re presenting in front of a small team or a large audience, this systematic approach will help you deliver with confidence.

Fine-tuning Your Presentation’s Core Message

core message

presentation content

presentation preparation

presentation writing

Nov 12, 2014

As a presenter, your main goal is to make sure that the audience remembers the vital parts of your discussion. It’s not a particularly easy task, especially if you’re tackling several different points throughout an hour-long presentation. That’s why crafting a fine-tuned core message is important. You should have a clear and effective way to deliver the “big idea” behind your presentation. You should have something short and straight to the point that the audience can repeat and memorize.

The core message is the anchor that keeps your presentation from floating off. In other words, it keeps your presentation set on a single premise. Everything you present—from the data you share to the slides you show—should contribute in driving home this key idea. When you first sit down to prepare your presentation, it should be the first thing you have in mind. What do you want the audience to take away from your discussion? What’s the outcome you’re aiming for? The answer to these 2 questions is the first step towards an effective core message. After that, you’ll need to fine-tune your message to make sure it’s easy to repeat, recognize, and remember.

Spend some time scribbling down your ideas. Keep revising your core message to meet the following criteria:

1. Is it specific and straight to the point?

As we’ve already mentioned, the core message will be the center of your presentation. If you want to keep the discussion on the right track, your core message needs to focus on the particulars of your message. The topic of your presentation gives the audience an overview of what you might talk about, but the core message is specific and straight to the point. Determine the purpose of your presentation and make sure it’s evident in your message.

2. Is it short and conversational?

If you want the audience to remember your message, you have to make sure that it stands out. Try to write your core message in a more conversational style. As you know, there are distinct differences between the way we write and speak. Craft your presentation as you would a conversation. If you want your message to stick, keep it short and cut back on jargon and industry talk.

3. Is it relevant to your audience?

Maintain the audience’s interest by placing them at the center of your presentation. Make sure your message is relevant to their interest by keeping in mind their point of view. Do this by addressing your message directly to them. Try to answer these four questions to learn more about your audience.

Featured Image: Horia Varlan via Flickr

3 More Ways to Memorize Presentations Easily

memorization

memorize presentations

presentation delivery

presentation preparation

Nov 03, 2014

In the past, we discussed a classic technique that you could use to memorize presentations. Heavily featured in the BBC show “Sherlock,” the memory palace technique allows you to use a mental image of any space or location to remember key points in your speech. It’s very effective, often used by memory athletes to memorize a random names or cards in under a few seconds.

Of course, the memory palace technique will take longer for newbies who are looking to memorize presentations. If you find it a bit challenging to focus on building your own mind space, there are other methods to help improve your memory and reduce your use of note cards. You’ll never have to worry about mental blocks with these 3 additional ways to memorize presentations.

1. Rehearse your presentation out loud

It’s not enough to just read your presentation again and again. If you really want to memorize presentations, you have to make time for a few rehearsals. According to a study published in 2010, memory can improve by more than 10 percent if information is spoken and repeated out loud.

So give yourself time to rehearse your presentation for more than just a few times. You can also make things easier by recording your sessions. Hearing yourself speak will help in internalizing your presentation. It will also help you pinpoint which parts might need more improvement.

2. Keep your rehearsals within the 20-20-20 rule

While repeated rehearsals are important, experts also recommend to keep sessions within the 20-20-20 rule. According to this rule, it will be easier to memorize presentations by reviewing your material for 20 minutes and then repeating the information twice for 20 minutes each. If you’re dealing with longer presentations, you can break up your speech into manageable parts and work piece by piece.

3. Make a mind map of your presentation

It will also help if you can visualize how your ideas and arguments relate to one another. Through a mind map, you can see the logical progression of your presentation. The shape or image you come up with will make it easier to remember how one point connects to the next, as opposed to simply having a list or outline as reference. To make sure your mind map works effectively,  use different colors for each “branch”. You can also add drawings that illustrate your points.

Other helpful tips:

  • Avoid distractions.  It will be hard to focus when you have to periodically answer emails and text messages. Always rid your practice sessions of any distraction. Step away from your computer and turn off notifications for your phone for a while. Keep your attention on the task at hand.
  • Make time for short breaks. Even as you work hard to deliver a great presentation, don’t forget to reward yourself with short breaks. Give yourself time to relax in between each rehearsal to keep your creativity flowing.
  • Get enough sleep. Sleep is also a crucial ingredient in memory improvement. According to several studies, there’s a strong relationship between sleep and memory. As an article on Psychology Today points out, “There is no longer any doubt. Sleep does improve the gelling or consolidation of memory for recently encoded information.” Make sure you get enough rest on the days leading up to your presentation.

As you know, preparing for a big presentation involves a lot of effort. Aside from perfecting your slides and content, you also need to make sure that you remember everything you have to say. Memorize presentations by setting time to rehearse and visualize your materials. You can breeze through your time on stage and never have to worry about your note cards again.

 

Featured Image: Brian Hillegas via Flickr

The Creative Process: 4 Steps to Presentation Success

creative process

creativity

presentation preparation

presentation tips

Presentations

Oct 15, 2014

Creating a compelling presentation is both an art and a science. Whether you’re pitching a new idea, delivering a keynote, or simply sharing information, the creative process behind a successful presentation can be broken down into four essential steps. These steps will help you craft a narrative that captivates your audience and delivers your message effectively.

**Step 1: Ideation**

The first step in the creative process is ideation. This is where you brainstorm and generate ideas for your presentation. Start by identifying the core message you want to convey. What is the main takeaway for your audience? Once you have a clear understanding of your message, you can begin to explore different ways to present it.

Consider using mind maps, lists, or even sketches to organize your thoughts. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore unconventional ideas. The goal at this stage is to generate as many ideas as possible without judging them. Quantity over quality is key during ideation.

**Step 2: Structuring**

Once you have a pool of ideas, the next step is to structure your presentation. This involves organizing your ideas into a coherent and logical flow. Start by creating an outline that includes an introduction, main points, and a conclusion.

Your introduction should grab the audience’s attention and set the stage for what’s to come. The main points should be organized in a way that builds on each other, leading to a natural progression of ideas. Finally, your conclusion should reinforce your core message and leave a lasting impression.

Consider using storytelling techniques to make your presentation more engaging. Stories have a way of connecting with people on an emotional level, making your message more memorable.

**Step 3: Design**

With a solid structure in place, it’s time to focus on the design of your presentation. This step involves creating visual aids that complement your message and enhance the overall experience for your audience.

Choose a consistent color scheme, font style, and layout that align with your brand or the theme of your presentation. Use high-quality images, graphics, and charts to illustrate your points. Remember, less is more when it comes to design. Avoid cluttering your slides with too much text or too many visuals.

Pay attention to the flow of your slides. Each slide should transition smoothly to the next, creating a seamless narrative. Practice good design principles such as alignment, contrast, and balance to create a visually appealing presentation.

**Step 4: Rehearsal**

The final step in the creative process is rehearsal. This is where you bring everything together and practice delivering your presentation. Rehearsing helps you become more familiar with your content, refine your delivery, and identify any areas that need improvement.

Start by practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and pacing. Make sure you are speaking clearly and confidently. Next, practice in front of a small audience, such as friends or colleagues, and ask for feedback.

Rehearsing also helps you manage your time effectively. Make sure your presentation fits within the allotted time frame and adjust as needed. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become.

In conclusion, the creative process behind a successful presentation involves four key steps: ideation, structuring, design, and rehearsal. By following these steps, you can create a presentation that not only conveys your message effectively but also captivates and engages your audience. Remember, a great presentation is not just about the content; it’s about how you deliver it. So take the time to prepare, practice, and perfect your presentation, and you’ll be well on your way to success.”

Improve Your Presentation Skills with Deliberate Practice

deliberate practice

presentation improvement

presentation preparation

Aug 18, 2014

Improving your presentation skills through deliberate practice involves focused, structured efforts aimed at enhancing specific aspects of your performance. Here’s how you can apply deliberate practice to presentations:

1. Set Clear, Specific Goals

  • Why it works: Deliberate practice is about working toward well-defined objectives. Instead of simply aiming to “get better at presenting,” identify specific areas for improvement, such as vocal clarity, body language, or slide design.
  • How to apply: Start with measurable goals like improving eye contact with 80% of your audience or reducing filler words (e.g., “um” or “uh”) by half. Breaking down your goals into smaller, concrete tasks makes it easier to track progress.

2. Focus on One Skill at a Time

  • Why it works: Concentrating on one element at a time allows you to hone that specific skill. Trying to improve everything at once can lead to frustration and lack of progress.
  • How to apply: If you’re working on voice modulation, focus on varying your tone and pitch during practice rather than worrying about gestures or slides. Once you’ve improved one skill, move on to the next.

3. Record and Review Your Presentations

  • Why it works: Watching yourself present helps you spot areas for improvement that you might not notice in real-time, such as slouching or overusing certain phrases.
  • How to apply: Record yourself giving a practice presentation. Afterward, review the footage to see where you can make adjustments. Focus on specific areas like body language, pacing, or voice projection.

4. Get Constructive Feedback

  • Why it works: Feedback from others allows you to see how your presentation is perceived and provides insight into areas you might overlook.
  • How to apply: Ask for feedback from colleagues, friends, or mentors after practicing. Specifically request input on key areas like clarity, engagement, or organization. Act on the feedback and incorporate changes in your next practice session.

5. Practice Under Simulated Conditions

  • Why it works: Practicing in an environment similar to the one in which you’ll present helps reduce nerves and prepares you for real-world conditions.
  • How to apply: If you’ll be presenting in front of a large audience, simulate that experience by practicing in front of a small group or even in the venue itself if possible. This can help you get used to factors like timing, stage presence, and handling distractions.

6. Break Down Complex Elements

  • Why it works: Deliberate practice involves mastering small, complex tasks rather than trying to perfect an entire presentation at once.
  • How to apply: Focus on improving one part of your presentation, such as the opening hook, transitions between slides, or handling Q&A. Work on each element individually until you’re comfortable before integrating them into the full presentation.

7. Consistent Practice Over Time

  • Why it works: Skill improvement happens with consistent, repeated practice. By spacing out practice sessions, you can retain skills better and avoid burnout.
  • How to apply: Instead of practicing the day before your presentation, incorporate regular practice into your routine. This might involve setting aside 30 minutes each day for a week to practice different parts of your presentation.

By using these deliberate practice techniques, you can methodically improve specific aspects of your presentation skills, leading to more confidence and greater impact in your presentations.