Presentations are hard work and often we don’t put the time and effort into creating a great presentation and then we wonder why we get a mediocre response. Here are some tips to ensure that your next presentation makes your audience sit up and listen:
- Plan: Don’t start putting your presentation together the day before. Take the time to think about your key message and key points so that you focus your content on the important messages for your audience.
- Structure: Give your presentation structure so that your audience finds it easy to follow. Have a clear introduction followed by key points that are supported by stories and examples that reinforce each of your key points.
- Make it relatable: If your audience can relate to the content, they are more likely to remember it. Use stories and real-life examples that make people go “oh year, I know what that feels like”
- A picture speaks 1000 words: When you are putting your PowerPoint together remember the 7 x 7 rule – no more than 7 words per line and no more that 7 lines per slide. Your PowerPoint is there to support what you are saying not say it for you.
- Practise: You can’t expect your presentation to go well if you haven’t practised. Stand up and walk around the room rehearsing your talk out loud. This is the only way to get a feel of how it sounds and whether the structure flows. This will also make you feel more confident and comfortable with the material when you present.