First and foremost a great presentation needs preparation. Due to demanding time schedules, most professionals wait until the last minute. Unless you are a paid professional speaker delivering the same routine so often you can do it in your sleep, procrastinating can - and probably will - jeopardize your effectiveness.
The big presentation is next week, and you need to have a great presentation to achieve your business goals. First select the best and most popular software application available for business presentations, which is Microsoft's PowerPoint(r). Upgrading to the most current version that Microsoft has available is also a wise move. The blank slide on the computer screen is now staring you right in the face. Where do you begin? Our philosophy at Presentation Partners incorporates three fundamental elements:
- You need a compelling message. Too often the presenter opens a PowerPoint template and begins by typing random information and knowledge. This is known as an information dump and rarely engages your audience or produces a successful result. To avoid the disastrous presentation results from an information dump, we suggest asking yourself the following questions:
What is the demographic make-up of the audience, and what information do they need? Of all the information that I am presenting what information is the most meaningful to my audience? What is the immediate or short-term goal of the presentation? Answers to these questions will put you on the right track to establishing a compelling message for your presentation.
- Establishing dynamic graphics is the second element of building a great presentation. If you do not possess the skills of a polished graphic artist, the best alternative is to hire one. It could be your wisest investment, when you consider the financial stakes of success or failure. If your budget is tight, there are numerous template companies that offer attractive backgrounds for your slide design.
When purchasing pre-designed templates stay away from the designs with rich graphics that might overpower your message. Instead look for simple backgrounds that communicate professionalism. Remember the goal is to get your compelling message across to the audience. The additional use of professional images or photographs that you can purchase inexpensively via the Web will compliment your slides and can help better convey a business metaphor to your audience.
- Develop a powerful delivery. The first key to a powerful delivery is rehearsal. This is followed by rehearsal, which again is followed by rehearsal. We recommend a presentation buddy, someone other than an overly critical peer in your office. Choose someone you can trust, perhaps a spouse, or friend outside of your career place. Your presentation buddy will have your best interest at heart, but won't be afraid to offer constructive criticism. The role of the presentation buddy is that of a presentation coach. He or she should watch your presentation, using instincts and common sense.
If your buddy has the feeling you are using your hands too much, you probably are. If he or she notices you keep repeating bridge words (e.g. obviously, O.K.), eliminate them. (This can be tough.) If your presentation buddy senses that you are being too aggressive, or too timid, make adjustments. Continue rehearsing until you are comfortable with the changes. Again, professional coaching is available, and could be a wise investment, since a weak delivery could sink even the best presentation.
Jon Newsome is a co-founder of Presentation Partners. Contact him at (770) 614-4146 or via e-mail at Jnewsome@yourpresentations.com.
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