Effective Business Presentation
Three Key Ideas
Beware of overloading your audience by giving them too much information. The human mind is limited in what it can retain and process. Every great presentation contains at least one, but not more than three, key ideas. Have three supporting points for each key idea - anecdotes, metaphors or hard evidence that support your key idea. Always keep in mind what your audience need from you as you construct your message.
Creating a Template for Constructing your Message
The following is a logical and simple structure that provides continuity between the beginning, middle and end of your presentation. It is a framework that will help you construct a balanced presentation.
Opening
The opening is less about opening your presentation and more about opening up your audience so they will be receptive to you and your message. It's a bit like offering a handshake to your audience.
To develop an original and captivating opening requires careful planning. It is best left until you have decided on the main body of your presentation. Chapter 4 shows you how to open with impact.
Overview
The overview provides a brief outline of your talk. It gives the audience an insight into the theme and structure of your presentation. This not only lets the audience know what to expect, but enhances your credibility as a speaker who is organized and thorough. By talking benefits to audience rather than content, you will generate a higher level of interest.
Key Idea 1
Begin with a general picture - the long shot, if you like. This is really a big picture statement of your first key idea. Now substantiate this with evidence. Create your argument in digestible bits for your audience. Break your key idea into segments. Finally, provide the close-up shot with examples, metaphors, quotations, statistical data, props, visual aids, anecdotes and critical commentary.
Transitions
Transitions are best if they are seamless. You are moving from one point to another without people being aware of the join. A useful way to do this is to recap on the previous segment and create a reason for moving to the next main point.
Key Ideas 2 and 3
Repeat this process for the other main ideas.
Recap
Having presented your main points, you can now wrap up by bringing together the key elements of your presentation. You tell them what you have told them, but in a different way. For example:
So to summarise, the successful presenter - like a good trial lawyer- would get the jury's attention, then build his or her case and end with a plea to the judge and jury.
Closing
Make your ending brief, catchy and memorable. This is the time to use your take-home message and leave the audience feeling good and ready for action.
