We all know that the triangle is the most powerful form in the world. A four-legged-stool is never as stable as it’s tripodal brother and we don’t even want to talk about the two-legged variety. Presentations ultimately conform to the same laws as Mother Nature – the best ones focus on three points: Content, Design, Delivery. A less formal way to think about it is – What are you saying? How should it be organized? What’s your style? By the time you’ve answered these three questions you will have completed your metamorphosis from a no-nothing presentation neophyte to a fire-breathing, wing-flapping, roar-bellowing behemoth of a Powerpoint Pteranodon!
Content with Your Content.
At a fundamental level, your presentation is your content. What are you going to say? What are you going to show? This is as basic as it gets. It may also be the most important step of the process. Again, in our three-point system, design and delivery ultimately take their cues from your content. On the other hand, putting together the best content for your Powerpoint Presentation can be determined by a number of factors including: demonstration of expertise, clarity, audience, your own limits regarding mastering the material, etc.
They Expect an Expert
Chances are, you wouldn’t be interested in seeing a plumber speak about by-pass surgery. You’d take a pass on the lecture the mime was delivering on the history of ancient languages. The point is, when one goes to a presentation, one expects an expert. Keep this in mind as you pull together the content for your presentation. Establishing your expertise in the eyes of your audience to the success of any presentation. Once you’ve demonstrated to your audience that you are an expert, they will trust you. Once they trust you, they will relax – and listen.
Clarity is Key
No matter how vast your knowledge of your subject might be, it means little if your audience can’t keep it straight in their own minds. Clarity is indispensable. You can never be too clear when making your presentation. Keep this at the forefront of your mind as you pull together your content. Keep it simple right from the start.
Embrace an Audience
One of the key points to build your presentation’s content around is the audience you are expecting. Will they be fellow experts or novices? Are these potential clients or potential contacts for networking? Both? You’ve got to know who you are presenting for before you build your content. Remember these three W’s: Who is your audience? What do they know about your subject? Why are they gracing you with their attention? Once you’ve answered those questions, Grasshopper, it will be time for you to build your content!
Divine Design
Once you have your content together, it’s time to consider the best ways to organize it. If you’ve put you’ve built your content wisely, design can be somewhat self-explanatory, but there are always a number of questions you should ask before signing off on the design of your presentation.
Am I Coming in Clear?
The fact that the subject of clarity comes up in design concerns as well as content building should really drive home the importance of clarity where your Powerpoint presentation is concerned. If you’ve already allowed clarity to be your compass during your content building, the design phase will allow you to put an edge on it, ensuring that your presentation can cut through any confusion.
Say Yes to Less
There are three different aspects to your presentation where you need to trim the fat: the number of slides you’ll use, the amount of text you’ll display, and the overall length of the presentation. When it comes to slides, never get into double digits. If you think you can do without an image, you certainly can. Also, don’t overwhelm your audience with text. They want to listen. They don’t want to read. Also, take a lesson from vaudeville acts of old – Always leave ’em wanting more. In other words, don’t take thirty minutes to give a fifteen minute presentation.
Which Design?
There are a number of proven design styles out there to choose from.
The Pecha Kucha method features 20 slides at 20 seconds per slide. The whole thing clocks in at just over 6 minutes. The Ignite method uses 20 slides at 15 seconds per slide. The Kawasaki Method utilizes 10 slides over 20 minutes with a 30 point font. Another Method eschews the use of images all together. The Takahashi Method relies solely on text, rendered in giant fonts. As you can see, these methods vary greatly – and even contradict one another. The fact is, there is no absolute rule. Explore these proven designs to develop the one that’s best for you.
Special Delivery
You should think of your delivery of your presentation as “the finishing touch”. It’s where all of your hard work comes together in a clear and powerful statement, made by and engaging expert. You should relish the opportunity to act as the final gatekeeper in your great project. Unfortunately, when it’s time to actually deliver a presentation, many people are simply filled with dread.
Fear is the Mind Killer
In the Sci-Fi epic, Dune, a hero must overcome his fears to become the leader of a rebel army. You too must become a conquering hero if you are going to give a knockout Powerpoint presentation. The good news is, you’re not even really afraid. You’re just nervous.
Fear vs Anxiety
Fear is an extreme reaction to an external threat. Fear makes you fast when you are being chased by a bear. Fear kicks down the door in the middle of a fire. What has you so wound up about your presentation is just anxiety. It comes from the insecurities and worries you are carrying around on the inside. The good news is, that means you are in control. Be prepared. Learn some relaxation techniques. Arrive early and make the space your own before you have to get up and present. Become empowered and tear that stage down like the presentation monster you know you are!
A Passion for Passion
When it comes to engaging your audience – and selling your message – there is no substitute for passion! Passion is contagious. When you are excited and moved by your Powerpoint presentation, your audience will be moved as well. Not only does passion excite your audience – engaging their attention – it also gives your delivery the kind of sincerity and openness that will allow your audience to really connect to your message.
Building a Better Monster
Now that you know this basic three point approach, there is nothing standing between you and Powerpoint greatness. Take a simple step-by-step approach, always keeping clarity and brevity in mind. Soon you will be eclipsing the presentation skyline, kicking down skyscrapers with the best of ’em!
