Henry David Thoreau, the revered poet, philosopher, abolitionist and transcendentalist, would have been 195 years old on this day. He wrote some of the most admired works in American literature, notably Walden, a reflection on the merits of solitude, simplicity and self-sufficiency, and the essay Civil Disobedience, which argued for individual resistance to an unjust government.
Walden, in particular, continues to leave a lasting impression on its readers even a century and a half after its publication because of its anti-consumerism, back-to-nature attitude: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…” And so, in honor of one of America’s greatest writers and thinkers, here are a few lessons we can learn about presentation from Thoreau himself.
“A man’s interest in a single bluebird is worth more than a complete but dry list of the fauna and flora of a town.”
Your presentation will be infinitely more effective if you engage your audience with one interesting, compelling topic rather than a whole sleuth of topics discussed in meticulous detail. Narrow down your presentation’s focus to something fascinating that is sure to captivate the audience. Grab your audience’s interest with a discussion of something concrete and accessible.
Thoreau says that interest in the bluebird means more than a whole list of flora and fauna because that one bluebird is far more fascinating than a dull, dry list of information. You will lose your audience if you simply present them with prosaic information. Instead, show the nuance and interestingness of the particular, of the detailed.
“A man is rich in his proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.”
Likewise, much of the strength of your presentation lies in what you’ve chosen to leave out. The richness of your presentation lies in its concision and simplicity. Don’t include anything extraneous whatsoever. Everything included should have a purpose.
Consider how much more powerful your presentation will be if you include only the most important content. You’ll have more time to talk about what really matters and you’ll avoid spending time on things that distract the audience from your main point. Say only what needs to be said.
“None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.”
You heard the man. A lack of enthusiasm and excitement belies old age. Don’t be a stick in the mud while presenting. Have fun with it. Be animated and youthful, show your genuine enthusiasm for being given the chance to speak to your audience. Allow your excitement to infect the audience. Keep it light and enjoyable.
Remember our trick of thinking about your presentation as a backpack? Consider the weight of the backpack you’re giving to your audience. Is it too heavy? Lighten it up. Smile. Deliver a compelling presentation without excessive seriousness.
Mr. Thoreau famously advocated living a simple life. He championed getting back to nature and living without complications. If he were involved in the world of presentation, he would most certainly be distraught at the prevalence of Death by PowerPoint presentations. Simplicity reigns supreme above all else, or in the words of Thoreau: “Our life is frittered away by detail… simplify, simplify.”
