When it comes to developing presentations, the overwhelm of deadlines, expectations and information can steal your focus. Deciding which approach to take while introducing your product or idea to your listeners requires great discernment. While knowing your product inside and out is paramount to your success, so is the process in which you go about delivering that information. Striking the balance between the two can prove challenging. Let’s highlight the differences between product-focused presentations and process-focused presentations. While there are benefits to both, I think you’ll find an approach that best suits your unique situation.
Product-Focused
Presentations that focus on a product are very common. These straightforward snapshots fill their audience with knowledge and facts. Answering questions, highlighting features, and often demonstrating usage, these decks get straight to the point. An unhealthy version of this presentation type drones on and on, overwhelming the audience with a deluge of information. A more productive version of this is quick, and direct–leaving the audience with the impression of efficiency and that their time is valued. However, let’s not forget that a product, by definition, is a thing or person that is the result of an action or process.
Process-Focused
Since all products have a story, many presentations take a moment to let the audience in with a behind-the-scenes look. Presentations focused on a process will take their listeners on a journey with them. Using inclusive language, they engage their audience and often allow for discussion. Taking into account how learning happens, these decks leave their listeners feeling like they are a part of something. When a process-focused presentation fails to deliver necessary product information, it can leave the audience with more questions than answers. However, if done right, drawing the audience in to ask more questions and follow-up can be a powerful tool.
Process vs. Product
Process and product are intrinsically entwined. Without the process journey, the product would cease to exist. Without the end product, the process is futile. Highlighting both process and product are important when presenting–you just have to find which method will carry your message most effectively.
Finding yourself focusing too much on one or the other? If your presentation is too fact-based, find a way to tell a quick story, share an anecdote, or ask a question to involve your audience in the process. If your presentation is rooted in storytelling without enough substance, find the right place to get straight-to-the point and deliver necessary information. Having a hard time doing this on your own? Need an outside perspective? Our presentation mentor course takes you through this and so much more. Reach out today for a free quote!
