Whether you realize it or not, you are the first consumer of your presentation content. You are the first person with whom the words should connect. Think about it: If you aren’t persuaded by your own argument, how can you expect your audience to align with your perspective? In a recent article, John Saddington explained how many creators analyze others before looking at themselves.
According to John, when people take themselves out of the picture, they distance themselves from their inspiration. The first person you need to convince is yourself. Here’s how you can ensure that you stay close to your content:
Get excited
Find a compelling angle to your presentation topic – one that personally interests you, as well as your audience members. When you choose a perspective that you are excited about, it will be much easier to spend hours engrossed in research that it would be if you felt tepid. An excited presenter will instill that same excitement into his or her presentation audience.
Organize your thoughts
Once you settle on a surprising outlook and complete the necessary research, you’ll want to organize your ideas in a why that is not only consistent and clear, but that is also convincing to you. If starting your presentation by describing the problem at hand and then delivering the solution seems like a dry route to you, then try a different narrative format. Maybe start with a story or share the solution before explaining the problem. If you won’t be enthused to present the order of your narrative, it will come across to those listening.
Share a personal story
At some point during your speech, insert a personal story or anecdote. By doing so, you will enhance your connection to your content. In the process, you will become more likable to your presentation audience – persuading all parties perfectly.
Cozy up in bed with a warm cup of coffee with your presentation content by finding an aspect of the topic to adore, structuring your argument in an engaging way, and describing a piece of yourself to your audience. Keep the distance between yourself and your presentation message as close as possible so you don’t lose yourself in the creation of the presentation for others. Looking for more presentation tips? Check out the following resources.
How an Interesting Topic Can Draw in an Audience: The Dead Malls TED Talk
Your Complete Guide to Creating Quality Presentation Content
Engage Your Presentation Audience Through Emotional Triggers