Well, a great speaker! True. Having said that, even a great speaker needs a convincing presentation from time-to-time to aid him/her in delivering his message.
With the digital economy being what it is, we find ourselves continuously bombarded with content demanding our attention, and if lucky, action. And it is impossible to consume it all. Because your presentation will be competing for that attention, your presentation needs to be visually compelling.
The days of “Death-by-bullet-point-presentation” are over.
In my experience, a great presentation starts with a storyline. Like any story, an understanding of who the audience will be and what the purpose is, is key. To whom are you gearing your story too, and what is your call to action? Once you have shaped these, you can begin shaping your story. A story needs a beginning (attention-grabbing and thought-provoking), a middle (the crux/the sell) and an end (the emotive call to action). Once you have all these elements, you are ready to start pulling your presentation together, visually.
The adage “A picture speaks a thousand words,” should be the golden thread to every great presentation. A picture used as a metaphor, icons, and infographics, are all notable ways to bolster and enhance your story. A picture resonates. A visually impressive presentation stays in the minds of your audience.
A presentation reflects you and your brand. You are a professional, and consequently, your presentation needs to reflect your professionalism and your brand.
Writing a book takes time, research, and thoughts to outline a compelling story…the same can be said for a GREAT presentation.
