We’ve all heard the expression “death by PowerPoint.”
People acknowledge it, laugh about it, and hate it when in an audience, but, yet …. Many continue to be guilty of doing it themselves!
How can presenters avoid this?
Here are my 10 tips for avoiding Death by PowerPoint:
1) Write your presentation first, then look to see where you can add PowerPoint to reinforce the message. Keep in mind, a slide deck isn’t a presentation.
2) Add graphics, rather than bullet points, wherever possible. When words are necessary, it’s OK to use them, but avoid paragraphs.
3) Limit the content on the slides. If your audience needs the slides in advance, or as a take-home learning tool, then give them a file with more detail -- but for the actual presentation, pare down the content.
4) Avoid too many “bells and whistles” (like different font colors/sizes, charts, etc.). The focus needs to on the information, not the slide.
5) Get comfortable with the “B” key. While in PowerPoint mode, hit the “B” key on your computer. The screen will turn black or go blank. I like to think that the B stands for BRODY. Occasionally, go blank, so you change up what you’re doing – move around more and facilitate discussion.
6) Create a list of all slides – have one sheet of paper with the slide number and title of each slide. This allows you to cut slides if time is an issue, or to jump back and forth on the slide deck. Do this by hitting the “slide number” then hit “enter.” So, assume you are on slide 10, and you want to go back to slide 3. Hit “3’ and then “enter.”
7) Practice using the slides so that you are comfortable with timing and flow.
8) Arrive early and position yourself so that the screen is to your (speaker’s) left. People read from left to right. Make it easy for the audience.
9) Open and close with a blank screen to create and keep rapport with the audience.
10) Keep in mind – less is more. Trust me ... rarely, if ever, have audience members said, “Oh good, another slide.”
Always remember, be prepared to speak without any slides all in case of a technical glitch.
The best speakers can deliver their messages with power, impact and persuasion, without any slides at all.
Showing posts with label speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label speech. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Present Like a Pro: It's All About the Audience
Last week, I did a webinar on presentation skills.
One question I was asked at the end was, “What is the number one mistake that people make when it comes to giving presentations?
My answer? “Not knowing the audience.”
Think about it...
As a speaker, your information may be excellent, but if it doesn’t relate to the audience, what’s the point?
If the vocabulary, acronyms and jargon are correct, but the audience doesn’t understand them, what’s the point?
If your audience members like to learn by listening, but you use lots of PowerPoint slides, what’s the point?
Preparing a presentation should be all about the audience.
Instead, most presenters see things from their own lens.
Here are some critical factors to consider about your audience members, the next time you prepare a presentation:
•What is their demographic? After all, the examples you use must be understood by them.
•What is their attitude toward your topic and you?
•What experiences do they have relating to your topic?
•How do they like to learn?
•What are their hot buttons?
•How do they make decisions?
•Who are the decision-makers, and who are the influencers?
There are three times to get to know an audience.
The first is when you start your preparation; do your research.
The second is to arrive early, ask questions, and observe what is happening around you.
Finally, you can learn about an audience during the presentation itself. If the audience seems perplexed, is hostile or falling asleep, change what you’re doing. Do a quick reality check and shift gears.
There isn’t one speaker or speaking style that works with all audiences.
But, as a presenter, you can flex your style and your content.
Keep in mind the name of my popular book Speaking is an Audience-Centered Sport.
One question I was asked at the end was, “What is the number one mistake that people make when it comes to giving presentations?
My answer? “Not knowing the audience.”
Think about it...
As a speaker, your information may be excellent, but if it doesn’t relate to the audience, what’s the point?
If the vocabulary, acronyms and jargon are correct, but the audience doesn’t understand them, what’s the point?
If your audience members like to learn by listening, but you use lots of PowerPoint slides, what’s the point?
Preparing a presentation should be all about the audience.
Instead, most presenters see things from their own lens.
Here are some critical factors to consider about your audience members, the next time you prepare a presentation:
•What is their demographic? After all, the examples you use must be understood by them.
•What is their attitude toward your topic and you?
•What experiences do they have relating to your topic?
•How do they like to learn?
•What are their hot buttons?
•How do they make decisions?
•Who are the decision-makers, and who are the influencers?
There are three times to get to know an audience.
The first is when you start your preparation; do your research.
The second is to arrive early, ask questions, and observe what is happening around you.
Finally, you can learn about an audience during the presentation itself. If the audience seems perplexed, is hostile or falling asleep, change what you’re doing. Do a quick reality check and shift gears.
There isn’t one speaker or speaking style that works with all audiences.
But, as a presenter, you can flex your style and your content.
Keep in mind the name of my popular book Speaking is an Audience-Centered Sport.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Power of Persuasion & Thoughts RE the Passing of Stimulus Package
The power of persuasion.
It’s all about how you look at things.
Aristotle said that all speaking is persuasive speaking. Ultimately, the goal is to sell ourselves and our ideas.
This past week, it has been interesting to listen to the use of persuasion by our elected -- and appointed -- government officials.
The topic was the stimulus package.
Of course, President Obama wanted to get more (or at least some) Republican support. He wanted it to be a bipartisan package. But, his eloquent powers of persuasion didn’t work this time.
Persuasion is only possible when people hearing a message are open enough to take in the new information. If the mind is closed, there is no chance for this.
Unfortunately, we have close-minded people on both sides of the fence.
Going back to Aristotle, he suggested that there are 3 “modes of proof” – ways of getting buy-in from audience members.
The reality is that speakers need all three of these to succeed, which didn’t happen in the case of discussion concerning the stimulus package. The 3 modes of proof are:
1) Logos – information that hits the head, or logical evidence. Unfortunately, so-called facts and figures can be manipulated/slanted to say whatever the speaker wants.
2) Pathos – emotion, hitting the heart. Clearly, in the case of the stimulus package, the fear over the economy has been used to create a sense of urgency. However, if the desired audience doesn’t buy into whatever emotion is used (i.e. fear), it does no good.
3) Ethos – your personal credibility. Depending on your perspective and political party, the ethos is either working for or against President Obama.
So, where does that leave us – the American public? Unfortunately, between a rock and a hard place.
-----
Speaking of persuasion, persuasive speaking is one of several communication topics that participants of the next BRODY BOOST Camp on April 2 will learn about -- sign up today!
It’s all about how you look at things.
Aristotle said that all speaking is persuasive speaking. Ultimately, the goal is to sell ourselves and our ideas.
This past week, it has been interesting to listen to the use of persuasion by our elected -- and appointed -- government officials.
The topic was the stimulus package.
Of course, President Obama wanted to get more (or at least some) Republican support. He wanted it to be a bipartisan package. But, his eloquent powers of persuasion didn’t work this time.
Persuasion is only possible when people hearing a message are open enough to take in the new information. If the mind is closed, there is no chance for this.
Unfortunately, we have close-minded people on both sides of the fence.
Going back to Aristotle, he suggested that there are 3 “modes of proof” – ways of getting buy-in from audience members.
The reality is that speakers need all three of these to succeed, which didn’t happen in the case of discussion concerning the stimulus package. The 3 modes of proof are:
1) Logos – information that hits the head, or logical evidence. Unfortunately, so-called facts and figures can be manipulated/slanted to say whatever the speaker wants.
2) Pathos – emotion, hitting the heart. Clearly, in the case of the stimulus package, the fear over the economy has been used to create a sense of urgency. However, if the desired audience doesn’t buy into whatever emotion is used (i.e. fear), it does no good.
3) Ethos – your personal credibility. Depending on your perspective and political party, the ethos is either working for or against President Obama.
So, where does that leave us – the American public? Unfortunately, between a rock and a hard place.
-----
Speaking of persuasion, persuasive speaking is one of several communication topics that participants of the next BRODY BOOST Camp on April 2 will learn about -- sign up today!
Monday, January 19, 2009
We Can Learn From Obama’s Inauguration Speech
One more day until we can stop saying “President-elect Barack Obama” and say “President Obama.”
Regardless of your political views, I am sure you are wishing him great success. After all, it is in the best interest of all Americans – and, perhaps, all world citizens.
If there has ever been any doubt about the importance of selling your message and yourself, our soon-to-be 44th president should have put that to rest.
President-elect Obama has used his background as a community organizer and his great oratory skills to mobilize, motivate and inspire millions.
He is a student of history and rhetoric. He plays to the heart and to the head.
Obama’s inaugural address should be interesting, indeed.
For students of public speaking (and shouldn’t we all be?), pay attention to how much logic, and how much emotion he uses. When does he pause for effect? When does he gesture?
Barack Obama is a studied and practiced person. He will have thought out and practiced every word, every dramatic pause for effect, and every gesture.
Peter Drucker said, “Spontaneity is an infinite number of rehearsed possibilities.”
When you watch the inauguration, and listen to President-elect Obama’s address, you will see a master at work.
Regardless of your political views, I am sure you are wishing him great success. After all, it is in the best interest of all Americans – and, perhaps, all world citizens.
If there has ever been any doubt about the importance of selling your message and yourself, our soon-to-be 44th president should have put that to rest.
President-elect Obama has used his background as a community organizer and his great oratory skills to mobilize, motivate and inspire millions.
He is a student of history and rhetoric. He plays to the heart and to the head.
Obama’s inaugural address should be interesting, indeed.
For students of public speaking (and shouldn’t we all be?), pay attention to how much logic, and how much emotion he uses. When does he pause for effect? When does he gesture?
Barack Obama is a studied and practiced person. He will have thought out and practiced every word, every dramatic pause for effect, and every gesture.
Peter Drucker said, “Spontaneity is an infinite number of rehearsed possibilities.”
When you watch the inauguration, and listen to President-elect Obama’s address, you will see a master at work.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Ancient Rhetorical Concepts Relate to the Presidential Election
As a communications expert and coach, the whole Presidential election process has been fascinating to watch and listen to.
During the upcoming presidental and vice presidential debates, I urge all of you to think about the principles that the great Greek philosopher and father of all public speaking -- Aristotle -- identified. They are: Logos, Pathos and Ethos. And, think of how you are personally responding to each concept.
Logos is the Greek word for Logic. That means how the candidates (president and vice president) are structuring their messages. Keep in mind that facts and figures, which we think always should be logical, are often manipulated or partial truths.
Do your due diligence, so you’re getting more than clever sound bites. Look at their voting records, backgrounds, etc.
Pathos translates into emotional appeals – information that hits close to your heart and gut. Clearly, your values come into play here. The goal of the candidates and their front teams is to hit those hot buttons (like terrorism, the economy, government involvement and health care) -- so you’ll take action, ie. vote for them.
The third concept Aristotle identified is Ethos, which loosely translates into credibility. We tend to believe the person who we perceive to be the most credible, ethical and shares the same values.
The question is do they really share those values? Are they just espousing this, or do their actions demonstrate them?
The candidates are using Aristotle’s three speaking principles in their commercials and public presentations.
So, as you watch and listen to the first Presidential debate next Friday, September 26th, and subsequent debates, pay attention to how these three principles are relevant even today and note how you are being influenced by them.
During the upcoming presidental and vice presidential debates, I urge all of you to think about the principles that the great Greek philosopher and father of all public speaking -- Aristotle -- identified. They are: Logos, Pathos and Ethos. And, think of how you are personally responding to each concept.
Logos is the Greek word for Logic. That means how the candidates (president and vice president) are structuring their messages. Keep in mind that facts and figures, which we think always should be logical, are often manipulated or partial truths.
Do your due diligence, so you’re getting more than clever sound bites. Look at their voting records, backgrounds, etc.
Pathos translates into emotional appeals – information that hits close to your heart and gut. Clearly, your values come into play here. The goal of the candidates and their front teams is to hit those hot buttons (like terrorism, the economy, government involvement and health care) -- so you’ll take action, ie. vote for them.
The third concept Aristotle identified is Ethos, which loosely translates into credibility. We tend to believe the person who we perceive to be the most credible, ethical and shares the same values.
The question is do they really share those values? Are they just espousing this, or do their actions demonstrate them?
The candidates are using Aristotle’s three speaking principles in their commercials and public presentations.
So, as you watch and listen to the first Presidential debate next Friday, September 26th, and subsequent debates, pay attention to how these three principles are relevant even today and note how you are being influenced by them.
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