Presentation Perfect: The Big Six

OK, I'm now going to read out loud to you every single slide, word for word, until you all wish you'd just die.

1.)   Keep it simple.  Speak plainly, using basic language that is easy to understand and remember.  For those of us in complex environments, avoid acronyms and industry jargon or risk losing the audience.

2.)   Adjust your tone.  Vary your voice and word choice to reflect your anticipation and excitement.  Monotone presentations put people to sleep.

3.)   Un-crowd your slides.  Don’t overload your slides with text.  Minimalism works best.  A carefully chosen image and a pair of sentences will keep you focused on the key idea.

4.)   Find the narrative.  The old saying, “Facts tell.  Stories Sell.” holds true.  People prefer listening to a story rather than simple facts.  It’s the best way to connect with an audience.

5.)   Leverage your area.  Walk around the room, interact with the crowd, and explore the entire stage.  Don’t just stay in one place.  Our eyes are designed to track movement.  Use that to your advantage.

6.)   Rehearse properly.  It’s not about memorizing the lines.  It’s about perfecting your technique and flow.  Look back to your deck or notes to remember your primary points.  Like a good joke, it’s all about the delivery. 

Presenting is tough, especially in a foreign language.  Don’t be ashamed.  Don’t be embarrassed.  You can do this! 

Happy presenting!