When You Don't Need to "Wow!" Them . . .

 

LET'S FACE IT — not every presentation needs to be a stunner. You don't have to be electrifying every time you stand up in front of people. Sometimes you just need to convey some information. Or maybe you've been asked, at the last moment, to make a pitch to a group you know very little about. In those kinds of scenarios, it's very easy to just do the same old thing you've done for years. Throw some slides together, tell 'em what you know, and — if they turn out to be interested — it's a bonus.
        STILL . . . you're trying to communicate something to others, so why not do yourself and them a favor. Instead of either trying to just get through it, or at least suck less than the other presenters they're going to see, give them the gift of an idea.
        It doesn't have to be anything extraordinary. And this takes very little time, really. You don't even need to do a wholesale change of your slide deck (though please, please, PLEASE get rid of the Agenda slide — just say that stuff).
        Here's what you do: Ask yourself what's the ONE thing they most need to know when your presentation is over. Just one thing. Ideally expressed in seven words or less (so they can remember it, and maybe repeat it).
        THEN, start off with that ONE THING. Say something like "Today, we're going to talk about <the one thing>." And you're on your way.
        I realize this may be a bit of a departure for some. And you may find (if you practice your presentation) (which you always should) that you might be a bit too focused on "Me". So adjust things as needed. Then go out there and — well, not "Wow" them, but instead, affect them.

Comments

[Dr. Jim Anderson]

I like the thought! In the end, what I think that you're saying is that no matter how (not) important a presentation is, it still takes time to prepare for and sit though.

As long as everyone is making this investment, they should get something out of it (including the presenter). If you search for that key driver and start off by sharing it with the audience, then you'll have transformed the blah into the wow even for routine preso.

- Dr. Jim Anderson
www.TheAccidentalCommunicator.com
"Learn How To Calm Your Fears, Wow Your Audience, And Get Your Point Across"

[John Windsor]

Great addition, Jim. Thanks!

John