Over 20% of people identify themselves as chronic procrastinators. We put off doing things we don’t like, or find uncomfortable. Preparing a presentation is a good example of this. Our mind goes blank when looking for presentation ideas and the pressure builds. In the end, we quickly throw lists of bullet points on to our presentation slides (so we know what to say) and stumble our way through. Luckily, we have comatosed most of our audience members, so we all end up numb from the experience. The downside is that messages get lost or confused.
Presentation ideas to keep your audience awake
Good news. It doesn’t need to be like that. Here are three simple questions that will kick start your thinking and start the flow of presentation ideas. One quick tip: capture your answers to these questions on paper – NOT straight onto your slides.
1. If you only had 20 seconds to make your presentation, what is the one point you want to leave with your audience?
Write this point in the style of a newspaper headline.
Let’s say you want to make clear the link between engaged employees and customer service. Your headline might read ‘Engaged employees triple customer satisfaction’
I hope it goes without saying that your headline does need to be true. You can then make a short list of the key points and evidence that supports your headline.
2. If you had an extra 20 seconds to make your presentation, what is the second point you want to leave with your audience?
Write this point in the style of a newspaper headline.
Now you want to highlight the value of a customer to your business. How about – ‘Average customer worth £5,000 over three years.
Again, list your key points and evidence.
3. If you had another 20 seconds to make your presentation, what is the final point you want to leave with your audience?
Guess what! – Write this point in the style of a newspaper headline and list key points and supporting evidence.
Finally you want to highlight the great referral value of satisfied customers. What headline would you use?
By now, you have the bare bones of your presentation and can start looking at ways to engage your audience. At the end, start thinking about what visuals you will use to support your key messages and you’re done.
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