My work as a medical device representative requires me to conduct presentations about our product portfolio. Even if I’m not really new to public speaking, I’ve been constanly tweaking my methods, trying to discover better ways to connect to my audience.
Yesterday’s presentation was a test case for me. I took a radical departure from the usual presentation methods, and instead of slides containing references to clinical studies, I enhanced the visuals and put in as few words as possible (plus, the time alloted was extremely limited). The result: more questions were asked and they were left hanging. But that’s the idea. Their curiosity was piqued and that left them wondering, asking for more.
Chris Brogan shares his list of his best presentation tricks. In a nutshell, these are:
- Stories and Characters – stories have a beginning, a middle and an end. It also has characters. Try to weave these elements into your presentation to capture your audience. Why do you think soap operas and telenovelas are so successful in keeping viewers glued to their sets?
- Touch Their Eyes – Use attention-grabbing graphics to hook their attention. Sometimes, a non-related visual can make them wonder and wait for the next slide, and the next. So, having hooked them, don’t lose them by giving them a…(see below)
- Powerpoint Slide Deck – You are the presentation. Slides are merely your accessories, not the other way around. You are their initial contact with your company. That’s the reason you’re in front of them. They granted you their time. You owe it to them to make it worth their while. Otherwise, they could just have asked for a brochure. Right?
- You Are An Entertainer – While you’re at it. Breathe life into that presentation. Connect with your audience. Show them a good time. Chances are good that they’ll remember you and your talk. After all, this is what you came here for — to make sure they retain your message.
Filed under: Personal Branding, Productivity
