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Thousands of poor presentations are delivered in boardrooms and conference halls
every week. Often its not the speaker at fault. Its simply the way they convey their
information. A poor presentation is usually dominated by PowerPoint bullets, forget-
table graphs and endless unreadable text. That's why PowerPoint has attracted a
growing number of critics over the years. It can be tedious to watch. But it can still
be a powerful and effective tool.
The most effective speakers are focused on stories not screens. They highlight
their key points through anecdotes and real examples. They describe things we can
see in our mind's eye. Perhaps you're unveiling a new product or service at your next
next conference. Show your audience full frame photos of someone using the product.
Get their feedback and put a brief quote from them on a separate slide. Ban the bullets When you plan your next presentation avoid the temptation to cram your slides with
bullet points. Bullets are rarely effective. They don't stimulate thinking like an image
or a simple graphic. Whenever possible, use full frame photos or simple charts. Use
bullet points and text sparingly, if at all. The audience is there to hear from you. They
don't want to read your slides. If large amounts text and data are essential, circulate
it in handouts, or cancel the presentation and save time by sending everyone an email.
People remember two things: interesting stories and striking images. That's why we
buy newspapers and watch television. You can use moving pictures as well. Why not
use video in your next presentation? You could feature interviews with satisfied cust-
omers, or show demos of your product of service in action. That's far more engaging
than a graph. 
The presenting styles of Bill Gates (left) and Steve Jobs. Which one would you rather be watching?
Eliminate distractions.
Don't force unnecessary information or decoration on your
audience. Be ruthless with your company template. Eliminate headers, footers,logos
and any other distracting branding.We know who you are; we don't need reminding on
each slide. If you're using a title slide, make it dynamic. Write it like a headline. Instead
of Restructuring Options, how about The Road To Recovery.
What do audiences want?
Research shows the one thing people want is to be entertained. Whether you're chat-
ting to colleagues at a morning meeting, or addressing a huge conference, the motivat-
ing factor remains the same. People want to you to be entertaining. They want you to
surprise, delight and challenge them; with stories, questions and opinion. They want you
to talk with them, not at them.
Practise
Presenting skills are developed through familiarity and practise. Apple founder Steve
Jobs is regarded by many as one of the world's best. But even he spends days practis-
ing before going on stage to launch a new product. So learn your material. Don't wing
it. The best way to practise is to practise aloud. And the fastest way to improve is to
record yourself present-ing to an empty room or conference venue. You'll know imm-
ediately where improvements are needed. And you can judge other factors like body
language, pace and delivery, and eye contact. You'll see and hear your own mistakes,
and have time to change them. It will take time but it's worth it. Nothing can boost your
career like the ability to deliver a killer pitch or presentation.
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free tips
contact greg
AUCKLAND/WELLINGTON
mobile: +64 21 899 532
after hours: +649 83 44 583
email: greg@gregward.tv
skype: gregwardnz
after hours: +649 83 44 583
email: greg@gregward.tv
skype: gregwardnz
SYDNEY/MELBOURNE
phone: +612 8006 4492