Presentations DO NOT start with a PowerPoint Deck
When you get asked to make a presentation, do you open PowerPoint and start selecting and re-ordering slides from old decks? You are not alone. The process is labour-intensive, time-consuming and doesn’t necessarily achieve results.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
There is a faster, more effective way to get yourself ready to present and make your presentation memorable. Hint: It doesn’t start with PowerPoint. In fact, it doesn’t even rely on technology.
The best presentations are the ones in which the audience participates, learns, and acts on the information they get.
A Simple Framework
You can use a simple framework to prepare for any presentation regardless of length, purpose or audience size—in minutes!
Step 1: The Purpose
It starts with a clear purpose: What do you want people to do/say/think/feel when your time with them is over? Do you want to teach them a new concept, buy into a project or think differently about a subject?
Step 2: Three Supporting Ideas
Next, you provide three supporting ideas. For example, using the framework:
- Begins with a purpose
- Saves labour and time
- Gets results
These ideas can be strengthened with factoids, anecdotes and data.
To conclude, you repeat your supporting ideas and then restate your purpose: because this presentation framework is built with purpose, saves labour and time, and helps presenters achieve their objectives, it is both efficient and effective.
Step 3: The Call to Action
Your finale is your “call to action.” You ask your audience to do what you would like them to do: Use the framework to make your presentation preparation efficient and your presentations effective. Simple.
When your framework is complete—and only then—you can think about the use of props, devices, or even throw in a slide to add interest and memorability. Your purpose and content will be your guide.
Learn how to boost your productivity and make your presentations more effective at CSAE 2022 Conference: REUNITE in Halifax on October 20. Get a sneak peek of the session below:
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