Take Your Presentation to the Next Level (Part 2 of 2)

Last week I provided you with some quick tips creating an environment that can elevate your presentations. I’m back with a few more tips for you on how to avoid being largely forgettable- or worse, completely memorable for the wrong reasons.

Part 2: Presentations that Make a Positive Impact

Remember your audiences are human.

Depending on what study you reference, we as humans, have somewhere between a goldfish-like attention span and a solid 20 minutes where we can focus on something. Bake into your presentation an opportunity for a break. Even if it is a short break during the hour-long window you have where you have everyone stand up, check their phone, or grab a coffee refresh- you’ll ultimately win with higher engagement and retention.

Change up your tools.

Your PowerPoint is great, I’m sure, but why not change it up a little? I’ve found that when low-fidelity elements such as white boards, giant post-it pads, and other technology independent items get baked in I stay engaged more because it brings an element of surprise. It also allows the presenter an opportunity to move around the room and not just stand at the front clicking through screens- which brings me to my next point.

Get out among the living.

The room is your oyster- use it! Show some excitement and life by stepping away from the podium. Close interaction with everyone will help them feel more connected to you and your content. If you bring the excitement it becomes hard for that to not be parrotted by the room. So, watch your body language, stance, tone, and projection. These are all nuances your audience will pick up on.

Teach, don’t preach.

Think back to your favorite teacher--They didn’t just throw information at you, they helped you synthesize and have deep learning moments through activity and engagement. Keeping engagement high can also be dependent on how many interactive components you have. Are you providing opportunity for your audience to contribute, meet one another, or stretch themselves by actively participating in a small group break out? Teaching meaningful lessons requires participation and not simply standing in the front preaching from your pulpit.

Mic check 1, 2.

There is nothing worse than losing your audience to poor visibility or audio quality. Go sit in nearly every spot of your venue. Get familiar with the space. Try and experience your presentation in the way that your audience will. That means practicing your audio, confirming your visuals are in fact actually visible, and lighting is pleasant and conducive to an environment where you’re able to get work done. If your room is so dark that people are falling asleep – that’s a problem. Don’t let your aversion to using a microphone win out over the back half of the room hearing what you’re saying if your voice does not naturally project.

Be intentional about getting feedback.

How many times have you given out a survey only to not have it completed and make its way into a recycling bin? The average response rate is less than 30% and may not provide enough meaningful data points for future iterations of your presentation. Reach out if you’re serious about collecting feedback, but be intentional about how you collect the information. Consider the method by which you use to collect, the quantity and type of information you’re asking for, and how long after your presentation you’re asking attendees to complete a survey. I have some great resources, like Rocket Cards , that I can point you to that will increase the likelihood you actually get relevant and timely assessments.

Can you repeat that?

Unfortunately, you can’t just mic drop and walk out of every presentation you do. Scheduling time for Q & A or providing ways for attendees to follow up with questions is a must. One of the worst things you can do is inbound a question and not repeat it back so the rest of the attendees can hear it. It also gives you a chance to start thinking about what your answer is when confirming the question. Grab the person’s name, thank them for their question, and create an extra connection.

Final thoughts:

Every presenter hopes that their presentation makes a positive impact and I hope these tips can help you do just that and achieve great results. Try a few of these suggestions and you may just find that you keep the attention of your audience on your amazing content that you are delivering instead of other preventable distractions. Have a few more helpful presentation practices? Let me know!