Skillfully Designed Presentation Content – Part 2

The second part of this advice series is about easy and effective ways to convey a memorable message to your audience (see part 1). You will also get some insights on how to enhance your presentation with the use of quotes and questions.

1. Take advantage of storytelling.

Storytelling, can help you connect with your audience.  Short anecdotes and stories are too common in daily interactions not to use – like something funny that happened last weekend. This can help create a casual and personal way of communicating with your audience. Storytelling is always fitting, whether in the beginning or at the end of your presentation, and stories can be added to almost any context.

2. Create a hero.

The best way to integrate a good story into your presentation is to find a hero with whom your audience can identify with and cheer on. This character can be a reflection of your audience, represent them, or can also be a fictitious hero. For example, let the hero use your products or services and experience radical changes that awaken the audience’s fantasies about the possibilities your products and services can provide.

3. Lead them to a cliffhanger.

Don’t end your story after you have introduced and described your hero. Send your hero on a mission, let her live through a positive change or give him a problem to solve. Also, leave   your hero’s story open-ended so that your audience can imagine their own conclusions.

4. Create a visual scene for your topic.

Make your presentation creative with an interesting metaphor or quote that describes your message, or a feeling that you want your audience to experience. Graphics, video clips, and further illustrative opportunities are available to present a dry topic in an interesting way.

5. Find the right jargon.

Your audience will quickly lose interest if they cannot understand your jargon. Choose vocabulary that the audience can connect with and comprehend.

6. Take your enthusiasm on stage.

It is important to be convinced about what you are presenting. Convey your enthusiasm in the language you use and what you show on your templates. Don’t hide your real opinion, but instead use vocabulary that reflects your interest in the topic and communicate this interest in the tone of your voice.

7. Use quotes.

Quotes in a presentation are like spices in cooking. Adding just a little spice can make your meal acquire a phenomenal taste. However, if you put too much in, something delicious can quickly turn inedible. In the same way, quotes should be selected with care as an introduction or at the end of a section of your presentation.

8. Form questions.

Transform your audience into active listeners by asking sharp and precise questions. Ideally, use hypothetical questions that can be answered by your presentation.  Let your audience ponder the big problems and mull over solutions.

The next and last part of this blog series are about finding interesting concepts for your final templates that end your presentation and the so named, “Twitter Trick.” Read Part 3.