As Guru Guy Kawasaki reminds us, it’s much easier to give a great speech if you have something interesting to say. [i]
Contrary to the history of PowerPoint presentations to date _?_ interesting is not sexy slide-ins and blinking bullet-points. You can use all the fonts and features you like, but if it ain’t interesting, sounds of snoring will surely arise.
Whether it’s a Business Presentation, Sales Presentation or just pitching a new idea _?_ learning a few simple presentation skills will enable you to win over the toughest room and achieve your goals. All you have to do is be interesting.
So what is interesting?
Passion
It’s easy to write a presentation when you’re passionate. People don’t relate to facts and figures _?_ they want to feel something. We’ve all met that person that enthrals the office relaying a simple trip to the supermarket. Yet that guy back from Machu Picchu has you checking your watch in twenty-seven seconds. If your heart’s not in it, decline the presentation and let everyone Google the topic in their own time.
If the presentation is just a legal requirement or policy _?_ cut it back and share heavy content via pdf. Just present the key messages and let everyone go ASAP. Don’t drag it out!
A good story
Nobody likes a sale pitch, but everyone loves a good story _?_ and when you’re telling it you relax, your nerves slip away; now you’re engaging with your audience.
A good story always combines truth and surprise. So find that fresh take, that new angle, that piece of information no one’s heard before. Your audience won’t just be interested; they’ll go and tell someone that fascinating new thing they learned today. Now you’re unforgettable.
Problem solving
So you’ve told a funny story, surprised everyone whilst delivering with utmost enthusiasm. If that’s all you’re audience wanted they’d have gone to the flicks. Ultimately they want you to solve a problem _?_ their problem.
We’ve all sat through that presentation where John tells you everything he wants you to know about him, his business, his sales, his goals, his achievements_?_ Don’t be like John. Begin with the end in mind. What outcome does the audience want? How can your presentation solve their problem? Be a guru: create solutions and you’ll achieve your own presentation goals in the process.
Download our guide to
get a standing ovation,
with 10 tips from Guy Kawasaki:
{{cta(’23aa5b46-b09d-401a-bcf3-928ca93edb9b’)}}
[i] Kawasaki, G 2015, The Art of the Keynote, Guy Kawasaki, viewed February 8 2016, link.