3 Power Presentation Hacks
Whether you are prepping for a formal presentation, pitching an idea in a meeting, or informally speaking to a small group, preparation is critical to delivering powerful presentations. And while proper preparation takes time (time we usually do not have), the following three presentation ‘hacks’ will cut down prep time, keep your message focused, and set you up for a successful, powerful presentation.
Power Presentation Hacks:
1. Flip Flop
Getting to know your audience is one of the most important tasks when you are preparing an upcoming presentation, consider it a “must-do”. Knowing your audience ultimately shapes what content is most relevant to include in your talk and how to position your message in the most impactful way. So, who will be filling the chairs and listening to what you have to say?
An easy hack to “getting to know your audience” is to flip flop roles and pretend to be one of them! Answer the following questions as if you were one of the anticipated audience members:
What do I want or expect to hear today?
How can the speaker organize content and/or data in an interesting, understandable way for me?
What level of knowledge or familiarity do I already have on this topic?
What would make the presentation relevant to me and what I do day-to-day?
How can the presenter speak “to my level” and keep me engaged?
What information do I need out of this presentation to be inspired to take action?
What questions might I have on this topic?
Most audience members want the same general things from a presentation—to learn something, to be inspired, to be entertained, to take action—any “take-away” that makes their time listening to you worth it. Make sure your audience walks away with “something” useful to them—new perspective, new skill, new solution, new hire, new ideas, new information, etc...And, by answering the above questions as if you were attending your own talk, you will have a much better idea of what your audience wants and needs from you as a speaker.
Taking time to research your audience may take more time upfront, but will save you time (and many drafts) later when it comes to planning out and practicing your talk. Not to mention, you are increasing the odds of a successful, relevant presentation.
2. Chat It Out
Once you have strategically narrowed down your content, now it is time to get comfortable talking about it out loud to someone else. The quickest way to test relevancy and get comfortable talking through your key points, is simply chatting about them over lunch with someone you respect. Better to fumble with a friend than on a stage!
All you have to do is casually discuss the topic with them using the stories, data, or examples etc.. that you have planned to include in your talk. And as you talk, be sure to observe how your “lunch buddy” responds to both you and the content you share. Look out for the following:
What did you say that sparked the most interest? How did you position that message or point? When did they have clarifying questions or seem confused? What follow up questions did they ask? Were they overall engaged throughout? If not, you might be explaining too much, too quickly and/or simply not talking about what is important and interesting.
Observing their reactions will give you an indicator of whether or not your general approach and content is on point. Try to engage them in different ways throughout the conversation to see what works best—audience engagement always makes for a more dynamic presentation, when possible.
‘Chat it Out’ is a great hack because you are practicing, gaining confidence, and uncovering what works and what falls flat—all in the time it takes you to eat lunch. Not to mention, you will not have power point to lean on—which strengthens your ability to stand & deliver, as a true subject matter expert would.
3. Borrow What Fits
Borrowing best practices from other speakers you find inspiring is a great hack, as long as, their style(s) and tactics fit you too. This is an easy, fun, quick three-step process.
Step 1: Simply identify three speakers you admire—start watching their presentations and learning their techniques. Everything from their inflection, non-verbals, overall timing and pace of presentation, slide decks, openings/closings—-everything.
Step 2: Take your own presentation and deliver it out loud imitating the three identified speakers as best you can—give it your all. One by one, speaking and acting as they do, in front of the mirror, so you can see and hear yourself. And, as you go through each “imitation round”—be mindful of what feels natural to YOU—what fits your style and personality. The idea here is through practicing outside of your comfort zone, you will end up settling down into your own suite spot—which may or may not end up with some ‘borrowed’ best practices.
Step 3—Once you settle into your own voice and style—own it. A huge part of what makes a great presentation is the speaker. The more you are YOU—the more your natural strengths, talents, and expertise will shine through. And, most importantly—you become relatable.
The “Borrow What Fits” hack is one that pays off now and every presentation after… because you get to find your own voice. Even though you tweak it over the years, finding your voice sooner than later is a great use of your time and efforts for the long-term.
If you have any questions on the three power presentation hacks above—feel free to comment or reach out directly. Looking for more formal coaching for your next speaking engagement? Email me directly at: shannon.theobald@yahoo.com to set up an initial call to discuss your goals.
Shannon Theobald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Motivational Speaker / Private Coach based in New Jersey. Shannon is passionate about helping others, and enjoys working with clients in a clinical capacity, as well as, a private coach/motivational speaker. To learn more about Shannon's professional interests and expertise, please visit her website: lemonadeandlove.com