Answering Another Question From The Survey
One of my survey respondents wonders how they can rely less on Powerpoint.
('Powerpoint' is the Microsoft program that enables you to create and display slides for your audience. I'm sure there are other programs, but we tend to use the term 'Powerpoint' for all of them).
I think we've all been victims of 'death by Powerpoint' and I can understand how you want to avoid inflicting that fate on your audience!
But we've all been to lectures and presentations where the slides have added a lot of useful, even essential information. I think there are a few rules we can try to keep to, but I am aware that circumstances will vary a great deal.
Anway, assuming you'll be using some slides, here goes:
1 Only use slides that actually add something to your spoken words. Don't just use the slides as the text of your presentation.
2 Keep your slides brief and pithy - in other words, they must be quickly understandable and make a memorable point.
3 You can use slides to highlight any quotes, key phrases, website addresses or other points you want your audience to write down. Then you can move on while the slower writers make their notes.
4 Use a consistent design for your slides, including the colour scheme, a simple font, etc, and don't try to be clever. You need your audience to be able to take in the content of each slide at a glance and then return their attention to you.
5 On which point, don't try to use your slides to divert attention from you! If you're going to put on a slide show you shouldn't be on the stage at all.
6 When you want the audience's attention (ie, most of the time) make sure any slide that's showing isn't a distraction. A blank screen looks accidental, but a simple logo or company name looks far more professional, especially if you're recording the event on video.
7 Be the most engaging, entertaining and dynamic speaker you can be, with your content pitched at a level your audience can grasp (but not necessarily remember in detail) and you'll hardly need any slides at all. Naturally, some subjects will be more complex, but they'll mostly atract a more intelligent audience anyway. If you feel your subject is bound to be above the level of many in the audience, be sure to pepper your presentation with enough 'amazing' facts to keep them entertained as well.
8 Why not practise in front of an honest critic, without slides, and see what he or she thinks of it. At any points where they feel 'lost' or need some information you can't convey clearly in your spoken presentation, consider using a slide. You might be amazed by how few you need.
If you have any thoughts on this or any other subject I'd be delighted to get your feedback, via the comments below or by email.
Roy
PS. The One Dollar Trial goes on! Try Niche Seminar Secrets for a whole 30 days, for just one dollar, then get a $20 reduction on the full price too!
('Powerpoint' is the Microsoft program that enables you to create and display slides for your audience. I'm sure there are other programs, but we tend to use the term 'Powerpoint' for all of them).
I think we've all been victims of 'death by Powerpoint' and I can understand how you want to avoid inflicting that fate on your audience!
But we've all been to lectures and presentations where the slides have added a lot of useful, even essential information. I think there are a few rules we can try to keep to, but I am aware that circumstances will vary a great deal.
Anway, assuming you'll be using some slides, here goes:
1 Only use slides that actually add something to your spoken words. Don't just use the slides as the text of your presentation.
2 Keep your slides brief and pithy - in other words, they must be quickly understandable and make a memorable point.
3 You can use slides to highlight any quotes, key phrases, website addresses or other points you want your audience to write down. Then you can move on while the slower writers make their notes.
4 Use a consistent design for your slides, including the colour scheme, a simple font, etc, and don't try to be clever. You need your audience to be able to take in the content of each slide at a glance and then return their attention to you.
5 On which point, don't try to use your slides to divert attention from you! If you're going to put on a slide show you shouldn't be on the stage at all.
6 When you want the audience's attention (ie, most of the time) make sure any slide that's showing isn't a distraction. A blank screen looks accidental, but a simple logo or company name looks far more professional, especially if you're recording the event on video.
7 Be the most engaging, entertaining and dynamic speaker you can be, with your content pitched at a level your audience can grasp (but not necessarily remember in detail) and you'll hardly need any slides at all. Naturally, some subjects will be more complex, but they'll mostly atract a more intelligent audience anyway. If you feel your subject is bound to be above the level of many in the audience, be sure to pepper your presentation with enough 'amazing' facts to keep them entertained as well.
8 Why not practise in front of an honest critic, without slides, and see what he or she thinks of it. At any points where they feel 'lost' or need some information you can't convey clearly in your spoken presentation, consider using a slide. You might be amazed by how few you need.
If you have any thoughts on this or any other subject I'd be delighted to get your feedback, via the comments below or by email.
Roy
PS. The One Dollar Trial goes on! Try Niche Seminar Secrets for a whole 30 days, for just one dollar, then get a $20 reduction on the full price too!
Labels: make money from seminars, making money from seminars, Niche Seminar Secrets, niche seminars, one dollar trial, powerpoint, public speaking
posted by Roy Everitt at
04:42
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