You have prepared a great presentation with clear and concise key points. But how can you make sure that your audience remembers them and takes action? In this article, you will learn some effective strategies to reinforce your key points in your presentation and increase your impact.
One of the simplest ways to reinforce your key points is to repeat them throughout your presentation. This helps your audience to follow your logic, retain your information, and recall your message. You can repeat your key points in different ways, such as using different words, giving examples, or using visuals. You can also summarize your key points at the end of each section or at the end of your presentation, to remind your audience of what you have covered and what you want them to do.
Summarizing at the end is a must. Recently I have began repeating the main points during the presentation. If your presentation is well planned the key points will be able to flow effectively and also warrant call backs to them while discussing your other key points. This makes the presentation more memorable and easier to present as well.
I call it "closing it with a golden key". Your last sentence needs to be the one that will make your audience remember you for days to come. Finish it out on a strong line that summarizes the whole point of your presentation. If, after all you said, they would just remember one sentence, what would that sentence be?
Tell them what your going to tell them. (intro) Tell them. (body) Tell them what you told them. (closing) Another way is to have a list of goals of what you hope to accomplish shown early in the presentation. Go back to the list near the end to see if you accomplished the goals.
Mastering the art of presentation requires a powerful technique: Repeat, Recall, and Revise. However, based on my extensive experience conducting numerous public workshops, I've learned that framing is crucial. Failing to do so may lead some participants to perceive these actions as trivial, potentially hindering their willingness to comply.
I like to relate the keypoint to a personal experience and how this created value in my life. This association makes the content relevant or palatable to the listener because most are listen to see where there is value for them.
Another way to reinforce your key points is to use stories and analogies that illustrate your message and connect with your audience. Stories and analogies can make your key points more memorable, engaging, and relatable. They can also help you to explain complex or abstract concepts in a simple and familiar way. You can use stories and analogies from your own experience, from other sources, or from your audience's perspective. Make sure that your stories and analogies are relevant, credible, and concise.
The Underdog Story: The Key Theme of the Presentation Were you the underdog in your field? If so, share it and make it a key theme for your presentation! One of the biggest questions to ask yourself when presenting is, "How can I simplify my story while making a solid impact for that invites the audience to be a part of a movement?" The power of a personal underdog story signifies and empowers the audience to reach for the stars if they see someone on their level who was/is a catalyst for change. The new wave of storytelling is to avoid elitist rhetoric. To empower others, we must tell our story so that the audience can visualize themselves reaching to the top of whatever goal they decide to pursue.
A third way to reinforce your key points is to ask questions and involve your audience in your presentation. Questions can help you to check your audience's understanding, elicit their feedback, and stimulate their interest. You can ask questions before, during, or after your presentation, depending on your purpose and timing. You can also involve your audience by asking them to share their opinions, experiences, or ideas, or by inviting them to participate in an activity, a poll, or a quiz. This can help you to create a dialogue, build rapport, and increase engagement.
A fourth way to reinforce your key points is to use props and demonstrations that show your message and create a lasting impression. Props and demonstrations can help you to attract your audience's attention, appeal to their senses, and enhance your credibility. You can use props and demonstrations that are relevant, practical, and surprising, such as objects, models, samples, or experiments. Make sure that your props and demonstrations are well-prepared, easy to use, and safe.
A fifth way to reinforce your key points is to provide handouts and follow-ups that support your message and encourage action. Handouts and follow-ups can help you to reinforce your key points after your presentation, provide additional information, and maintain contact with your audience. You can provide handouts and follow-ups that are useful, concise, and attractive, such as slides, summaries, worksheets, or checklists. Make sure that your handouts and follow-ups are relevant, timely, and clear.
A sixth way to reinforce your key points is to apply the 3R technique: review, restate, and recommend. The 3R technique is a powerful way to end your presentation with a strong call to action. You can review your key points by briefly summarizing what you have said and why it matters. You can restate your key points by emphasizing the most important ones and using a catchy phrase or slogan. You can recommend your key points by telling your audience what you want them to do, how to do it, and what benefits they will get.
I have been fortunate and blessed to have been - on multiple occasions - in the same room as public speaking giant (and Speaking Hall of Famer) Joel Weldon who shared 3 words to ensure you reinforce key points in your presentation AND connect with your audience. Those 3 words are: KNOW - HAVE - FEEL. What will your audience KNOW (information, strategies, techniques, etc...)? What will they HAVE (tools, systems, processes, etc...)? And will it make them FEEL (emotions)? Establishing these 3 words accompanied by the associated benefits is a sure way to make it impossible to be misunderstood AND simultaneously connect with your audience. So simple, yet so impactful. Thank you, Joel!