Cut, Cut, Cut!

I often tell my students...

It is not a buffet!!!!

When it comes to speech content, you should think of a Nouvelle Cuisine!

Let me explain.

It is quite a common mistake for people who are not experienced as speakers or presenters to try to include EVERYTHING they possibly can in their talks and presentations; be it their content, or their visuals, or both (well, it also applies to the so-called experienced ones who never learned it from the beginning. They might still be wondering why their buffet like presentations are ineffective...).

Those speakers/presenters/professionals have the misleading idea that including EVERYTHING in their presentation will show that they have an outstanding knowledge of the subject, which will increase their authority.

Absolutely not! It will work against them. As it will only overwhelm the audience with facts and figures, and they will disconnect from the speaker/presenter.

 LESS IS MORE

Absolutely!

The ability to extract the core of your message and transform it into a compelling story is what differentiates a qualified, experienced and well-trained speaker/presenter from the average ones out there.

It is like Nouvelle Cuisine. The whole process of creating the final dish requires the proper skills and a high level of expertise. Then, when it arrives at your table it immediately has an impact on your senses with its first impression, its presentation. 

Your speech should do the same for the audience.

A Buffet can be an easy option but it always leaves everyone stuffed!

HOW TO, THEN? WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS?

The rule of three is a safe way to go. Which means, select three main ingredients for the content of your message. Three points you want to share, and stick to them. 

You can be very descriptive about each one of them, which is quite different from adding several ingredients.

Arrange your three main points in a logical sequence to follow. 

Depending on your type of presentation it can be a step-by-step sequence or a chronological thread in a story, you decide. However, make sure you use transitions before introducing the next point, otherwise, your audience won't be able to follow your thoughts and you will lose them again. 

BUT... WHAT ABOUT THE "DATA" I NEED TO PRESENT?

This is a quite common question I get from professionals who are in the technical and financial fields.

I'm not saying you should not include any facts and figures in your presentation. However, it is more engaging and effective when you consider what you want your audience to think, feel and do, after your presentation. For instance, to support your preparation you can answer the following questions: "what led you to reach those facts and figures?"; "what is the story behind how you got to those results?"; "what should they (the audience) do with those results?".

Then, you can provide a full report in a printed form, in a pdf format, in video, whatever media you prefer. If your presentation catches the audience's attention, they will read your report. With the benefit of already knowing your key points.

The key rule to understand here is: present the final dish. You don't need to bring along all the ingredients you used to make the dish. 

If they like what they see on their plate they will eat it. And if they love it, they will ask for the recipe. Not before.

Do you get it?

EXPLORE THE AUDIENCE'S FIVE (OR SIX) SENSES

Yes! Make it interesting, surprising, remarkable!

Tell stories, be descriptive.

With or without images you can make your audience feel and see what you want them to.

It is up to you to be skilled and creative enough when selecting the right ingredients for your Nouvelle Cuisine speech.

It is all about anticipation, preparation, degustation, and satisfaction.

Take anticipation and preparation for your opening; degustation for the body of your speech, and satisfaction for your closing.

Voilà!

Looking forward to degustating one of your presentations in the near future.

Bon Appetite!

 Stand Up, Speak Up & Shine! 

Tulia Lopes is Europe's Leading Communication, Public Speaking and Leadership Expert with over a decade of experience. She believes communication is key for success in any field. Her signature event, the AWE Summit (www.awesummit.org), has been "giving voice to women" since 2014 in Zurich, Barcelona and Porto. Her Speak Up & Lead Academy (www.speakupandleadacademy.com) is helping women to find, own and unleash their authentic voice by developing outstanding communication and public speaking skills. 

To find more about Tulia, visit, www.tulialopes.com

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