Just Say No to Reading Your Slides

Have you ever attended a meeting where the presentation consisted of nothing more than slides with huge blocks of text on them? If so, you know how uninspiring that is. If the presenter chooses to actually read each word aloud, there is a good chance that most of the audience will tune out, no matter how valuable the information may be.

There are a variety of software programs that create interactive presentations and pitch decks. You can even add animation and videos. However, while these tools are very helpful, they do not necessarily make a presentation memorable. Here are 7 steps to help you produce a dynamic presentation that will position you as a thought leader and give a talk that people will enjoy and remember:

1. Tell a story. As social people, we connect through stories. We can relate to a personal anecdote and empathize with someone in a story that is relatable to our situation. Whether it’s the fascinating background of how the founder started the company, a profound statement from a customer, or something humorous that happened to the presenter on the way to the meeting, a story is the way to get people to pay attention and engage with the speaker. Making that emotional connection is a good way to start. As Carl Buechner said, “They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” 

2. Slides are secondary. You are making a presentation because you have information to share. What you really want is for people to remember, internalize, and use that information, but if it is simply written on a slide and showed on a screen, that most likely will not happen. Slides are not the winning quarterback of the Super Bowl. They are the uniforms of the players.

3. Don’t use bullets. Bullets are easier to read on a screen than long sentences, but what you really want is for people to make a connection. The way to do that is to put a photo on each slide. You might even want to have some of the images juxtaposed for greatest effect. For instance, you can show a picture of the results you want to achieve alongside a representation of what that same subject will look like if you don’t move forward with the project. Make an impact with visuals. 

Research shows that if people hear something, they will remember 10% of it. But if they hear it and see something that relates to the data, they will retain 65% of it. That’s a big difference. You can send charts and spreadsheets to attendees by email after the meeting. Get people’s attention with pictures they will recall long after the presentation is over. 

4. Create a catch phrase. It might be the title of your talk. It could be a slogan or tagline in an ad campaign. Or it could be something that works with the content you are sharing. For example, if you are using a sports metaphor at a sales conference, the catch phrase could be “Anticipate and Dominate.” Repeat the phrase often and use it as your sound bite that people will remember and repeat. 

5. Build in an impactful moment. What is the one thing that made it worth it to attend and will impact the attendees’ lives? The most memorable presentations have something unusual about them. Instead of text on a slide about the projections for the new product launch, try something else that makes a greater impact to magnify your main idea. Bring in other people to demonstrate the product or put on a skit that reinforces the need for it. Show the audience what it can do, or create some drama by sharing a video of how its capabilities can solve a problem or transform someone’s life. Try using props – the more uncommon the better. Or ask an audience member to participate in the demonstration. If you are presenting data, show something concrete that illustrates the numbers so that they are no longer abstract. Put the figure in a context that people can relate to and understand. 

6. Be energetic and motivate. It will help you and the audience if you don’t stay stuck behind a podium. You will convey your points better and people will find it more interesting if you move around. Yes, it’s true that what you say is critical, but how you say it also matters a great deal. Make gestures. Use body language that is open and inclusive. Presenters who stroll across the stage area look more confident. That means more people will be apt to listen to what you have to say. Make eye contact with people in each section of the audience so they know that they are included and feel that they are part of the meeting.

7. Practice one more time. Most people want to skip this step but that is a mistake. Practice is necessary. It’s easy to tell when people have practiced a speech. People who have rehearsed their presentations simply perform better. They are more at ease and don’t seem nervous in front of the group. They move through the talk or seminar with confidence. The overall presentation is much better and therefore more memorable. Practicing the content helps you internalize the ideas and concepts. That means you don’t have to rely on or read from slides. Instead, you are communicating directly with the audience on a topic that you know very well. 

When you practice, record it on video. Then watch it and take note of things that you want to do differently. It could be very helpful to have someone else provide feedback, too. Continue to practice until you feel good about it and know that you can easily present the information even if there is a glitch in the technology and the slides never appear.

Conclusion

By incorporating these 7 tips, you will give presentations that will far exceed your audience’s expectations. Learning to make dynamic and memorable presentations is one more skill you can add in your quest to grow as a leader.