Presentation is not about PowerPoint – It is all about “You”

The first thing that comes to our mind when we hear the word “Presentation”, is a file that ends with the extension “.ppt”. It is certainly one of the best tools that helps us in creating visually appealing presentations. However, my take on presentation is different from what is perceived generally. I strongly believe that presentation is an art of selling one’s idea with minimal dependence on any tool. It is all about the presenter. It is about YOU!

Surprised? I am sure you are. Professionals generally put a lot of effort on how to create impactful “Powerpoint Presentations” while completely ignoring how to “DELIVER” impactful presentations.

As rightly said, Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity; I would like to share certain key points that will change the way you deliver presentations and be prepared for LUCK to come your way!!

1. Speak to the heart and the mind will follow – “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson. I couldn’t find a better quote to being with. Speaker’s choice of words has a lasting impact on the heart and mind of the audience. Many people neglect this fact. No matter what the size or stature of your audience is, you have to talk to their hearts. If you have interesting ideas but people are not buying them, it means you have failed to touch their hearts. It is time to change your approach while presenting them. And the best way to do so is to focus on values and morals. Tell them how your product will make life easier for people and add value to their business.
2. Audience should feel captivated and not captive - Great presentations, masked as conversations, get you closer to the audience. Always remember that the audience has come not just to listen to you but also to connect with your ideas. You and your ideas are their focus and the onus is on you to make them feel captivated. Think of different ways that will ensure the audience is not just physically but also mentally present during your talk. Include anecdotes from your or their life, tell interesting stories related to the topic you are presenting, ask questions that will drive them to put forward their thoughts. When people listening to you are equally involved, you have won half the battle. You have touched their hearts.
3. It is not about selling products/services, it is always selling yourself – What makes an audience/customer choose your ideas/product? Benefits/ features for most of them are same. Product differentiation is no longer a competitive advantage. It’s not what you sell, but how you sell that makes the difference. It’s always how you persuade through your apt communication skills that make people choose or not choose you!
4. Talk to audience's instinct: By this, I mean that you as a speaker, should be able to talk to the instinct of the audience. First few minutes of your speech are very crucial in determining the success of your presentation. Mesmerise them to such an extent that they would want to listen to you all day long.
5. Be an early bird: You will get a chance to have informal chats with the audience and you can use this to your advantage by creating curiosity about what you are going to present.
6. Be straight forward: Clear and concise speech is easy to remember.
7. Use humour wisely: This will help you in ensuring that everyone is paying attention. A light moment of laughter is refreshing and relaxing.
8. Present yourself as an individual of refreshing candour: The audience should feel that this is the first time they are listening to someone who is very different and unique. And when this feeling is created, they will be all ears during your entire talk.
9. Talk with passion and express yourself

These are all real and bankable assets. In short, these are the actual “PowerPoints” that you should be working on more often.

Killer No- Nos:

1.  Speaking too long – Learn the art of keeping it short and simple. Do not beat around the bush and never exceed 18-20 minutes. Allocate 5 minutes for questions. 
2.  Using too many visual aids – Picture speaks a 1000 words but when you include too many of them, it will look as if you are showing them a documentary. The “YOU” factor will be lost.
3. Allowing presentation to dominate everything: Never allow this to happen. When you get the feel that the audience is looking more at what you are presenting than at you, shift gears immediately to get their focus back on you.
4. Having no theme, no “takeaway” that could be remembered a week later: Ending your talk with no conclusion or without a proper “take-home message” would mean you have failed to make an impact. No matter how good you have been through those 20 minutes, if the conclusion is not interesting enough, it is as good as you have lost the deal.
5. Lack of faith in your own presentation – This would be a disaster. Never go unprepared or unrehearsed. Even the best of presenters will rehearse at least twice before delivering the final talk in front of the audience. Rehearsing not only boosts your confidence but also helps you get in sync with the flow of the presentation.

I would like to end this post with another quote: “There are three things to aim for an effective presentation – First, get into your subject; then get your subject into yourself; lastly, get your subject into the heart of the audience”. And getting it into the heart of your audience is the real test!