Very often I attend seminars, conferences and talks where I get to listen to presentations of diverse topics. It is not that I am always interested in the topic presented, but I take this opportunity to learn from the good presenters and also keep a record of the don'ts in presentations. It is not very common that you get to hear speakers with great presentation skills that create lasting impressions. But you will know it when you do.

When I say great presentation skills, I meant visual design, delivery, and charisma. They all work together to give the audience that great experience of a presentation. The experience of factors that kept the audience interested in the topic; factors that kept the audience curious and focused. And that WOW factor that kept you thinking and talking about the presentation. Unfortunately, this experience doesn't happen often.

In a recent event that I attended, a speaker spent about 20 minutes speaking on a single slide. He had some good content and spoke on a few case examples. After listening to him for a few minutes, I realised that I have lost him and my mind wandered off. His delivery could had been more engaging and effective should he had considered using relevant visuals to help the audience follow him easier. Not every one is a great storyteller that has the ability to create exciting imagery with words. Helping your audience see things visually, can keep them interested and better understand what you are presenting.

Don't get stuck in the mud. Trying too hard with words verbally will only get you stuck deeper. You will be surprised, how a few appropriate visuals can ease the situation. Consider the following in your next presentation.

Change your visual at least once every 90 seconds

It is important that we refresh our presentation visuals often. This is because our audience attention span is quite short, especially sitting in a presentation session. Refreshing our visuals resets the audience focus and give them something new to look at.

Use charts instead of a spreadsheet

Using the correct type of chart can improve understanding of complex data. Charts present data in a visual format and give audience a clearer view of the information from a speadsheet. Caution must also be observed when selecting the information from the spreadsheet to be converted to charts. (see my previous stories on Presenting Numbers)

Show a picture of the product

If you are describing a product, show a picture of the product while you verbally describe it. This aids your audience in getting your idea quicker. It helps reduce mental stress from trying to imagine how your product looks like.

Visually emphasize on your point

If you are describing the unsafe cables on office floors that cause accidents, show actual photos of the unsafe environment and photos of accidents. This helps your audience see and understand the point that you are trying to bring across.

Illustrate with a diagram

If you are describing a process, show a diagram or photos showing stages of the process. This will give your audience a very clear picture of the steps involved in the process. This is expecially important if you are delivering your presentation for the purpose of training the process.

There is no easy way out, if you want to deliver your presentation effectively. Time and effort is required in preparing your presentation to ensure your audience encounter that great experience.