Presenting in Today's World Chapter one overview and Takeaway's

Good Evening fellow bloggers,

 

I have completed my chapter 1 reading from Presentation Zen, and enjoyed browsing and viewing some clips from the companion website Presentation Zen.  I have compiled a few important tips and ideas that are most important to me and what I feel can help me in developing quality presentations.

 

Realizing there are many different aspects to creating a powerful presentation and companion power point, much is to be consider. The many do's and don'ts brought out are direct, realistic and very applicable it defines what a good power point is or what is worthy of stoning. Yes stoning, I think I laughed when I heard this term but after reading a portion of Jay J. Lehr publication "Let there be Stoning" I came to appreciate more about what the audience is feeling and if they are in fact in tune  to the  material versus the audience being bored, lost, confused, or unenthused.  J. L Lehr highlights such as

· The end of Boring speaker

· Avoiding speaking above the average intelligence or capability

             · The failure to gain the attention, interest of the audience

While J. Lehr has a long history with tons of experience in attending and critiquing presentations, he provided an example of a time that was so bad where the speaker was just awful.  In front of 200 people he publicly humiliated him. You’re probably wondering as I was "was it really that bad?" Reading what brought on his eagerness to address the speaker was quite interesting. What led to his approach and what were the issues? He mentioned these problems:

1.      The speaker spoke in Monotone

          2.      He used a secretarially pad, flipping page after page for over 30 min (too long)
          3.      The speaker was confusing and his slide show was incomprehensible  
          4.      After completing his presentation - the speaker recapped and summarized his entire     presentation.

So after hearing the harsh truth for this poor speaker, I vowed to never put anyone through that. I just hope I haven’t already! Now I was ready to hear what makes a great presenter.   

      1.      To convey enthusiasm over your subject

      2.      Goals should be made extemporaneously
      3.      And most important the presenter should be excited over the material
      4.      Avoid bad slides that are hard to see and understand

*For a power point I really found this interesting and very important, as I have recalled in the past a power point slide left up after the information was mentioned, if still remained up on the screen can be distracting – to avoid have a blank slide in between slides giving more opportunity to regain and capture the audience attention on what your speaking about and not what’s sitting up behind you not even pertaining to your new idea.

5. Putting on a happy face, and become an entertainer for the moment

6. Talking directly into the microphone
7. Avoid jokes (no failed attempts at humor) that can be the worst
8. Never go overtime- I hate this myself no one wants to sit any longer then than expected to.
9. Rehearse for friends and family and ask for the honest feedback adhere to their suggestions and then listen to yourself and practice by yourself.

These are a few tips and guidelines that can help make a presenter better and provide a self-analysis on yourself. A To do list!

Garr Reynolds was listed as a bestselling author and creator of a popular and worldwide blog found at presentationzen.com this site is an approach and provides suggestions (making things practical)   Garr provides the below strengths and principles in creating an awesome power point.

The Structure of the Power point	Combined with key principles
1.      Preparation	Restraint – in preparations
2.      Design	Simplicity – in design
3.      Delivery	Naturalness – in delivery

 

The importance on capturing the audience mind with a powerful presentation is very important. Being able to speak passionately and clear is more important than ever before. Having an effective and powerful presentation that allows us to gain the acceptance and understanding will give in to your power in a certain sense (winning over the crowd).  One of the most heartfelt and excellent powerful presenters I have heard, was referred off the presentation Zen website directed to TED a website that attributes Ideas worth spreading. (www.TED.com)

It was a presenter from Northern Korean, a woman by the name of Hyeonseo Lee who escaped a brim life and future, throughout her trials and tribulations she never gave up and hope. Her dreams to free her family never died.  Now an activist for fellow refuges she speaks about her trials and pains and what she overcame. How she presented her story is incredible her poise, her naturalness and honesty is so appreciated. I felt her power through her presentation, the very vivid pictures and additions used to incorporate key points were perfect for her topic, and not over bearing.

 Please check her out if you have time, I was also able find her presentations on YouTube.

 Thanks for passing by my corner today, any additional information or referrals to great keynote speakers, or presenters would be greatly appreciated.

 

*As always what you do matters!
Mele G.