Planning Analog - A new apporach to beginning your presentation

For your initial stages of planning – the first thing is going to be a hard, but MUST be followed. This would be getting away from your computer, and definitely stay away from software makers. 

Expert Edward Tufte and business leader Steve Jobs both agree the computer should be used only to amplify our capabilities and ideas.  Starting your ideas on a paper, whiteboard, post-it notes, or even a stick in the sand are ways to stretch your mind and thoughts  and capture the more important and significant ideas. 

The text Presentationzen (p.50) brings out the difference of writing tools and how they can help:

1.       Pen and paper- helps brainstorm more effectively, a more greater and natural connection

2.       Whiteboards- ideas can be put on a bigger scale- the option to draw quick ideas, visuals, charts, and where to add photos can be accomplished this way.

3.       Post it notes- Large sheets, small sheets, can add many different and quick ideas.

There are times in our lives that we become bombarded with different obstacles and challenges, but if we try slowing down this can lead to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. When we are rushed or distracted we can become unfocused and preoccupied.  Creativity can and will come to you, but only if you are ready and in gear! I’m one who has non-stop busy day from morning till night so for me this is a challenge but, I agree with time alone and stepping back to see what’s important and really access the big picture.

When putting your presentation together there are a number of factors and questions to consider. (Reynolds, 2012)

·         How much time do I have

·         What’s the venue like

·         What time of day will I be speaking

·         Who is my audience

·         What’s the Background

·         What do they expect of me

·         Why was I asked to speak ( for what purpose)

·         What do I want them to do

·         What is the fundamental purpose of my talk

·         What’s the story here

·         What is my core point?

These questions along with why does it matter is key to a successful presentation, putting yourself in the audience shoes, would we ourselves be interested in the topic at hand, and is it clear! Taking the above question into consideration can better suit your presentation and get the core idea into the minds of the audience in a fresh new and clear way!

Dakara nani?  This Japanese term meaning (so what?) Garr Reynolds suggest that you should be asking yourself this question repeatedly, if you can’t really answer this throughout than omit some of that irrelevant material. Garr Reynolds has 10 simple suggestions to creating and giving a powerful presentation and companion power point. The website Garrreynolds.com is worth a glance, and my recommendation, check it out!

A presentation should be given enough detail and information to get your point across in a spur of the moment, the importance of preparation is key for this reason. Would you be able to give a quick summary at the drop of a dime? You should, it shows you have your own takeaways from your own presentation. This also means you’re not dependent on your script, notes or slides.

My last take away from this subject- if you plan on handing out handouts be more detailed in those, but keep the slides simple. Remember to not give copies of your slides from your power point, David S. Rose says doing this is the “Kiss of Death” Use a well written document for the handout.

Presentations are about organizing thoughts and focusing on a point.  Preparing well the process should help you through your story, even if that calls for an elevator rundown. What does that mean?  Basically a summed up presentation in an elevator time limit.

 

 

References:

Garr Reynolds- website http://www.garrreynolds.com/Presentation/prep.html

Reynolds, G. (2012). Presentationzen simple ideas on presentation design and delivery . (p. 50). Berkely, CA: Pearson Education DOI: www.newriders.com