subject: 4 Easy Steps To High Impact Presenting [print this page] Back in 7th grade, I learned a secret of high-impact presenting. The power of information layering. While tools and times have changed, the power of layers has stayed true. Heres how it works.
People like to see the big picture first.
Simple, really. But, not necessarily commonly used. Just hold on a second. Think back to the last few presentations youve seen recently. Not too many presenters reveal the big picture up front.
Heres why. Many presenters think they achieve this with a linear overview. They provide a point-by-point agenda. They toss up an overview slidebut then scurry off to dive deep into data.
Ever wonder why?
Mostly, presenters are anxious to show what they know. When I coach executives and subject matter experts, this shows up. Smart people are eager to share expertise and make a difference. But in a flurry of fresh exuberance, it is easy to forget a single fact:
Your audience has not seen your information before. This is their first time.
Yesterday, I watched an expert presenter do exactly this. His exact words: I guess Im much more familiar with my data than you are.
That hit the nail on the head. No kidding. He seemed well-versed in his information. And his presentation was packed with insider lingo, jargon, acronyms and fancy-sounding words.
But heres the real reason I recognized this off the bat. Let me be the first to confess. Straight up. Ive done the exact same thing. When youre a passionate person, its easy to get carried away with your topic.
Which is why, I want you to steer clear of this mistake. Use the power of layeringjust follow these simple steps to make a powerful impact.
Step 1. Show The Big Why
Its remarkably easy to assume that your audience knows why your information is so valuable. Burn this mantra in your mind: dont assume.
State your big why. And do this first. Lots of presenters lose their audiences because they hold off on the why. Instead, they show how, what and when first. Then, as dessert, they offer the why.
This is inherently backwards.
But dont take my word for it. Give it a shot. Then, see how quickly you win attention.
Step 2. Announce Whats Coming
After your big overview, show whats coming next. Think of this as being a tour guide, facilitating your audiences experience. Hint: resist the desire to dive deep into every detail.
Remember: this is the first time your audience is seeing your presentation. Explain whats coming.
Step 3. Reveal The Next Layer
Now, reveal what is at the next layer.
As I mentioned, I did this in a 7th grade school presentation. In my report, I showed a map of Ireland using transparencies. Remember those? Clear sheets of acetate to show different layers of information. I drew a picture of locations of different industries on each layer. Taken as one picture, it was easy to see a complex map comprised of layers of information.
Funny how as a child, you understand something like this intuitivelyand it still works.
Step 4. Recap and Underscore
After youve done the first three steps, pause. Recap what youve shown. Underscore the key concept. As with the other steps, many executives forget to do this. It almost seems too simplistic or slow. But its not.
Instead of being remedial, its highly effective. Viewers have time to digest the information.
The next time you give a presentation, follow these 4 steps. You wont leave your audience behind in the dust. Instead, everyone will understand the big picture and stay with you every step of the way.
