Communicate...and how!

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-j-

things to think about (but also think about the content you are communicating)

A (mostly) great post with some sound advice for better presentations.  Here's my take on it .....
 

Design

At the risk of upsetting all those wonderful Graphic Designers out there, I would recommend going easy on the fancy designs.   They are not essential.  What is essential  is a clear simple strategy with one idea per slide, minimal text, no bullet points (yes I mean it!) and clear simple pictures, graphs and diagrams to illustrate your verbal messages.
 

Content
Developing compelling content is important but try to avoid using a script when you deliver.    reading scripts leads to flat, lifeless delivery and makes it much harder to respond, "on the fly2 to your audience.  Instead use  a few cue cards with key points only or a simple mind map.  Either will keep you on track without restricting your ability to improvise in response to audience reaction.

Story Telling
To true. Stories are much more engaging that lists of facts or endless graphs.  Stories also create emotional engagement which is needed if you want the audience to be motivated to do something after the presentation. 

Humour
Yes it is powerful but it is risky too.   Telling jokes rarely works and can lead to all sorts of problems (poor timing, inappropriate content etc.)  Instead use gentle self deprecating humour.  Be willing to poke a little fun at yourself and the audience will warm to you. 

My take on good presentations:  1) Story 2) Content: Restrain your left brain 3) Design: the experience 4) Humor (optional).  Presenting starts with story and uses the visual design to reinforce and add new dimensions to your message. Design the experience, not the slides. Humor works if it's actually funny--not contrived. I've seen a lot that doesn't. Humor is optional.  If it comes naturally, great.  Focusing on story and image is mandatory.  Use serious restraint with putting words on your slides.  Words are processed by the rational, 'left-brain' which takes your audience out of any emotional experience and into thinking and linear processing.  Take them on a journey, don't give them a lecture.  If you feel compelled to give your audience words, give them a handout when you're done. 

Slides have arrived at PowToon!

De tus amigos de sabatina...

My UG students love this presentation tool!

-j-