Presenting Without Pants

Yes! We meant to title this Presenting without Pants! 

We recently came across an excellent video tutorial on how to give effective presentations. Presentations have always been challenging, but virtual presentations are particularly difficult and the room for error is much smaller. We’ve summarized some of the key points but recommend you watch the video (link below): 

CONTENT:

Whatever you’re presenting, take the job seriously! It’s both critical to have an impact as well as come across polished. Your presentation can either build (or hurt) your personal brand. 

DESIGN:

• Tailor your talk for your audience (keep their level of understanding and vocabulary in mind)

• Start with the headline followed supporting info followed story/example to bring it to life

• Slide design: wide-screen format, dark background/light text, don’t go below 54 point font for headings and 40 point font for text

• Use illustrations as much as possible (people remember pics > words)

• Limit your use of words (5-5-1 rule: no more than 5 lines/slide, 5 words/line, 1 concept/slide) 
  

DELIVERY:

• Practice, practice, practice! 

• Check the IT platform, lighting, setup, and clothing DAYS before the talk.

• Use natural light or soft ring light across your face

• Distance yourself from the camera

• Wear flattering colors and avoid busy prints

• What sticks: nonverbal behavior > voice inflection > vocabulary 

• Tenets of compelling story: brief, understandable, memorable, repeatable

 Click this link to view the full video

Also check out these books on presenting successfully:

How to Wash a Chicken: Mastering the Business Presentation by Tim Calkin

Presentation Zen by Garr