The following tips and tricks for giving great presentations are from a breakout session I attended at an ACCE Annual Meeting.
They started out with getting to the point when creating your presentation.
Prepare, brainstorm, focus on your key messages, organize your thoughts into an outline, and create a storyboard.
What are the right questions:
- Why should the audience care?
- Who’s the audience?
- Expectations?
- Motivation?
- Logistics?
Know what the room will look like, the lighting and your equipment. Edit, edit, edit to your core message. Your design should work in concert with your message.
Principles of design:
- Images should reinforce the words;
- Graphics create emotion;
- Less is more, no loud background, use white space to your advantage; and
- Know when to stop!
Other tips on creating you presentation - don’t be afraid to buy a pre-designed template. Use the rule of thirds - derived from photography. Make it easy for people to see wherever they are in the room
Speaking of photography - use original photos and not stock photos. It’s also a great way to get pictures of your members and showcase them in your publications or website.
Infographics are a great way to showcase the message you are wanting to deliver. Canva is a great resource for a plethora of templates.
Delivery tips - Do’s:
- Practice
- Mistakes happen
- Proof
- Length matters
- Don’t hide - get out in front of your audience
Speaking of delivery - stay on message, be sincere, believe in yourself, be authentic, be you!
Good luck in your next presentation!
