What we will try in this little post
is to show some ways that you’ll get the most
out of your next presentation
that will really help to bring home the bacon.
If you prefer the content is written out below:
If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to try,
to write out this blog using just rhyme.
I’d like to
cover some interesting ways,
that you can encourage your audience to stay,
fully engaged throughout your next pitch,
or classroom, or seminar, or presentation niche. [American pronunciation – ‘nitch’]
Hyperlinks
The first is to link everything like a web page,
so you jump around without taking an age.
The hyperlink function is your friend here,
that will
have your audience grinning from ear to ear.
Right click an object and choose hyperlink,
you’ll be happily connecting the dots in a blink.
It means you can move from topic to topic,
just by using a simple mouse click.
Another approach is to use the keyboard.
Press the slide number and enter, to easily ford,
to just the right slide that the audience wants,
and you’re guaranteed an excellent response.
The beauty of this is that you can react,
to audience’s
needs – that’s the simple fact.
So they are compelled to follow along.
You’ve done it, you’ve got them, you can’t go wrong.
Sketching
Number two on the list is to try sketching,
imagine the fun that it could bring.
A white board, a flip chart, or slide annotation,
all can be used for presenting perfection.
Don’t be afraid to move away from your
slides,
and make use of the flip chart as an aside,
when your conversation moves from slides you’ve prepared,
you’ll find that the two are beautifully paired.
Create drawings and sketches and all sorts of doodles,
and stand back to watch as the audience marvels.
You’ll have them eating out of your hand,
as long as you’re careful to get it all planned.
Just jumping in and expecting to draw,
can be the start of a serious flaw.
So plan in advance what you’re
likely to do,
think what does your audience most want from you.
The great thing about it is the interaction you get,
when your audience find it’s a useful outlet,
to better discuss their ideas and their thoughts,
it really helps you connect all the dots,
so that both you and they get the big picture,
you’ll be getting along much better together.
One other way to achieve this effect,
is to use PowerPoint to draw straight on your deck.
Control and P gets you
a neat little pen,
to scribble all over your slides now and then.
The nice thing about it is the option to save it,
so you’ve got a great reference for each little bit.
Instant feedback
Instant feedback through polls is another good tool,
to stop all your audience from starting to drool.
Ask them a question, be bold, don’t be shy,
and attention levels will reach a new high.
The simplest way is a simple yes/no.
You just cannot lose, it’s the clear way
to go.
Get their hands up, or shout out, or move into groups,
or even resort to cheering and whoops.
The point of it is that they feel more involved,
and that their interests help your own to evolve.
What you must do is make sure you respond
to the answers they’ve given and you’ll form a bond,
for they now know that you’re interested in what they think,
all your ideas now seamlessly link.
You can make it in depth to get a good feel,
for the thoughts in the
room and that is ideal,
when there’s a small group, or you have the time,
use all sort of quizzes and surveys to climb,
to new heights of insights into your audience’s thoughts,
remember, they’re people, not some kind of robots.
With the valuable info that you’re able to gather,
you’re sure to be on to a nice little winner.
Physical Props
Physical props are an absolute must,
as tactile content is easier to trust,
Give them a product for haptic
sensation,
to play with, explore, and start conversation.
Best let them poke it to see how it functions,
than trying to impress with new fancy slogans.
Another idea is a prop just for you,
to help to enhance the audience’s view.
One thing we use is a great big foam finger,
to point at the screen and act as an anchor,
and help the audience to
focus on what,
is being pointed to by the finger lancet.
It’s just something different, it breaks the routine,
but don’t let it interfere with what you mean.
It’s not about gimmicks, or fads, or distraction,
but to act as a tool, or an aid, or a beacon,
to focus your message and get your points across,
remember, your audience, they are the boss.
So be careful with props that you may choose to bring,
ensure that they add to your bowstring.
Physical interaction
Give your audience some kind of surprise,
is the advice on our list at number five.
One of the best is to interact with your slide,
physically touch it – they’ll all be wide eyed.
A couple of good ones that you could try out
include one from Skittles that is worth a shout.
They put a Skittle in the middle of the screen,
encouraging you to touch that bright, shiny bean,
then out comes a cat that starts licking the spot,
and you just start laughing and losing the plot,
particularly when the cat is replaced,
by a man in a cat suit, mad look on his face.
Well it certainly gets people talking alright
and what’s more they’ll remember it right through the night,
but also the next day, the next month, the next quarter,
your message will last oh so much longer.
Another idea is physically exerting,
but don’t you worry, it won’t end up
hurting.
Encourage a team to build a PowerPoint bridge,
and they’re the foundations of the newly formed image.
Get them to stand just inside the frame,
and everyone watches as they play out the game,
with new bridge slabs coming in from all angles,
they’re supporting a bridge, but it won’t tax their ankles,
because it’s simply projected stones,
but it shows that team work gets you in the zone.
There are many ways to play out this trick,
but it’s all
designed to get memories to stick.
Rhyming
One final tip is to give this a try,
and produce all your content purely in rhyme.
Now, to be a bard,
is not terribly hard,
But if you should try, to present it in verse,
then be warned, because, you’ll have to rehearse.
Every last word is important to know,
and has such an impact on your narrative flow.
Should you succeed, you’ll be star of the show,
and definitely liable to take a [bow].
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