Step one, as Tony Robbins would say: “Know the people in the room”

What you can do to “Wow” your audience when presenting

Presentations have the power to engage and inspire an audience, get them excited about a project or product, and help them understand complex information. But how do you ensure that your presentation stands out from the crowd and “wows” the audience?

Here are some tips for creating an engaging and memorable presentation that will have your audience talking.

Tell a Story

People are hard–wired to respond to stories. Use narrative to draw your audience in and keep them engaged. Start off with a strong opener that will intrigue viewers, and move on to tell a story that has a relatable arc. It can be useful to think of your talk as a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Using storytelling in presentations can evoke emotions like trust and kindness. This motivates your audience to listen more closely and increases their likeliness to agree with your ideas.

Create a Visual Impact

Your visuals should be used to reinforce your message and make the presentation more interesting. Avoid text heavy slides, which can be too overwhelming for the audience. Instead, focus on using visuals that capture the eye and communicate your message in a more succinct way. Use images, diagrams, charts and graphs to help explain complex concepts, and incorporate animation to add that extra “wow” factor.

Practice, Practice, Practice

It is essential that you practice and rehearse your presentation. Even the most experienced speakers go through the rehearsal process, and practice is one of the best ways to boost your confidence. Time yourself and practice in front of a mirror, or in front of a small audience of people you know. You can also use recording technology to get an accurate idea of how the presentation will actually sound.

“You never want to be in a situation where you don’t know what you’re talking about. Rehearsing and practicing should help you get to that point.” – Tina Seelig, Stanford Professor

Engage the Audience

Engaging your audience is key to a successful presentation. Ask questions, conduct polls or surveys, or use other interactive methods to get the audience involved. Not only will this keep the audience focused, but it will also give you a better sense of how well your message is being received.

Be Authentic

Be passionate and passionate about your content and share your enthusiasm with the audience. Show them that your presentation is more than just words on a page, and that you truly believe in the topic. Let your personality shine through, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. It’s ok to make mistakes, and your audience will likely find it more relatable and engaging.

“Show your audience that you’re human, and that you’re taking risks. That will help them be more engaged in the presentation.” – Shane Snow, Author

Creating a great presentation takes time, effort and practice. But it can be done. Focus on building a connection with the audience and make sure they feel heard and respected. Lastly, practice your presentation beforehand, so you can present with ease and confidence. By taking these steps, you are sure to leave a lasting impression on your audience and wow them with your presentation.

References:

McKee, R. (n.d.). Storytelling Quotes. Retrieved from https://www.storylabs.net/storytelling-quotes/

Seelig, T. (T. Seelig, Ed.). (2018, May 4). How to Rehearse Your Presentation. Retrieved from https://insight.stanford.edu/blog/how-to-rehearse-your-presentation Snow, S. (n.d.).

How To Make a Presentation Interesting. Retrieved from https://www.shanesnow.com/how-to-make-a-presentation-interesting/