Long and over-complicated presentations are proven to have your audience sleeping in the back row. This is not only an awful experience for the speaker but it’s not the memory you want to leave with your potential client /audience.
Ways to strip your presentation:
- Crucial text only. Quit the clutter (people can’t read and listen at the same time. period)
- No bullets. Avoid Lists
- F*ck the slide count.
- Use an image or visual to tell the story.
- Simple Animation.
- Use the notes.
- Prepare.
Simple right?!
We won’t leave you hanging and we’ll explain what we mean….
Crucial text only. Quit the clutter:
Picture this: you’re at a party, trying to have a conversation with someone while simultaneously reading a book. It’s practically impossible, right? Our brains aren’t wired to fully engage in two different cognitive tasks at once, especially when they involve language processing.
When it comes to presentations, the same principle applies. If your audience is busy trying to read paragraphs of text on your slides while also listening to you speak, they’re likely to miss crucial information or become overwhelmed with cognitive overload. It’s like asking them to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle – sure, it might be entertaining, but it’s not exactly conducive to effective communication.
By keeping your text concise and to the point, you’re respecting the limitations of human cognition and making it easier for your audience to absorb and retain the information you’re sharing. So, ditch the cluttered slides and let your spoken words take center stage, guiding your audience through your message with clarity and ease. They’ll thank you for it, and you’ll leave a lasting impression that’s anything but forgettable!
No bullets. Avoid Lists:
Bullets? There are some much better ways to outline your points. Instead of bombarding your audience with a laundry list of points, paint a vivid picture with images/icons or graphic elements. Take them on a journey through your ideas, weaving a narrative that captivates their attention and leaves them hungry for more. #nomoreboringbullets
F*ck the slide count:
Who needs a slide count anyway? It’s not a competition to see who can cram the most slides into a presentation. Quality over quantity, my friend! Focus on delivering meaningful content rather than trying to hit some arbitrary slide quota.
Your audience won’t feel like there are 100 slides if the content is short and digestible.
Use an image or visual to tell the story:
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? So why waste time with paragraphs of text when you can convey your message with a powerful image or striking visual? Let your graphics do the talking and watch as your audience’s eyes light up with understanding.
There are great free image libraries like Unsplash that can help get you started.
Simple Animation:
Spice up your presentation with a dash of animation, but keep it simple like a sprinkle of seasoning. A subtle fade-in here, a gentle slide there – just enough to add a touch of flair without overwhelming your audience with flashy distractions.
TOO much is a waste of time and you will have someone distracted rather than engaged.
Use the notes:
Your notes are like your secret weapon, your backstage pass to presentation perfection. Use them to remind yourself of key points, to keep your thoughts organized, and to guide you through your presentation with confidence. With your notes by your side, you’ll be unstoppable!
Prepare:
Preparation is the name of the game, my friend. Practice until you know your presentation inside and out, until you could deliver it in your sleep (though maybe not literally). The more prepared you are, the more relaxed and confident you’ll be when it’s showtime.
Remember, a presentation isn’t just about conveying information – it’s about connecting with your audience, inspiring them, and leaving them with something memorable. So strip away the excess, embrace simplicity, and watch as your presentation shines brighter than ever before!