Resolve to make the coming year your best one yet. Do not allow one opportunity to present yourself, your product or service to be missed. How? Follow these simple steps and you’ll be giving presentations that NAIL IT.
1) Write down in one or two sentences the goal of your presentation.
Your best bet to achieving the goal of your message is to write it down at the top of your presentation. Why? Two reasons. First, you’ll get a super clear idea of what the purpose of the presentation is, and second, you’ll use this statement to stay on track as you create your message. If your talking points don’t support your goal, throw them out! This will help you create a presentation that is without distractions or detours, and thus concise.
2) Turn your focus 180°. Put yourself in your audience’s seat. What do they care about? What are they worried about? What are their goals? Once you’ve thought through these questions and found the answers, you’re ready to create a compelling presentation; one that will address what’s important to them. Remember, it’s not about what you want, it’s about helping them get what they want.
3) Give your presentation structure. Think Rule of Threes. An example? Part 1: This is where we are now. Part 2: This is what I’m proposing. Part 3: This is what the future will look like as a result. Think Problem or Goal – Solution – Result. This will help you make your presentation concise as well. Sticking to a structure prevents the kitchen sink from being thrown in.
4) Prove your point. Convince your audience by telling stories or giving examples to prove that what you’re proposing will work. Anyone can say they’re a problem solver; give an example of a time when all hope was lost and then you came to the rescue. If it’s a business idea or initiative, show metrics from other departments or companies for whom your idea brought great things. Again, the model is Problem – Solution – Result. When it’s told in the form of a story three great things happen. First, it sticks; second, it gets retold, third – and most important – it convinces the listener of your argument.
5) PRACTICE OUT LOUD. You won’t know you have the right pieces in the right places unless you practice OUT LOUD. (In your head does not count.) The only way you can be concise, compelling and convincing is if you are confident. And confidence comes from practice.
It’s the start of a New Year; a perfect opportunity to pledge to NAIL every presentation you give. Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll not only be heard, you’ll NAIL IT.