Look at this picture.
Whatโs happening?
Is this an inspector looking for a defect in a product?
No.
Is this a detective looking for a clue?
Maybe.
Making Your Audience Work Too Hard
This is a picture of my friend Laurie (she gave me permission to use this image). Sheโs using a magnifying glass to read a PowerPoint slide during an online presentation.
For over two decades, I have been suggesting โ OK, asking, begging, and pleading โ speakers to do something. Stop using 8-point font, lengthy sentences, and multi-paragraph documents that audience members canโt read.
Yet, they keep using them in presentations.
And audiences keeping tuning out of those presentations.
Take another look at Laurie and what sheโs doing in the picture.
She’s like a detective because she’s focused on reading the tiny words on a screen.
And sheโs not listening to what the speaker is saying.
He speaks. She reads. And the voice sheโs hearing is the one in her head, reading the words on the screen, but not hearing the speakerโs meaning or intent.
The disconnection from the speakerโs message is complete.
I Wish This Was a Rare Example, But Itโs Not
If youโre creating slides thatย look like thisโฆ.
โฆ hereโs whatโs going on in the minds of your listener.
โWow! Thereโs a lot here. I guess the speaker wants me to read it.โ
โI wish heโd slow down. I canโt keep up.โ
โI wish heโd be quiet for a minute so I can read this.โ
โHeโs talking too fast for me. Should I read this or listen to him?โ
โHe couldโve just sent this in a PDF and saved me the trouble.โ
โThis is boring. I wonder who just texted.โ
This would be funny IF it wasnโt so sad. Every time you speak to an audience it’s a golden opportunity to stand out, create a bond, and earn peopleโs trust.
And most people STILL blow this opportunity. They continue to create visuals that overwhelm, bore, and numb their audiences.
Do You Want to Stand Out?
There are slide rules that can make you a memorable presenter who leaves a lasting impression:
- Only use visuals that support your message. Donโt use a slide to do your talking for you.
- Use pictures, illustrations, and videos. Images are powerful, movement and action are memorable and longer-lasting.
- If you use verbiage, make it no more than a short, single sentence. Forget the old rule of 6 lines with 6 words each per slide. If they have that much verbiage, you’re asking audiences to read.
- You donโt need large amounts of text to remember your talk. You were asked to speak for a reason. You have knowledge or expertise about your topic. Word cues will suffice.
- Nothing will ever take the place of repetition and internalization. Itโs vital that you rehearse your presentation often so that you donโt think about your talk. Practice until it flows out of you.
- Be sure your slides are brain-friendly. Certain color schemes are more attractive. And you should usually place images on the left side of your slide with verbiage and numbers on the right side.
A Better Way to Present Your Visuals
Following these rules, I could replace the verbiage-filled slide above with this one:
One image and two words (Clear Goal). These are all I need to remind me to talk about the importance of a clear finish line in my Main Characterโs story.
Use the above rules when creating and delivering slides. Youโll avoid the confusion that too many speakers create.
Thereโs no mystery to effectively using slides in your speeches, keynotes, or sales presentations. Donโt make your audience choose between reading your presentation and listening to you.
Speaking to an audience is an opportunity for you to shine.ย Donโt force your audience to be detectives. Make it easy for them and you can be the speaker that leaves a meaningful and memorable message.
Take your storytelling skills to a higher levelโฆ
Get the mini-course โKeys to Storytelling Mastery for Speakersโ
For more information and to purchase, visit: https://speakingcpr.com/3-steps-to-story-mastery/