And you don’t have to think of it as scary either. In fact, presentations should be fun and exciting -- if you’re doing them correctly. That means properly preparing, identifying your purpose, creating visuals and telling a story.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
How to Give a Killer Presentation (Infographic)
And you don’t have to think of it as scary either. In fact, presentations should be fun and exciting -- if you’re doing them correctly. That means properly preparing, identifying your purpose, creating visuals and telling a story.
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Currently I am enrolled in the class Entrepreneurship for the Creative Industries. In this class we are beginning to explore that bones of business in creative fields such as product design, theatre, music and fashion. As our first lesson we were taught about ad-lib presentations and napkin sketches. From that exercise along with previous personal experience, I can promise you that presentation value is a key in determining the overall value of your business to others. The first time anyone will be introduced to you or your ideas is when you first pitch those ideas to them. This infographic teaches in a fun, concise and accurate way all the aspects of a killer presentation. Honestly if one's presentation is as clear and intriguing as this article then they are doing an amazing job! This webpage has already been saved to my favorites for future use in entrepreneurship class, along with furthering my career down the road!
One of my biggest weakness is my ability to speak in front of a crowd. For as long as I can remember I have never liked being put in front of a group and talking. Last semester I was asked to speak on a topic that I was given with a 2 minute time restriction and to do so without using reference cards. As soon as I got to the front of the class it was almost like someone took a vacuum to the side of my head and sucked every bit of knowledge out, I couldn’t event tell you my name. So for an article to say it’s as easy as 1,2,3 is very unrealistic for me. Don’t get me wrong I think there are plenty of tips that can be given but to say that everyone is the same is a sweeping generalization. The way that I found to give an effect presentation was to relate it to something that I was really passionate about with the hope to engage the audience. I am not saying that is going to work for everyone but it is a jumping off point. And I will just say that if I was listening to a presentation with the structure talked about in this article I would be wishing I brought my pillow.
I wouldn’t necessarily say that I have a big fear of public speak. I was an actor for most of my life elementary, middle school, and high school life, so big crowds never really bothered me. I would say that it is the beginning of presentation, the first few steps you take, the first breath you begin with, that frightens me. After that, it doesn’t become easy, but more like automatic, you have to say something because you are in front of a bunch of people who are expecting words to come out, so you kind of just have to. Another thing that doesn’t really help me is my almost resistance to practice for a speech. I mean I will get it ready, know what I want to talk about, the points I want to make, but actual doing a pre-speech beforehand (specifically talk about speeches you can’t write out beforehand), I have trouble with. I took a public speech class in high school, which we did many impromptu speeches, which was supposed to help us with our spontaneity and developing our quick organizational skills. We didn’t do many pre-written speeches unless it was written by someone else. I’m afraid that my default is to, in simple terms, ‘wing it’, and, as I believe some of my teachers can attest to this, is more of a detriment than an advantage when it comes to class speeches. It is something I need and intend on for the future, because as I’m sure I will need to develop better skills for my future career.
This article does a great job at giving thorough tips for a presentation in a really appealing format. Whether you are a seasoned pro or claim to have stage fright, there is always that moment of a presentation when you get up to the front and turn to see everyone staring at you. This is not the most comfortable situation for everyone, but learning tips like these can help you become more comfortable speaking in front of these people. Instead of just freezing, you will have tools that you can use to insure a good presentation. I really like how this article identifies that the the most important part of preparing for a presentation is to first identify the message you want to leave with your audience. This certainly changes the way in which you want to present the information that you have collected. The other tips mentioned having to do with preparing and delivering your speech are great steps after the fact of deciding your message. Overall i think this article puts into simple terms that preparing for a speech you are passionate about will help you to succeed in your presentation.
I think this was a great article that will be very helpful for beginners or even good reminders to those who are experienced with presentations but looking for helpful tips. One of the biggest things I liked about the article was the idea of writing your main points on sticky notes and then reviewing them. This seems like a great way to ensure you are saying everything you want to while also supporting your main idea. It reminds me of a bubble diagram of sorts. I also really liked how the graphic levels with you first and foremost. "75% of people have anxiety about presentations" is a good fact. I have been doing pitches to School Administrators about FIRST Robotics for several years now. The pitch hardly changes and it is basically a monologue, but every time I get nervous (and my right knee gets a little shaky). It is nice that this article levels with you about the frank fact of everyone is nervous. Rehearse it so you've got it and just push on through. The butterflies always go away after awhile. It reminds me of my favorite George W. Jenkis quote: "Begin, and the rest is easy."
When people are asked what they think the most common fear in the world is, many respond with: spiders, heights, or maybe the dark. However what few understand is that Glossophobia, otherwise known as the fear of public speaking is the fear that grips vast numbers of people. Had i not known that tidbit, i probably would have started this paragraph with “boy, i do not like public speaking” and i would likely not be alone in thinking that. I really liked that this article confronted that right up front, because no matter how many tips and tricks you give someone, if they don't think they have the confidence to speak in front of a crowd, it likely won't go over well. I also like that the article advises finding the main message you wish to impart while preparing for your presentation, because i know personally if i get flustered, i will start to talk faster and faster and ramble until i am farther away from my original point than a sloth from the 500 yard olympic gold. In other words, keeping a cool head and remembering your original point is going to make presentations much less stressful. I would recommend this article to anyone who has a fear of public speaking, or anyone who has to speak in front of crowds often.
I always like these kinds of things because I tend to ramble, go over time, and miss the message when presenting. It isn’t rooted so much in anxiety or under preparation, but rather revelations on the spot or tangential arguments I’ve been rolling around in my head while others present.
There’s nothing revolutionary about this infographic but it has some good reminders to speak like you write. Have a strong argument and build off that with your evidence.
I also love that they are encouraging visuals because there’s nothing I hate more than when I’m sitting in a boring lecture and all the professor has is black and white words and quotations that repeat exactly what they’re saying.
The statistic about the audience only remembering 25% of what they hear in a speech was shocking. I want to know how that statistic was found because it seems completely dependent upon how the audiences chose to participate (taking notes, etc.) and what type of information as being presented.
I think it is interesting how much prep time this article seems to allow for a presentation. I know that whenever I have to complete a presentation I wouldn’t have nearly as much time to prepare as described in the article. I also find it interesting how much the article is geared towards using Prezi. Even though it is only directly mentioned once, the lack of guidance to utilize some of powerpoint’s — or any of its equivilants’ — features which would take place of some of the recommended strategies. The only reason I bring this up is that those features are not available in Prezi. I think while Prezi is a “cool new thing,” nothing can beat a good old Powerpoint presentation with some trashy effects. I think the rest of this article is very well done. The only thing — which I am guessing is beyond the audience that they are trying to reach — is to mention the effects of turning your head to look at your whole audience when you have a microphone. Bad things can come of that.
This is a really helpful info graphic. I find that i used to be able to give much better presentations than i do presently. After some thought i have come to realize that most of it is psyching myself up to the presentation. Something that i think is important to also focus on when giving a presentation. Not in the sense that you dont think about the presentation but relaxing and working until the presentation becomes natural to you so you can present it in that natural sate. When focusing on the presentation rather than what you want to present it is easy to lose your main points. so as the article pointed out giving your main points at the beginning and end of the your presentation makes it easier for your audience to remember those points. the other suggestion of using post it notes is one that i have used and i find extremely helpful.
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