Start my presentation without telling the audience who I am. I don't NEED to start with the words 'thanks for inviting me' or by explaining how happy I am to be here. It shouldn't be hard. I've watched hundreds of TED talks and I know what a captivating start to a presentation looks like. I must grab their attention. I must make them like me at the beginning. But I've never done it before. I've never launched right into the presentation. I've always started with a thank you, or a summary of who I am...
“I’m sorry I’m speaking in front of....who?!” I say in shock. (Grammar pedants don't @ me, it's just how I speak). I've found out I'm giving a conference presentation in ONE WEEK and there will be someone Very Important in the audience. How did I end up here...
Have you ever given a presentation that fell flat, Reader? I have. There I was, pouring my heart and soul into a presentation I had worked on for freaking hours. But, as I glanced out at the audience (only for a second because I was trying to remember what I was going to say next), I saw people flicking through their phones. Checking Twitter no doubt. Or that very important work email. Someone had actually nodded off...
We all know the feeling of sitting through a talk that feels generic and uninspiring as though it could have been delivered to ANY audience. Crafting presentations that resonate with your audience is not just about delivering information; it’s about leaving them feeling inspired and connected. Without that connection, a presentation can quickly become a forgettable experience. So, how can you ensure your audience stays engaged and attentive throughout...
Ever heard the phrase “Content is King”? As cliché as it sounds, it still rings true. But do you know what’s better than just being a king (or queen)? Being a king (or queen) with a loyal, high-value audience. Because a kingdom without its people is just…well, lonely land. So, what’s this all about? Here’s your guide to building your audience…
Did you know that an average person’s attention span for a slide is a scant 5 seconds? That’s less time than it takes to sip my tea. In today’s digital landscape, the ability to design compelling slides is a skill every one of us should have. Over the past five years, I’ve mentored over 600 presenters. Their most common concern...