For years now employees (and students) have been put through countless boring presentations. Why? Ignorance, Fear, Pride? We aren’t here to speculate on such things, but we are here to have a look at some ways that our presentations can be exciting, interesting, and meaningful.

Steve Jobs is a great example of someone who almost always produces a quality presentation, that both excites, and engages us. Here is his March 6th (2008) keynote, if you want to make reference to what I’m talking about. Lets look at some of things that Jobs does to create these presentations.

1. Practice, practice, practice. Practicing is important, one because it gives you a chance to fix any mistakes, and two, because it helps with your confidence.

ref: “Presentation Tips”

2. Tell them where you’re going. In this particular keynote (above) Jobs welcomes everyone, and then explains that there are four things he is going to talk about. It’s important to establish a frame for the presentation so that the people listening feel more comfortable, and to build up their schematic framework around the subject.

3. Make them know this is important. If this is something important enough to talk to your collegues or students about, then it’s important enough to make a big deal of. It’s important enough to put effort into your VOICE and into any other visual aides you might need. If you are talking about how we need to taking a stance against bullying in schools, and you just stand there looking bored while you make your presentation, do you think others will be interested? Of course not!! Why would anyone want to be involved in your team/ cause/ company/ group if it looks boring, and YOU’RE NOT EVEN INTERESTED?!

4. Visuals are the key! Garr Reynolds write’s a great post about this same topic, and talks in great detail about the importance of visuals, using this same keynot presentation. Have a look here.

Using minimal pictures, but ones that clearly illustrate the point, and little to no words really does increase viewer interest and help people to remember what they’re meant to.

5. Make sure it’s relevant. People don’t want to know a million and one statistics that don’t effect them. If all you (convinsingly) tell them is that it will benfit them in some great way, then you’re a step ahead already.

Carmine Gallo, talks about this in her article, “How to Wow ‘Em Like Steve Jobs” the importance of selling the benefits- a very important part of good presentations.

6. Great start, Great finish. When you start your presentation you want to get people’s attention and you want to give them good quality information that will make them realise that the information you’re about to give them is important, and it’s worthy of their attention. Similarly, when someone walks away from your presentation the most prominent thing in their mind will be the end. End with a stong, substancial point, and entusiastic personality, and you will have landed a winner.

Here is a great slide show outlining some key points to remember! And another here.

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