As promised in my September 15th post, here are some strategies to use when creating the specific kinds of materials you use before, during, and after you speak.
Your Electronic Media
Whether using PowerPoint or video, or simply leading a group through a computer presentation, you are communicating with pages—electronic pages. So all the basic Page ArchitectureTM rules apply. In addition, remember to:
- Summarize the main points, then present them one point per slide.
- Whenever you can, represent your concepts graphically rather than using wordy descriptions. Save those descriptions or lists of details for the handout, or better yet, for the follow-up document(s).
- Keep your connection with the audience members strong. Never read your slides to the audience—it breaks your connection with the audience. More importantly, it’s been proven that trying to read while simultaneously hearing that text read to you, not only interferes with understanding and remembering, but actually induces a mild trance state. So you’ll actually be creating your worst nightmare: a room full of glassy-eyed zombies.
Your Handouts
People will remember your message better and longer if you provide a slightly interactive handout.
- Don’t get carried away with details. Provide space for note-taking, and as you speak ask your audience to jot down the key points or phrases they find relevant. The more senses they engage, the more ways those points or phrases are anchored in their memory.
- Use bold, colored, or a contrasting typeface to make your key points scannable, and therefore easily found and referred back to.
- Include your contact information on each page so people can easily reach back to you after they leave your presentation.
Your Follow-up
If you want people to take action after you speak, provide follow-up material: a report, summary, or email, that contains an overview or details of your message. And don’t forget to include your call to action.
Remember
In all phases of your presentation, whether your pages are electronic or printed, take care not to overwhelm with dense pages, but produce well organized pages that are easy to scan, not too crowded for comfort, and branded to look like a familiar and trusted you.
If your audience is leaning in and actually listening to you, they will better understand your message and remember it longer. People will also be eager to refer back to comfortable and clear handouts and follow-up materials, whether those documents are for reference or simply a useful memory jog.
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