Things more exciting than most tech presentations:
Reading error logs
Filing expense reports
Completing annual mandatory training
I know because I'm guilty.
I've put entire rooms to sleep.
Multiple times.
In multiple companies.
With multiple topics.
I used to blame:
Complex tech topics
Dense subject matter
Post-lunch time slots
But here's what changed everything...
5 presentation tips that will (actually) save you from my mistakes - courtesy of my friend Christopher Chin:
1/ Speak to Their Needs, Not Your Wants.
Don't just talk about what interests you.
Focus on their priorities.
Address their pain points.
That's how you make content stick.
(Your expertise means nothing until they care)
2/ Slides Support, You Lead
Your slides aren't the presentation.
You are.
Build your story first.
Add visuals later.
Keep them simple.
Make them reinforce, not replace.
(If your slides can present without you, why are you there?)
3/ Start with a Bang
First 60 seconds are critical.
Hook them early.
Intrigue them.
Surprise them.
Make them lean in.
No slow warm-ups.
(Lose them here, lose them forever)
4/ Think Conversation, Not Presentation
One-way talks kill attention.
Add polls throughout.
Mix in Q&A sessions.
Make it interactive.
Turn monologue into dialogue.
(Every 10 minutes of pure talking costs you at least 20% of your audience)
5/ Finish Strong with Action
Great presentations drive change.
End with clear next steps.
Make the path forward obvious.
Tell them exactly what to do next.
(No action = no impact)
The secret?
Great presentations aren't about talent.
They're about technique.
Learn the technique.
Master the room.
Who else has cleared a room with a presentation? 😴
Do give my good friend Christopher a follow to become a more effective communicator.
