It’s often misconceived that if you fail in getting the attention of your audience during a presentation, it’s the slideshow’s fault. Or worse, that it’s the PowerPoint application’s fault. Well, I’m going to tell you that if something fails, most often it’s your fault… And I’m going to show you just how you can avoid that from happening.
Breakdown Of A Slideshow Presentation
First, let’s put things into its proper perspective. There are generally three main elements in any presentation – the visual element (slideshow, projector, overall room brightness, etc.), the aural element (your voice, microphone, speakers, overall soundproofing of the room, ambient random noise, etc.), and last but certainly not least, the presenter himself/herself.
While the technical aspects of the presentation do play an important role in creating a conducive mood and enhance the reception of the message by your audience. No doubt about that, but never forget that the main star of the show is the presenter – you… You can’t run a slideshow on its own (like a silent movie). And you most certainly can’t run it an audio recording of the presentation either. But you most certainly can go on stage without any audio or visual aid, and still make a pretty good presentation.
How To NOT Screw Up Your Slideshow
Look good, feel good, and you’ll win half the battle already. The other half is having done your homework about your presentation. What turns people off the most is hearing a presenter go on stage, and start the presentation by apologising for not having prepared for it, or worse, blame it on the lack of time. This shows that you have no respect to your audience and yourself.
As for looking good, no, you do not need to dress up in business formal just to deliver the presentation (though it does help, and it shows that you’re well prepared, and that you take your time on stage very seriously). Looking good can also mean that you dress and look the part of the topic that you’re presenting. Maybe it’s a uniform look? Maybe you’re dressing to a role in your presentation? Whatever it is, either you dress up to the nines, or dress up to look the part of your presentation.
And finally, always remember the salesman’s golden rule – You have to, first and foremost, sell yourself. When you achieve that, then you sell the organisation that you and your product represent (your brand). Only after you succeed in selling these two, can you finally sell your product.
So now you know why you it’s not your PowerPoint slideshow, or anything else for the matter. It has always been, and will always be, all about how you present yourself.
