A few months ago, I ran a keynote boot camp. It was a transformative experience for both the participants and me. These women were stepping into uncharted territory, developing their first signature talks for corporate audiences or public events.
For many, the idea of giving a keynote felt intimidating, and one of the challenges we uncovered along the way was the question of how to use slides effectively.
Slides are often misunderstood.
Speakers often fill their slides with text as a safety net, thinking it helps them stay on track.
But this approach often backfires. It distracts the audience, undermines confidence, and disconnects the speaker from their message.
Here’s why slides matter:
- Slides Build Confidence: By using bold visuals as memory anchors, you can focus on storytelling without losing your flow. One participant in the boot camp went from feeling unsure about her talk to delivering a powerful keynote, all because her slides became her ally instead of her crutch.
- Keynotes vs. Presentations: In a keynote, slides should enhance storytelling and evoke emotion. In presentations, they’re more about structuring information for learning. Understanding the difference is crucial.
- Memory Through Design: Minimal text, carefully chosen imagery, and a strong connection to your message can make your talk unforgettable.
In this week’s podcast episode, I dive into what I learned during the boot camp and share actionable advice on designing slides that amplify your message.
Curious about how this could work for you? Listen here: https://podfollow.com/words-that-change-lives.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you confident in how you use slides, or is this an area you’d like to grow? Let’s start a conversation.
Helen
- The doors to my Land and Deliver Boot Camp are now closed, but I heard from my community that some of you prefer one to one support rather than a group programme. I hear you! And I know my premium one to one packages might not suit either.
This is for you if you’ve got the drive and the passion to land a TEDx talk, but you’re feeling stuck, unsure of how to craft your pitch, define your idea, or overcome those lingering doubts. The TEDx Clarity Call is designed to give you complete clarity AND a step-by-step action plan to turn your TEDx dream into reality.
In this 1:1 strategy call, we’ll:
- Clarify your TEDx message: Define your core idea, refine your pitch, and make sure your message resonates with curators and your audience.
- Create your personalised action plan: We’ll break down the exact steps you need to take to find the right TEDx event, craft your perfect pitch, and increase your chances of being selected.
- Address mindset blocks: Whether it’s imposter syndrome, fear of failure, or not knowing where to start, we’ll tackle these head-on and help you move forward with confidence.
By the end of the call, you’ll walk away with:
- A clear, actionable plan that will guide you through the next steps of your TEDx journey.
- The confidence to approach TEDx curators and pitch your idea like a pro.
- Clarity on how to overcome mental roadblocks that may have been slowing you down.
The TEDx Clarity Call is for the person who’s ready to take action now and move from uncertainty to momentum. This call will give you the roadmap you need to make your TEDx dream happen. No more second-guessing. No more “what ifs.” Just a clear path forward and the confidence to get started.
Book your call here
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