We’ve all been there—staring at a PowerPoint slide filled with charts, graphs, and endless bullet points in a meeting, briefing or presentation.
Eyes glaze over, minds drift, and before you know it, there are email checks, blank stares and phone scrolls.
If this sounds familiar, could it be that your audience feels the same way when you deliver presentations?
Traditional, data-heavy presentations are the fast track to losing your audience.
Especially in a virtual setting, where distractions are just a click away, keeping your audience engaged is more challenging than ever.
It’s the pits but I can help!
During Covid I was drafted into a number of organisations to help increase the impact of their virtual communication. I was able to understand exactly what was happening and put together strategies that had dramatic results.
In my latest podcast episode, I dive into five powerful strategies to transform your presentations from boring to brilliant:
1. Storytelling with a purpose: instead of drowning your audience in data, use the Hero’s Journey framework to tell a compelling story.
For example, when presenting quarterly sales figures, turn the data into a narrative that takes your audience on a journey—from challenges to triumphs—making the information more relatable and memorable.
2. Dual Coding Theory: studies show that combining verbal and visual information enhances comprehension.
Don’t just say it, show it. Use visuals that complement your message, making it easier for your audience to remember and act on your information.
3. Rich visuals: replace generic, uninspiring visuals with high-quality, thought-provoking images.
Imagine using a winding mountain path to represent a project’s journey or a lion’s roar to depict a breakthrough moment. Visuals like these make your message stick.
4. Acronyms and metaphors: Simplify complex information with acronyms and metaphors.
For instance, use “CLEAR” to structure your points: Concise, Logical, Engaging, Authentic, and Relevant. Or compare creativity in problem-solving to a key unlocking new doors of opportunity.
5. Beyond the slides: supplement your presentation with handouts, follow-up emails, or online resources and citations.
This approach allows your audience to explore data on their terms without cluttering your slides.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only keep your audience awake but also inspire them to take action.
Listen to the full episode here or watch my video on YouTube to start transforming your presentations today.
Let’s connect! How have you transformed your presentations?
Share your thoughts in the comments, or reach out directly—I’d love to hear from you.
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