As an experienced professional speaker and presentation skills coach, I’ve seen firsthand the powerful effect of a well-crafted presentation and the horror of death by PowerPoint. A well designed brain-friendly talk can inspire, influence, and encourage the audience to action. Here are what I believe are three of the most important elements to focus on if you want your presentation to be clear, memorable, and lead to action.
First things first: if your audience can’t follow, they won’t remember or care enough to act. The brain loves simplicity and clarity. In a world overloaded with information, we filter out complex information to avoid being overwhelmed. This is why the most unforgettable presentations are those that are easy to understand and remember.
The Power of your Core Message: Start by reducing the presentation down to a one, powerful core message. This message should be a simple statement that captures the essence of your talk – the WHY or the SO WHAT.
Use the Rule of Three: The brain finds it pretty easy to hold onto three items. Structure your presentation around three main points to support your core message. This helps makes your message clear and memorable.
A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words: Complicated graphics confuse and distract the brain. Use simple visuals that support your message. The right picture communicates more than a slide full of bullet points or complex information ever could. The brain processes and recalls images far quicker than it does words and numbers.
For presentations to stick, you need to engage your audience emotionally. Human beings seek out connection to feel safe. The brain also remembers and values information that connects on an emotional level. Stories are the best way to form relationship because they activate our right brain which is where our human connection abilities sit.
Narrative Structuring: Build your presentation like a story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This structure is engaging and makes complex information simple and easier to follow.
Tell your Story: Use stories from your own experience or ones your audience can relate to. This not only humanises your presentation but also strengthens the emotional bond with your audience. Remember to include a main character, a situation, climax and resolution.
Interaction is Key: We don’t like being spoken to – we love being involved and participating. Use questions, activities, polls, or interactive visuals to involve your audience actively. When we are engaged it deepens the connection and helps memory retention. Keep it audience appropriate too.
An unforgettable presentation doesn’t just end; it leaves the audience with a clear direction – what to do next. The brain is motivated by clear calls to action (CTAs) — it’s a signal that it’s time to move from passive listening to active participation or change.
Just Tell Me What You Want, What You Really, Really Want: Your CTA should be clear and specific. Tell your audience exactly what you want them to do next. Vagueness = inaction.
Hook the Value – What’s In It For Me (WIIFM): We’re all tuned into the same radio station WIIFM! Link your call to action to the key benefits or values that your audience appreciates most. This personal link makes the action more exciting.
Create a Sense of Urgency: Use language that gets them to take immediate action. The brain is more likely to prioritise tasks that we see as time-sensitive or that need swift action.
Understanding how the brain processes, retains and acts on information changes your presentations from mediocre to unforgettable.
By focusing on simplicity and clarity, engagement and connection, and a compelling call to action, you can ensure your message not only sticks but also motivates your audience to take the next step. Remember, the art of presentation is a mix of powerful delivery and a clear message that resonates on a deep, human level.
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