PowerPoint with a point: the public speaking technique that works
Posted on December 15, 2010 by Baxter Dickson
PowerPoint, Godsend or work of the devil? It’s a question I get at VoicePro® about once a week. My answer? Like chocolate, video games and shopping, it can be either. Or both. It’s a matter of degree.
If you enjoyed our little video on PowerPoint, you got a look at its dark side. So let’s talk about how to come back to the light.
PowerPoint is not speaker notes with pretty pictures.
I’ve seen way too many speakers who create slides like note cards for their presentation. They mistakenly believe that when people see what they’re also hearing, they’re getting the message through two senses. Actually, it can be just the opposite. People read the words and tune you out. They may miss all your elaboration on the ideas.
Can you harness the visual impact of PowerPoint?
It’s a tool with potential. Could you import a video clip that makes your point? Is there a photograph that captures your idea? If PowerPoint can bring something into the conference room you couldn’t any other way, you’ve got a winner. It’s not as hard to do as you think to master the software.
Less is more.
Three or four points per slide are all anyone can read unless you’re projecting your presentation on the screen of a drive-in movie. Type needs to be large and readable. Sub-point should be kept to a minimum or eliminated altogether. Footnotes and references that sometimes pop up in technical or scientific presentations are useless because they can’t be read.
Fewer slides, more you. Again, it’s tempting to use PowerPoint to illustrate every single point you want to make. Don’t let software steal your thunder. If you’re going to truly communicate and persuade, you need to connect personally with your audience. That starts with eye contact with you.
Whatever you do, face the audience.
When your back is to the audience, you’re losing them. If you need to refer to the points on your slide, have a copy of notes in front of you.
It’s not an agenda. It’s not a leave-behind.
When you hand out a packet of slides at the beginning of a meeting, you’re also handing over your control as a speaker. People have a tendency to look ahead, think they have your full message, and stop paying attention. I’ve also had clients tell me they like to hand out “a deck” after a presentation so attendees have a reference for the presentation. That’s fine, but think of it as a completely different project. A thorough leave-behind contains too much information for a presentation.
The bottom line? You carry the message – not PowerPoint. Need some additional help to let go of the crutch? Wondering what to say when PowerPoint doesn’t do the talking? Take a closer look at Speak! Present! Influence!, and unleash your personal power.
