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New presentation package uses the power of visual metaphors to get customers to listen and remember
World Class Solutions have just launched a new presentation software package to help business users make their point quickly and effectively. It’s called “Executive Earth” and it’s available from their web site at www.wclass.com ...
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New PowerPoint rival uses 3D animation to slash preparation time
World Class Solutions has just launched a new class of presentation software that combines the advantages of 3D graphics and animation with significantly reduced preparation time. The low-cost package is available from the firm’s web site at www.wclass.com ...
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New presentation software website launched
World Class Solutions has launched a new e-commerce website to support the increasing demand for training and information on presentation skills and for low-cost high-quality presentation software. The site incorporates an on-line store where a new range of presentation packages will be on sale.
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Go to our on line store
Presentation Tips - Hold their attention
Prevent them Drifting
If the audience aren't paying attention they aren't going to understand your message or be convinced by your argument.
If you've ever attend a dull or boring presentation you know the feeling. Your mind starts to drift and soon you're thinking of everything except what the presenter is talking about. As you leave the room you have no recollection of what was said. Could that happen to your audience?
You can't afford to make that mistake. As an effective presenter you can't leave anything to chance. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do about it. Here are three basic "attention" rules to consider when you're preparing your presentation:
- Pick your time
- Keep it short
- Control the environment
Pick your Time
There are certain times of the day that are better than others when trying to hold people's attention. Late afternoon - after a heavy lunch - is not a good time. You should also consider individual circumstances. If a key member of your target audience has just had some bad news try to postpone the presentation for a few days. Your goal is not just to present - it's to persuade.
Keep it Short
My son went to see the latest Pirates of the Caribbean when it first came out. He's a big fan but had a problem with this one. "It was way too long." he complained. Now if Johnny Depp and tons of special effects can't hold a committed fan's attention indefinitely what makes any presenter think they can do better?
The truth is you have a limited time to make your point. If you drag it out you will lose your audience. Don't let anyone persuade you to speak for a second longer than you need to. When we develop a presentation we give our client a time specification for the entire presentation and for each key element.
Control the Environment
Get to the room ahead of time and ask the person in charge to fine-tune the temperature. Try to ensure that it is slightly on the cool side and there is a flow of air through the room. If the room is stuffy ask for the windows to be opened. Check everything - particularly the electronic equipment - well before the start time - then double check.
Presentation Tips - The memory gap
People really have terrible memories. At the start of the last century a German psychologist called Herman Ebbinghaus carried out research into the phenomenon. He developed the "Ebbinghaus forgetting curve" to explain what happens.
The bottom line? We forget about 60% of what we hear after the first hour and 85% within 31 days - and that's when we pay attention. In reality, we probably remember less than 5% of the entire presentation.
Implications for your Presentation
If you want people to remember your presentation you need to take these limitations into account. And you really do want people to remember your presentation - otherwise they can't be convinced by your arguments. So what do you do?
- Keep it simple
- Limit the number of key points
- Repeat your key points
Keep it Simple
Don't try to deliver a complicated message in any presentation. You must simplify and simplify and simplify. Use metaphors to explain the core ideas. Avoid lots of detail. If you have a mixed audience this can be difficult because most of the audience will be satisfied with the simplified version but a few won't be - and these may become vocal. Agree to set up a meeting with those people afterwards to explore the detail.
Limit the Number of Key Points
If you have eight or ten individual points in your presentation you'll lose your audience because their short term memory will be overloaded. I explained this to a senior manager recently and he had major difficulties with it. "But I have double that number of points to get across", he said. "I know, but they won't remember any of them if you present them all", I explained. "Maybe I could just mention them in passing" he muttered. It is difficult to let go.
Repeat your Key Points
You've heard the expression - tell them what you're going to tell them. Tell them. Then tell them what you've told them. That's good advice. Your audience needs a structure to referenced each point you make. They also need a clear idea where you're going. Then they need reasons - justification - for each of your key points. And finally they need to be reminded of the key points before you finished. It may be old advice - but it works.
