I just posted a video on YouTube called “A Quick Lesson in Effective Presentations.” In 2 minutes and 12 seconds, you’ll learn how you can revolutionize your slide design—and as a result, your presentations.
I’ve been teaching this method, in more detail, of course, for some time and have been so pleased to see the results in people’s presentations. I’ve taught it in webinars, workshops, and private consultations.
Here are a couple of comments I received from half-hour consultations:
“Ellen’s consultation was a huge help! Her answers to my questions about Powerpoint–questions for which I could not find answers in the help files–were very clear. And I appreciated the opportunity to go over an actual presentation with her. She had several very good and easily implemented suggestions. She also got me started on developing pet ideas for a couple of new, animated slides, that will really enhance the presentation. All in roughly half an hour! Thanks Ellen!” – Neil Dickie
“Ellen, I wanted to let you know that your consultation was very helpful. You showed me simple ways to make a presentation more professional and powerful without making me feel foolish. Your experience and knowledge enable you to pull ideas together quickly and put a new slant on getting to and sharing the important kernel of the story. I appreciate your time and help and would recommend you to everyone as your consultation was a great help.” -Marcia Berkey
Start with the video. If you’d like to know more about how I can help you improve your presentations, read the new Training & Consulting page on my website.
Good points here, Ellen!
YOU supply the Text!
Text on the screen doesn’t reinforce your message – it confuses it!
Thanks!
Fred,
Yes, presenters don’t realize that 1) while the audience is reading the text, they’re not listening to the speaker (the brain just can’t do both at the same time), 2) the audience actually finds the presenter’s voice annoying because it’s interfering with them understanding what they’re trying to read (background noise), and 3) when the audience finishes reading and finally does start to listen, they realize that the presenter is speaking about points they’ve already read, which is boring, so they tune out and don’t listen again!
Ellen
Great discussion developing here. This reinforces the power of silence and when combined with Ellen’s suggestions, the delivery can be very powerful. If we take Ellen up on her suggestion to use the Tell n Show method, (and I wish the world would do that!),the audience will take the time to read the simple statement on the slide. During the delivery of the presentation, this is the moment when the presenter should be quiet and let the audience absorb the statement and visual. The moment will be brief because the statement is brief. Then the presenter can begin speaking, elaborate… Read more »
Yes, you’re right that a brief silence while the audience reads works best. The audience will appreciate it, too! (Even the presenter will enjoy that little break from constantly talking!) Thanks for your vote on the video. Please help spread the word about it!
I agree and I practice what I preach. I have created a 45 minute Effective Presentations seminar, which shows audience members how to create and deliver an effective presentation. The presentation has 309 slides and uses about 200 words. When I delver my presentation, there is 100% agreement from audience members that reducing text on slides makes for a much more effective presentations. So, why do we continue to see the majority of speakers clog each slide with too much text? Here are some reasons. 1. Speakers use the text on each slide as a crutch to guide them while… Read more »
Marian, Maybe we should do a joint webinar! Yes, people use the text as a crutch and don’t take the time to prepare properly. And you’re right that good presentations take more time to prepare. But here are the three reasons I think people still use slides with so much text: 1) This is what they saw in school from their professors and what they see now from their colleagues, so they don’t know any better 2) They know their slides don’t work very well, but don’t really know what else to do. When I teach workshops, people are so… Read more »