Successful leaders need to be able to present well. Notice I said present well rather than present brilliantly. You can be mediocre and still get the result that you want.
The question is are you clear about what it is you want to achieve as a result of making a presentation?
This is key.
If you have clarity about what you are trying to achieve, it’s easier to decide what to include and what to exclude from your presentation.
If you have clarity about what you are trying to achieve, it’s easier to determine what words are going to best get your message across.
If you have clarity about what you are trying to achieve, it’s easier to decide what is going to be the best way to get your message across. Perhaps no slides are needed. Perhaps you need fewer words and more images.
Typically whether a leader or an expert advisor, you presentations will seek to achieve in one or more of the following areas:
• Inform
• Influence
• Educate
• Engage
• Facilitate a discussion, decision or action.
So next time you have to give a presentation, take some quality time to determine what you are trying to achieve.
Duncan Brodie helps professionals develop their soft skills.