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Input 8: Impactful and engaging presentations - Coggle Diagram
Input 8: Impactful and engaging presentations
1. Avoid information overload
Structure Content as a Story
Capture audience interest from start to finish
Use storytelling techniques to maintain engagement
Select Content
Define Objective: Clear, engaging title reflecting goal
Key Claims: 3 main points to support objective
Supporting Evidence: Use relevant stories, examples, or stats
leave out irrelevant stuff
deliver directly or indirectly: informational - direct, persuasive - direct or indirect
Define Objective & Analyze Audience
analyze audience (who they are, what they know, feel, and how to persuade them)
the above guides content choice and structure.
clarify objective
Clear and Accessible Language
Avoid company speak, jargon & abbreviations
explain unfamiliar terms, ensure terminology is audience-friendly
2. Structure & Signposting
Clear Structure
Organize presentation logically
main points (max 3)
preview
effective closing
effective opening
Use opening/closing for impact
Signposting
Guide audience through the presentation
Examples
"I’ll present three techniques: 1. Scheduling priorities, 2. Prioritizing to-do lists, 3. Eating the frog." (Preview)
"Next, let’s look at the first technique..." (Transition/details)
"Now, let's move to the second technique..." (Transition/details)
"Finally, let's wrap up with the third technique..." (Conclusion)
3. Effective Opening
Give Direction by Previewing
Verbal signals
: Outline content & sequence (e.g., "First... Then... Finally...").
Preview slide tips
ELVSS
Use
engaging headings
(e.g., presentation title), not ‘Contents’, ‘Agenda’ or ‘Index’
Limit points
(group ideas into 3 sections, avoid "Introduction" or "Conclusion").
Visualize structure
(to engage the audience). use diagrams, flowcharts, etc instead of just listing
Use
descriptive, meaningful points
that have
SAS
(like message headings) (e.g., "Challenges: increasing costs, dwindling resources" instead of just Challenges).
Use
section slides
(a simple slide with just the title of the next part) or Show a preview slide before each new section to highlight structure
When needed
: For longer presentations or multiple presenters.
Create Motivation (WIIFT)
-
IHH
Highlight
these
MOTIVATORS
upfront.
Hook
the audience ON THESE MOTIVATORS at the outset
Identify
what motivates the audience (new ideas, solutions, benefits).
Arouse Interest with a grabber
Criteria for Grabbers
CACA
Concise
: Keep it brief (max 10 seconds), moving swiftly to the core.
Aligned
with Message Objective: Focus on the presentation's main goal.
Comfortable
for Presenter: Choose an opening style you can confidently deliver. (if not a storyteller dont tell stories)
Audience-Appropriate
: clear, relevant, and not offensive (careful with humor).
Types of Grabbers
QRRASHS
(CRASHES)
Real Question
s: Involve audience with open (with actual answers -might not get any response a all) or closed questions (hand-raising); be ready for unexpected responses.
Rhetorical Questions
: Engage audience with thought-provoking questions; allow time to think.
Quotation
: Relevant, concise quote; interpret and connect to topic.
Samples/Exhibits
: Use physical items to add interest (handouts/brochures/product samples); distribute at the right time (before or after, not during presentation).
Anecdote
: Short, relevant story; ensure smooth transition to topic.
Humor
: Use humor carefully, ensuring it's appropriate and connects to topic.
Surprise
: Surprising stats, facts, images, or controversial claims to grab attention.
Take the Stage
Establish connection with audience.
Wait for
silence
before speaking.
Other
Re-establish credibility: Use rank, goodwill, expertise, image, shared values.
Refer to questions: Specify when to take questions (during or end).
4. Effective closing
Signpost
ending: Use phrases like "To conclude" to alert audience.
Ways
to end:
Summarize
: Briefly repeat key points (no new ideas).
Call to action
: Clearly state what you want them to do (should just be simple things).
Finish on a high
: End with a memorable thought or quote.
End with impact
: Leave audience with something memorable that reinforces objective and thought-provoking.
S.T.A.R
: Something They'll Always Remember.
5. Visuals
Purpose of Slides
Sit-Down Presentations
: Include detailed information for discussion.
Reports
: Serve as executive summaries.
Stand-Up Presentations
: Highlight key points during live delivery
Key Principles
Use Visual Visuals
Use high-quality, relevant photos;
avoid templates/clipart
.
Highlight key numbers visually.
Keep design simple:
few colors, sans-serif fonts, no ‘chartjunk
’ (unnecessary lines, arrows, shapes, shading, borders, icons, and 3D elements.).
Combine
text + images for 65% better recall
.
Ensure visuals pass the
“glance test”
(by Duarte) (grasp in 3 seconds).
‘66’ rule
: an absolute maximum of 6 lines per slide, 6 words per line
Use Animation Sparingly
Use animation to
reveal information gradually
(e.g., complex processes or data).
Avoid overusing to prevent distraction.
Less is More
One key claim
(strong message heading) per slide with minimal content
visuals only too highlight KEY POINTS, U DELIVER DETAILS
Ensure Visibility and Legibility
Ensure all visuals are clear and visible.
Use font sizes of at least 20; larger is better.
Maintain high text-background contrast.
Use simple, relevant photos tied to your message.
6. Nonverbals
Engage Fully
: Be present mentally and physically, take the stage
Conversational Tone
: Speak naturally, not like a script.
Slow & Pause
: Speak slowly, use pauses for impact.
Purposeful Movement
: Avoid distracting movements.
Supportive Gestures
: Use natural hand gestures.(neck to waist)
Slide Use
: Reveal slides after introducing, link what u say to what u show
Eye Contact
: Maintain steady eye contact, avoid the eye dart /copy reader
7. Q&A
Decide on Q&A timing
: during (interactive, may disrupt flow & time management) or after (more control, risks disengagement).
Prepare for questions
: anticipate challenges, have backup slides/info ready.
Use table of contents slide
for quick navigation to backup materials.