Presenting -Wise before/after the event?
A B(log)ramble: One of the challenges we face when presenting is that we have probably lived with the topic for a long time and have knowledge in depth and breadth (Garr Reynolds has more discussion of this). The challenge for our audiences is they are suffering from information overload- as Melanie McGrath puts it in Motel Nirvana- "information flows into us faster than we can bail it out again as neat packaged theories“. So one of the roles of a good-to-great presenter is to ask "What problem will my presentation help them address? Will it inspire them to act?"
When I am presenting I ask " How can I package my 'neat [and unique] packaged theory' and transfer it in an entertaining way that will enable my audience to actually do something with that information and knowledge afterwards?" Transferring knowledge is an interactive process, so delivering a monologue is not great for ensuring it happens. I exploit a framework of presenting called Beyond Bullet Points created by Cliff Atkinson. You can read about it here, or in the book. In essence Cliff's framework facilitates the rapid design of a seductive presentation, but only if you let go of old habits,,,
Download a pdf of BBP storyboard sketchpad here.
The beauty of this approach is that we, as presenters are forced to confront the setting, or context of our presentation; what is the role of the audience; what has changed to cause us to be concerned (A); where we want to be (our ambition/aspiration) (B); how might we bridge the gap/make the journey between A and B. Key points 1,2,3 (...4), are the enablers for the journey.
The first five slides on the storyboard are setting up the presentation and enables you to align the audience behind your approach to a particular challenge, what we might call introducing the package and capturing their interest.
This picture and the next uploaded on by jsc*. Used with thanks under CC.
The next slides are where you reveal the contents of the package, revealing a key point at a time.
Depending on the time we can just look at each sweet and hear a quick description; more time allows us to sample one in each quadrant; even more time allows us to reveal all that makes each quadrant allowing the tasters to develop a complete experience! Recalling that experience later should have those that have favourably 'bitten' into the experience to come back for more. What we don't want is the disconnection between the audience and the presenter revealed when you ask "How was the chocolate?"
only to receive the reply "We expected a cheeseburger!"
Picture uploaded on by darkpatator. Used with thanks under CC.
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