Essential Elements of a Great Presentation

I have a confession to make. I have been guilty of putting people to sleep during my presentations. Unfortunately, not once, but many times. I could blame it on the complexities of tech topics or the dryness of the subject. I could always console myself by saying that at least it's not as sleep-inducing as financial presentations (sorry, my friends in Finance). Deep down, though, I knew that even the most complicated and dry topics could come alive. As with anything, it's a skill and can be improved upon. Thus, I turned to my friend Christopher Chin, Communication Coach for Tech Professionals, for some much-needed advice. He shared these 5 presentation tips guaranteed to leave a lasting impression: 1/ Speak to Their Needs, Not Your Wants Don’t just say what you like talking about or what your audience wants to hear. Say what your audience needs to hear based on their current priorities and pain points: that sets your presentation up to be maximally engaging 2/ Slides Support, You Lead Slides are not the presentation. You are the presentation. Your slides should support your story and act as visual reinforcement rather than as the main star of the show.  Consider holding off on making slides until you have your story clear. That way, you don’t end up making more slides than you need or making slides more verbose than you need 3/ Start with a Bang, Not a Whisper The beginning of a presentation is one of the most nerve-wracking parts for you as the speaker and one of the most attention-critical parts for your audience. If you don’t nail the beginning, there’s a good chance you lose the majority of people. Consider starting with something that intrigues your audience, surprises them, concerns them, or makes them want to learn more. 4/ Think Conversation, Not Presentation One-way presentations where the speaker just talks “at” the audience lead to dips in attention and poorer reception of the material. Consider integrating interactive elements like polls and Q&A throughout a presentation (rather than just at the very end) to make it feel more like a conversation. 5/ Finish Strong with a Clear CTA We go through all the effort of preparing, creating, and delivering a presentation to cause some change in behavior. End with a powerful call to action that reminds your audience why they were in attendance and what they should do as soon as they leave the room. By integrating these, you won't just present; you'll captivate. Say goodbye to snoozing attendees and hello to a gripped audience. 😴 Repost if you've ever accidentally put someone to sleep with a presentation. We've all been there!

Creating effective PowerPoint presentations is an essential skill for administrative professionals. Here are some tips to help you create compelling and professional presentations: 1. Plan Your Presentation Outline Your Content: You can start with a clear presentation outline. Determine the main points you want to cover and the order in which you will present them. Set Clear Objectives: Know what you want to achieve with your presentation. This will guide your content and design choices. 2. Design with Clarity and Simplicity Use Consistent Themes: Choose a professional theme and stick with it throughout the presentation. This creates a cohesive look. Limit Text on Slides: Aim for a maximum of 6 bullet points per slide, with no more than six words per bullet point. This keeps slides easy to read and visually appealing. High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution images and graphics. Avoid pixelated or stretched images. Readable Fonts: Use sans-serif fonts like Arial or Calibri. Ensure the font size is large enough to be read from the back of the room (minimum 24pt for body text). 3. Master the Tools Shortcuts and Tools: Learn keyboard shortcuts for quicker editing. Use tools like SmartArt to create diagrams and infographics. Templates and Slide Masters: Use PowerPoint templates and slide masters to maintain consistency across your presentation. This saves time and ensures uniformity. 4. Effective Use of Data Charts and Graphs: Present data using charts and graphs. Choose the correct type of chart for your data (e.g., pie charts for proportions, line charts for trends). Simplify Data: Don’t overload slides with too much data. Highlight key points and trends. 5. Visual Hierarchy Highlight Important Information: Use font size, bold text, and colors to emphasize key points. Whitespace: Use whitespace to avoid clutter and make slides easier to read. 6. Practice Delivery Rehearse: Practice delivering your presentation multiple times. This helps you become familiar with the content and timing. Feedback: Get feedback from colleagues and make necessary adjustments. 7. Technical Preparedness Check Equipment: Ensure all equipment (projector, computer, etc.) is working before your presentation. Backup: Always have a backup of your presentation on a USB drive or in the cloud. 8. Know Your Audience Tailor Content: Adapt your presentation content and style to suit your audience's knowledge level and interests. Engagement Strategies: Consider how to engage different types of audiences, such as executives, clients, or colleagues. 9. Review and Edit Proofread: Check for spelling and grammar errors. Ensure all information is accurate. Consistency: Review the presentation for consistency in fonts, colors, and slide layouts.

If you want your next presentation to inform, engage, and stick, this is the framework you need….. One of my best reads (A summary) Fact: AI slide generators won’t save you. Powerful slides aren’t about automation. Slides aren’t filler. They’re the frame that holds your message; visually, cognitively, and emotionally. A single slide can speak more powerfully than 10 spoken minutes when done well. ——————————————— ➊ 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 ➜ A slide = one thought. No more. No less. 📌 Break complex ideas into digestible visuals. ➋ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 “𝟭 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲” ➜ If it takes longer than a minute to explain a slide… 📌 It’s doing too much. Cut or split it. ➌ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 ➜ “Results” isn’t a heading. 📌 Try: “This method increases accuracy by 37%.” ➍ 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗹𝘆 ➜ If you won’t speak to it, delete it. 📌 Every extra label is cognitive noise. ➎ 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 ➜ Add references as you build, not at the end. 📌 A polished slide acknowledges others. ➏ 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝘀 ➜ Visuals aren’t decoration; they’re delivery tools. 📌 Avoid text-only slides. Always. ➐ 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 ➜ 6 elements max. 📌 Use white space, bold selectively, and avoid clutter. ➑ 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 ➜ If they hear nothing, can they still see the takeaway? 📌 Assume your viewer is half-tuned in and still make an impact. ➒ 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 = 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 ➜ Your transitions reveal your thinking. 📌 Practicing reveals which slides don’t flow. ➓ 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 ➜ PDFs > animations. Backup slides > failed videos. 📌 Assume something will break and prepare for it. ——————————————— 📍Your slides are not your script. They’re not your paper. They’re your audience’s window into your idea. Make every second of their attention count. 💬 Which slide mistake are you guilty of and ready to fix? ♻️ Repost to help someone transform their next research talk. 📄 Reference: Naegle, K. M. (2021). Ten simple rules for effective presentation slides. PLOS Computational Biology, 17(12): e1009554. #PresentationTips #SlideDesign #AcademicCommunication

📖💡#UnforgettablePresence Insight of the Week: Why is it that subpar business presentations have become an accepted norm? As keynote speaker and founder Richard Mulholland shared with me, if your punctuality was as poor as the average presentation, you’d be fired on the spot. In my latest conversation with Rich Mulholland, a presentation expert and one of my awesome mentors, we dug deep into what makes or breaks a presentation. But — what makes a presentation bad isn’t what you might automatically think. He emphasized that the key to a memorable presentation isn’t just beautiful slides. Tools like Canva have certainly made it easier to create visually stunning content, but that’s not enough. The core issue lies in the structure and content. According to Rich, a presentation needs three critical components: ✅ Good Content – Content that resonates with your audience. ✅ Proper Structure – A framework that makes your message digestible. ✅ Compelling Visuals – Slides that enhance, not overshadow, your message. Rich’s Action Framework is a powerful tool to structure your presentations effectively: 1️⃣ Give them a reason to care If your audience doesn't care about your topic, they won’t listen. 2️⃣ Give them a reason to believe Establish credibility. Why should they trust you? 3️⃣ Tell them what they need to know  Focus on three big takeaways. 4️⃣ Tell them what they need to do Your call to action. What’s the next step? At the end of the day, delivering a great presentation is about making your audience remember your message and, most importantly, inspiring them to take action. 💬 What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to creating presentations? What are some subpar presentation norms that get on your nerves? 😂 How do you ensure your message sticks with your audience? Share your thoughts below! (I share more about how to turn presentations into your superpower in Chapter 7 of my upcoming book.) ************** Do you feel like you’re doing everything right but struggling to reach the next level in your career? In my upcoming book 𝘜𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, I share my personal strategies and lessons from top business leaders to help you build the presence needed to thrive in your career. Sign up for updates and bonuses: lorraineklee.com/book #UnforgettablePresenceBook #BookInsights #UnforgettablePresence

𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 How often have you wondered where the magic begins in crafting a presentation that captivates, informs, and inspires? Consider yourself a chemist concocting a potion to enchant your audience. Let’s dive into the three essential ingredients that transform your presentation from ordinary to extraordinary. 𝟏. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 Think of your content as the primary ingredient of your potion. It’s the essence of what you wish to convey and how you choose to say it. Selecting the right content involves understanding your message and how it fits the needs and expectations of your audience. 𝟐. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 Once you have your main ingredients, it’s time to stir them into a coherent structure. This is your magic formula, the blueprint guiding how you arrange your thoughts. Create a flow that takes your audience on a journey. From the captivating opening to the memorable close, your structure supports and amplifies your message. A good structure makes your content more understandable, impactful, and easier to remember. 𝟑. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲: 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥 When we come to the delivery—your opportunity to captivate the audience and cast the spell. Often, potential clients focus here first. I often hear, “Patricia, I have my presentation; I need help with the delivery.” My reply: “Why perfect a poorly structured and badly scripted presentation? You can’t add flair until you are confident with the substance.” The secret to a truly mesmerizing delivery lies in the groundwork laid by your content and structure. When these elements align, your delivery can flow naturally, allowing you to engage with your audience effortlessly and authentically. As I tell my speech-coaching clients, “Take your personality with you. Show the audience why your friends like you.” Aim to be professional and genuine. 𝟒. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 Ditch the jargon and words that sound too formal. If you don’t use the words at the dinner table or in a team meeting, they don’t belong in your speech. Your presentation should sound conversational. Unlike a conversation, a speech is well thought through in advance and refined to be tighter, more specific, and engaging. Enhance your natural tone, make every word count. Remember, I can help! #presentationskillsexpert #keynotespeaker #publicspeaking #frippvt

On giving your first academic workshop presentation as a PhD student (and leaving a positive impression). This summer, I watched dozens of #phdstudent #presentations. There was substantial variance in the quality, composure, and effectiveness of presenters. Some were cool, composed, and expertly delivered - in part bc some students have been well-coached, in part bc some have industry experience, and in part bc some have deep confidence. Some were messy, fractured, and poorly delivered - in part bc some students had not talked to their advisors, in part bc some students had not practiced, and in part bc some students lack confidence. All of the presentations were on important topics, all of the presenters wanted to receive useful feedback, and none of the presenters' work was dismissed as uninteresting. BUT. The papers with strong presentations received more robust feedback and more encouragement to take the paper to market. AND. The presenters received more questions such as "When will you be on the job market?". WHICH. Is magic to a student and their advisor's ears. So, how do you craft an excellent first presentation? That leaves a positive impression? First, work with your advisor. 1. confirm the topic is good (no advisor wants to be surprised you are presenting). 2. give them at least three looks at the slide deck (this means prepare well in advance). 3. take critical feedback and use it (even when it hurts). Second, focus the audience on you and your words. 1. minimize graphics (people will spend time trying to figure out your figures, pictures, and images and stop listening to you). 2. minimize text (people invest will try to read your slides and not listen to you). 3. moderate your tone and movement (people want some variation in tone and movement - you have to keep it interesting). Third, treat the presentation as if you are briefing executives. 1. Have meaningful summary bullet points (execs rarely read full reports; they form assessments based on bullet points). 2. Demonstrate rigor (execs look for evidence of truth; they form assessments based on summaries of large amounts of data). 3. Have a storyline (execs pay attention if you have a logical narrative). Fourth, my don'ts. 1. Don't attack prior work (focus on articulating opportunities). 2. Don't panic (if you practice, you will be ok). 3. Don't throw up too many statistics (only report the core analysis, you can explain the ancillary analysis verbally). Finally, ask for help. In my world, workshops are about improving your work, conferences are about presenting more polished work. Come prepared with questions you want to ask, about how to improve your work, that way, you get the help that you need. If you work with your advisor, craft a compelling narrative, practice your talk, and solicit feedback, you will leave a lasting positive impression on your audience. #acacdemicpresentations

I once asked my youngest daughter what she thought I did for work, and she said, "You sit on Zoom and give people your opinion all day." While there's more to my day than that, she's not entirely wrong! As you climb the career ladder, your schedule fills with presentations—some inspiring, others not so much. Here’s how to make sure yours stands out when presenting to senior leaders: 1. Be Specific, Not Overly Detailed: You've probably heard, "Keep it high-level for executives; avoid the weeds." True, but don't swing too far into the abstract. Ground your points with concrete facts and data. For instance, instead of saying, "Some code deployments aren't automated and there are opportunities for improvement," try, "Our analysis shows 25% of code deployments require manual effort, particularly in post-change validations and service restarts." 2. Harness the Power of Storytelling: Transform your presentation into a captivating narrative. Stories make data relatable and memorable. Start with a real-world example, like a customer struggling with your current system, highlight the problem and then move on to your solution. 3. Start with the 'Why': Dive into the heart of your proposal by explaining its significance. Why should your audience care? How does it align with their goals? For example, "By automating these processes, we not only boost efficiency but also advance our strategic goal of enhancing customer satisfaction." 4. Foster a Dialogue, Not a Monologue: Remember, communication is a two-way street. Anticipate your audience's reactions and be ready to engage. Hit your key points swiftly, avoid over-explaining, and focus on insights that empower decision-making. After presenting, ask questions to invite discussion. These strategies can help you tie together facts, emotions, and strategic insights, making your message not just heard, but remembered and acted upon. #presentationtips #careertips #careeradvice

You’ve heard the advice, “Use stories in your presentations because people respond to stories!” Great advice. BUT… Your story won’t grab your audience’s attention and communicate your message unless it has these 6 elements. In fact, it could even have the opposite effect! Every story you use as the foundation of your high-stakes presentations needs to have: 1. A logical structure. A story needs a beginning, middle, and end with clear turning points between each section. Don't just jump between ideas randomly. Map your presentation flow on paper first so you can physically move sections around. The most persuasive structure builds toward your most important point. 2. An Emotional structure. In the middle of your story, create a rise of conflict where tension builds. This might be when your audience realizes their current approach isn't working or market conditions are changing rapidly. Plan moments where this tension rises before providing a cathartic resolve. Your audience will stay engaged through this emotional journey from tension to resolution. 3. A clear goal. The protagonist in your story must have something they're seeking–an objective that drives the narrative forward. In your presentation, position your audience as the hero pursuing something important. Whether it's reconciliation of different viewpoints or finding the solution to a pressing problem, make sure this goal is crystal clear. 4. Meaningful conflict. Every story needs the hero to face obstacles. This conflict might be with themselves, with others, with technology, or even with nature.  When preparing your presentation, identify what's standing in the way of progress. Is it internal resistance? Market challenges? Technical limitations? Acknowledging these conflicts shows you understand the real situation. 5. A resolution. Every narrative needs to resolve the conflict, though resolution doesn't always mean a happy ending. It could end positively (comedy), negatively (tragedy), or be inconclusive, requiring your audience to take action to determine the outcome. For business presentations, this inconclusive ending can be particularly effective as it prompts decision and action. 6. A lesson worth learning. While rarely stated explicitly (except in fairy tales), every story teaches something. Your presentation should leave your audience with a clear takeaway about what approaches to emulate or avoid. The quality of your story often determines the quality of your high-stakes presentations. Take time to really think through the stories you’re using. Hand-selecting the best ones will help you leave a lasting impact on your audience. #Presentation #StorytellingInBusiness #PresentationSkills

Most people think great insights make great presentations. Researchers proved otherwise: 60–65% of all communicative meaning is conveyed nonverbally. The 8 delivery micro-behaviors that create instant authority: 1. Purposeful Leans When you lean in, you're in a "ready position." This cues people to know something important is coming." Try this right now: Lean forward slightly. Feel how your energy changes? That's what your audience feels, too. Tony Robbins does this frequently. He leans in on his most critical points, making audiences feel like they're getting insider secrets. ____ 2. Facial Expressiveness Even brilliant ideas sound dull when delivered without expression. So, let your face underline what your words say. This doesn't mean constant smiling. It means matching your expression to your message: seriousness for serious topics, excitement for exciting news. ____ 3. Dynamic Hand Gestures Nervous speakers pin their arms to their sides or hide their hands. Captivating speakers use purposeful gestures that help listeners understand. Examples: • Big idea = expansive gestures • Small problem = pinched fingers • Three points = counting on fingers • From the heart = hand on chest Why it works: Gestures reduce cognitive load for listeners AND make you more fluent as a speaker. ____ 4. Broad Body Posture Defeated people make themselves small—chin down, shoulders rolled in. Confident speakers claim their space: broad shoulders, relaxed neck, and chest open. The magic measurement: Distance between your earlobes and shoulders. The greater the distance, the more confident you appear. ____ 5. Mutual Laughter If someone laughs or smiles, join them. Mirroring positive emotion builds instant connection (and makes you more likable). ____ 6. Strategic Eye Contact No need to stare people down (that’s creepy). But land your key point while making eye contact to drive the message home and build trust. Here’s how: Look around while thinking/storytelling → deliver the final point with direct eye contact → pause for impact. ____ 7. The Eyebrow Flash Universally, raised eyebrows signal interest and curiosity. Use it when sharing insight or when listening to show curiosity and warmth. ____ 8. Make a Grand Entrance Don’t stroll in lost. Walk with purpose. Know where you’re headed. And if you’re greeting someone? Try a double-clasp handshake. It increases the connection hormone (oxytocin). Small tweaks in your delivery like these can make the difference between being ignored… or remembered.

I’ve spent the past few weeks working with a group of speakers preparing for a large corporate event, and I keep seeing the same 5 pitfalls. It felt right to share here on LinkedIn, because it’s relevant for anyone pitching a client, presenting to your team, or speaking on a stage: 1. Resist the urge to lead with an intro, "Hi, my name is." Start with a strong hook - a question, a statement that announces the problem you’re about to solve, instead of leading by introducing yourself. And let’s please stop going around with some “hot start” where your entire team gives intros in a cheeky way for a new business pitch or client presentation. Just introduce yourself before you’re about to speak and then go into what problem you’ll be solving for the client if they hire you. 2. Establish the stakes. Why is the work you’re doing so important? What would happen if you didn’t do it? What are the stakes of the problem or challenge you’re outlining? 3. Tell a personal story. If you can take a personal story (yours, a customers, someone your work impacted) and thread it through the talk or presentation, everyone in the room will walk away remembering some part of that person’s journey. They’ll visualize the person, they’ll develop an emotional connection to them, and they’ll remember your talk long after it’s over. 4. Practice your steps and hand gestures. Choreography is a big part of presenting, and far too many people focus only on the words they’re saying. I am someone who speaks with my hands, which can be distracting on stage. That’s why when I’m preparing for a talk, I run through how I will walk around on the stage and when I will stop to make a point. Ask me about the triangle method I learned while prepping for my TEDx talk! Be aware of your body but not too self conscious of it. Move your hands so they add emphasis but don’t distract. Record yourself walking around your office or living room rehearsing, even if it makes you cringe. This will help you make any necessary adjustments as you go. 5. Focus on ONE message. Be clear on the one major takeaway you want people to remember after you leave the stage, the room, the meeting. Don’t muddle your message or try to communicate too many things in too little time. Keep going back to your one main thing. Repeat it if you have to. Make your point, and don’t dilute the point with tangents or unnecessary details. Restate your point in closing. What else makes or breaks a great presentation? I’d love to hear your best advice!