Solutions
Writing a Powerful Presentation
The Write Stuff
Typically, most people think of a presentation as being delivered orally
in front of a group. Yet, a presentation may also come in the form of a
printed document that could be put into a report cover, a presentation
folder or a ring binder.
Presentations often take full advantage of today’s digital technologies, utilising streaming video and other web-based applications to present ideas from one computer screen to another.
No matter what form a presentation takes, the best ones are always well written. Whether it’s a year-end review delivered in a huge room full of corporate executives, a departmental slide show, or a printed quarterly report filled with sales analyses, thoughts must be properly organised and the right words used to present key points clearly and convincingly.
Here are five writing strategies that can make your presentations powerful and impactful:
Presentations often take full advantage of today’s digital technologies, utilising streaming video and other web-based applications to present ideas from one computer screen to another.
No matter what form a presentation takes, the best ones are always well written. Whether it’s a year-end review delivered in a huge room full of corporate executives, a departmental slide show, or a printed quarterly report filled with sales analyses, thoughts must be properly organised and the right words used to present key points clearly and convincingly.
Here are five writing strategies that can make your presentations powerful and impactful:
Open with something interesting
You want to grab your audience right away, hopefully with something they can immediately relate to. One proven technique is to open your presentation with a famous quote that is relevant to your topic. Another is to start with a short and possibly humorous anecdote, perhaps from personal experience. Yet another is to state some startling ‘wow’ facts or ‘did you know’ questions that will seize the audience’s attention and get them thinking.
Use bullets wherever possible
If you are giving an oral presentation, the chances are you will be using slides to complement what you are saying. Do not put long, wordy paragraphs in your slide copy. Instead, use bullet points that act as quick-read reference lists. The same holds true for presentations that are printed, online, or in just about any other form. Avoid long, cumbersome paragraphs that may intimidate readers and cause them to miss the important points you want to convey.
You want to grab your audience right away, hopefully with something they can immediately relate to. One proven technique is to open your presentation with a famous quote that is relevant to your topic. Another is to start with a short and possibly humorous anecdote, perhaps from personal experience. Yet another is to state some startling ‘wow’ facts or ‘did you know’ questions that will seize the audience’s attention and get them thinking.
Use bullets wherever possible
If you are giving an oral presentation, the chances are you will be using slides to complement what you are saying. Do not put long, wordy paragraphs in your slide copy. Instead, use bullet points that act as quick-read reference lists. The same holds true for presentations that are printed, online, or in just about any other form. Avoid long, cumbersome paragraphs that may intimidate readers and cause them to miss the important points you want to convey.
Stay away from jargon
It can be highly tempting to talk ‘shop’ by using words and phrases that may seem very common to you but might not be familiar to your audience. What’s more, the use of jargon or slang may undermine the credibility and/or seriousness of your presentation’s message.
Refer to your theme often
Every good presentation has an overall theme. Perhaps it’s to communicate the marketing opportunities for a new product, or to introduce a new division in your company. Wherever possible, in your writing, remind your audience of the main purpose of the presentation.
Leave your audience with a call to action
Studies have shown that the conclusion of a presentation, more than any other part, is what is remembered most often by an audience. At the end of your presentation, tell them what you want them to do next, i.e. stock up on this new product today and see for yourself how it can improve your sales and profits.
It can be highly tempting to talk ‘shop’ by using words and phrases that may seem very common to you but might not be familiar to your audience. What’s more, the use of jargon or slang may undermine the credibility and/or seriousness of your presentation’s message.
Refer to your theme often
Every good presentation has an overall theme. Perhaps it’s to communicate the marketing opportunities for a new product, or to introduce a new division in your company. Wherever possible, in your writing, remind your audience of the main purpose of the presentation.
Leave your audience with a call to action
Studies have shown that the conclusion of a presentation, more than any other part, is what is remembered most often by an audience. At the end of your presentation, tell them what you want them to do next, i.e. stock up on this new product today and see for yourself how it can improve your sales and profits.
Related Products
Essentials Presentation Binder
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