Okay, okay we hear you!…One last sneak peek before the launch! Chapter 4: It’s Not One Thing, It’s Three Things

Posted August 26, 2012 by Terri Sjodin in Archive, Public Speaking, Sales Presentations, Small Message Big Impact, The Elevator Speech, Training and Development

Q. What’s the one thing I need to know about giving a great presentation?

A. It’s not one thing, it’s three things

We live in a world where people love to find shortcuts. Regardless of what a person might be presenting, pitching, or promoting, I often hear the same phrase followed by the same question: “Terri, I am kinda busy, so can you just tell me really fast—what is the one thing I need to know about giving a great presentation?” My response, which always is the same, goes something like this: “Okay, here’s the one thing you need to know: It’s not just one thing; it’s three things!”

Furthermore, the term “great” is subjective. What one person thinks is great could be merely OK to someone else. So in place of great, let’s go with memorable, impactful, and effective. That said I have found that really outstanding speakers typically meet these three benchmarks:

1. Case—They have built solid persuasive cases, employing clean, logical arguments and evidence to support their messages.

2. Creativity—Their illustrations of the talking points are really creative. They have blended thoughtful analysis and storyboarding to craft intriguing and interesting messages.

3. Delivery—They present their messages in their own authentic voices. There’s no boring professional mode; they aren’t canned Stepford people. Their presentation style is genuine, and people sense the truth in their delivery.

Some people can structure a great case but have a flat, boring delivery and no creativity. They’re one for three. Some people have great creativity and polished delivery but have a weak case. They are two for three. I think you see where I’m heading with this. I try to help people go three for three. Truly memorable, impactful, persuasive, and effective speakers and presenters hit all three benchmarks. They create a solid, persuasive, and engaging case with thought-provoking, creative, and intriguing material and stories to bring the message to life. Finally, they speak in their own authentic voice and are, therefore, believable.

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