5 Things To Consider Before You Hit The Stage

Keynote: Passion Into Profits Conference in NY

Presentations require energy and effort.  This will give you the edge you need in order to rock your audience and give them more than what they expect.

Here are 5 ways to set your next presentation on FIRE that I personally use:

1. Try your best to find out about your audience and the state of mind they are in. This will help you to craft the right message and have the right amount of energy. Think of what your audience is expecting and then surprise them by doing more.
2. Guy Kawasaki 10-20-30 Rule states that a powerpoint slide should have no more than 10 slides, last no longer than 20 minutes and have no text less than 30 point font. It doesn’t matter whether your idea will revolutionize the world, you need to spell out the important nuggets in a few minutes minutes, a couple slides and a several words a slide.
3. Give your audience more than two reasons to invite you back for a repeat performance.  Show them that you are an expert in your field. Show your personality; be open and down to earth. Use humor gracefully and graciously.
4. Take it easy. When it is time for questions and answers consider statements like, “that’s a really good question,” or “I’m glad you asked that.” This will help you to gather your thoughts. These are called “filler responses.”  Filler responses are smooth transitions and are much better than your common um’s and ah’s.
5. Connect with your audience. Get them involved- intellectually, emotionally and maybe physically without over doing it. This allows them to become a part of the performance. (This is what most concert performers do, they get people to sing along, rock and sway, jump and shout. The people feel like they attended one of the best concerts ever because they were a part of the performance.)

* Have a signature opening and closing. You can play music or a movie clip before you start or you can close with an exercise. Be creative.

After you set your presentation on FIRE and the audience is well fed.  Think about what you want to happen next.  What action steps do you want your audience to take away after your presentation?  Stephen Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People stated” begins with the end in mind.” You should know what you want your audience to come away with and this will help you with delivering a power house, on FIRE presentation.

Check out some presentations on TEDx http://www.ted.com/

Looking to create that signature presentation?

Need assistance with adding some creative spice to your presentation?

Maybe you just need help delivering your message and getting yoru point across…Consider attending the Live Activate Intensive (find a city near you) www.activateyourlifeweekend.com

Email me at  lucinda@lucindacross.com