This was the first presentation I watched at the Association for Talent Development (ATD) 2018 conference in San Diego. LaVay Lauter provided instruction on how to better present in training situations.
Lauter shared 10 tips for improving your instruction. However, she noted that everything you do should be intentional even if it’s a mistake. For example, the technology was not working at the conference and she played it off as this was supposed to be happening.
Create Credibility
One of the first tips she shared was to step away from the podium. According to research when you walk away from the podium you are perceived to be more intelligent. She also recommended getting close to the individuals in the room. You’re having a conversation directly with them. Finally, she talked about making friends with people in the room as they’re coming in. This is so that you can talk to your friends during the presentation.
Jump-Start It Dramatically
She offered a number of different strategies and techniques for getting your presentation off to a good start. Some of those ideas include:
- Silent pause
- Using your body to command presence
- Show an impactful video
- Poll the audience
- Tell a story from your perspective. Do it in present tense
- Show a quote
- Begin with the phrase “Research says…”
In the middle of her presentation, Lauter offered what she called profane statements. These were things that you should never say as a presenter.
- I’m new. This is my first time.
- I’m sorry.
- That’s a tough act to follow
- I forgot my handouts, note, laptop, material, etc.
- I am the last thing between you in lunch.
Remember everything is intentional.
Stimulate All Channels
Remember to attend to all the different learning channels to include visual, kinesthetic, and auditory. Lauter offered a number of different strategies for addressing these different channels.
Rule of 1
Perhaps one of the biggest things that I see in instruction is how slide decks are created. We place too many bullets on one slide. Lauter, and I agree with her, said keep the slide simple. Focus only on one thing. Include one key message on each slide. Remember less is more.
This brought up another profane statement.
- I know you can’t see the slides…
Well if you can’t see the slides then they’re pretty worthless. It is important to make sure that all text is 24 point or larger.
Power Up Visual Aids
If you’re using a flip chart make sure that your writing is at least 1 inch or larger. Clipart is out. If you’re going to make an impact you need to use real photos.
She also provided great examples for using props.
Repeat It
Repeat key elements at least three times within a 10 minute period. She said that you should be a broken record. Say it like you’ve never said it before.
Tap Into Emotion
You should pull together one to two-minute personal stories that focus on failure and lessons learned. She talked about Stephen Covey who makes a lot of money for each hour that he presents. Covey would sit down in a chair, lean into the audience, and tell a story that began with “Once Upon a Time”. These are lessons that as presenters you should learn.
Energize
She provided going out and energizing the room to keep people engaged. Here are some of those strategies:
- Walk the four corners of the room
- Change slides at least every 3 to 5 minutes. If you use the Beyond Bullet Point method, you’re changing slides every minute. If you are providing virtual training like a webinar, you should be changing slides every 20 seconds.
- Use strong gestures. Command presence in the room.
- Use music or sound to command attention
- Use a ball. Throw a ball around such as a beach ball to keep the energy up.
- Ask direct questions. Ensure that you use the participant’s name first before asking the question. Lauter talked about a strategy that helps protect dignity. This is by using their name and discussing what they’re going to do and repeat their name a few times until they are totally engaged and ready to answer the question. In other words, no cold calling. You may know someone is not paying attention. Don’t just pounce on them, but warm them up to get them back engage with the class.
Time Your Talk
Referencing TED Talks, you should keep your presentations at least 18 minutes or less.
You should ensure that you have a break every 5 minutes. This is when you move from lecturing to an activity. Ideas to include into this break include showing quotes, have a contest, asked questions, and so forth.
Three Key Messages
Finally, you should only have three key messages in one hour, otherwise, you’re overloading their system.
These were lots of great tips that definitely can help improve a presentation. I will be looking at some of these very specifically as I pull together my next presentation and see how they work.
