Summary.
Never underestimate the importance of effective communication. It can help you obtain your dream job, attract investors to fund your business concept, or raise your status inside your firm. While there are many good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over.
Here are a few tips for business professionals who desire to progress from good to exceptional speakers: Be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (surprising moments will capture their attention); and rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice a lot).
Have you ever heard of the Dunning-Kruger effect? Simply put, people who are mediocre at particular things frequently believe they are better than they are and, as a result, struggle to learn and progress. Great leaders, on the other hand, are great for a reason: they own their flaws and strive to improve.
The following suggestions are for business professionals who are already comfortable giving presentations—and may even be admired for their abilities—but who want to improve.
- Great presenters use fewer slides — and fewer words.
Great writers and speakers are also great editors. It’s no surprise that some of history’s most remembered speeches are also some of the shortest. The inauguration speech of former US President John F. Kennedy was under 15 minutes.
2. Key takeaway: Keep it short and simple.Great presenters don’t use bullet points.
Bullet points are the least effective technique to convey your message. Consider Steve Jobs, widely regarded as one of the most amazing presenters of his generation. He rarely showed slides that were only text and bullets. Instead, he used photos and text.
One of our greatest assets, according to American molecular researcher John Medina, is our ability to remember images. “We are incredible at remembering pictures,” he states. “Hear a piece of information, and you’ll remember 10% of it three days later.” With a picture, you’ll remember 65% more.”
Key takeaway: Complement text on slides with photos, videos, and images.
3. Great presenters enhance their vocal delivery.
According to a new study led by American professor Jonah Berger, speakers who alter the tempo, tone, and loudness of their voices are more effective.
In summary, the study found that effective persuaders modulate their voice, making them appear more confident in their argument. For example, they may raise their voice to emphasize a critical message or pause after making an essential point.
Simply put, raising and lowering the volume of your voice and switching between a high and low pitch while delivering crucial information will make your presentation more influential, persuasive, and commanding.
Key takeaway: Don’t underestimate the power of your voice to make a positive impression on your audience.
4. Great presenters create “wow” moments.
People do not recall every slide and word of a presentation. They remember specific moments, as Bill Gates demonstrated in his now-famous TED talk in 2009.
While giving a presentation on the efforts of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to reduce the spread of malaria, Gates stated: “Now, malaria is, of course, transmitted by mosquitos. I brought some here just so you could experience this.” And with that, he walked out to the center of the stage, and opened the lid from a small jar containing non-infected mosquitoes.
“We’ll let those roam around the auditorium a little bit.”
This moment was so effective in captivating his audience because it was unexpected. His audience had anticipated a normal PowerPoint presentation, complete with figures and charts.
Key takeaway: Give your audience something extra.
5. Great presenters rehearse.
Most speakers do not rehearse as often as they should. They do, of course, check their slides ahead of time, but they fail to put in the hours of purposeful rehearsal that will allow them to shine.
Canadian writer Malcolm Gladwell popularized the “10,000-hour rule” as a standard for excellence, claiming that 20 hours of practice each week for a decade can turn anyone into a master in their industry. While you don’t have quite that much time to prepare for your next presentation, there’s no doubt that the world’s best presenters have put in the effort to progress from good to exceptional.
Key takeaway: Put in the time to make yourself great.
Conclusion
Never underestimate the importance of effective communication. It can help you obtain your dream job, attract investors to fund your business concept, or raise your status inside your firm.
While there are many good speakers in the world, adopting the above guidelines to improve your talents is the first step toward distinguishing yourself. Stand out by being the one who can consistently provide exceptional results.
