Instant Playbook For Tomorrow’s Presentation

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It’s easy to wait until the last minute. With a crazy-hectic schedule, insane clients and urgent requests…who has time to plan a business presentation in profound detail? Get ahead with 3 bold moves from an expert’s playbook.

 

If it’s the night before your big day, and you just haven’t made time, don’t despair. Just use this short checklist to get ready for public speaking. This is a last minute playbook that is sure to win results.

 

By the way, this checklist is not for the ‘faint at heart.’ Some of the recommendations are here as emergency medicine. After all, you’ve waiting until the final hour. So, your choices have changed.

 

If you don’t like the choices, do them anyway. And then mark some extra time before your next presentation so you can have more options, more possibilities, and more flexibility in your approach.

 

Play 1. Be The Synthesizer

Sit in on everyone else’s presentation. Find two or three best moments from other presenters. Use these to create a ‘formula’ on the spot for your audience.

 

The Formula will be a combination of the best of the best. It may look like: 1 + 1 = Success. Or 1+2+3 = Success. Organize your ideas to highlight themes that resonated with your audience.

 

Result: you’ll provide valuable synthesis for your audience. And you’ll come out looking really smart…not like you waited ‘til the last minute and were unprepared.

 

Play 2. Be The Visualizer

Forget about slides. Opt for a marker and a whiteboard. Sketch out the key ideas of your message. Interact with the audience. Invite questions. Write these questions down. Illustrate the ultimate solution with colorful sketches and key words—while the audience watches.

 

Result: You’ll appeal to the 65-80% of people in your audience who are visual thinkers. You’ll use whole brain problem solving to show-and-tell with poise and creativity. You’ll look great and add terrific value.

 

Play 3. Be The Storyteller

Forget about slides. Ditch the whiteboard too. Just bring in props, demos and physical evidence. Use your evidence to show-and-tell a compelling story. Best bet here: involve the audience. Encourage people to get their hands on everything you’ve brought in to show.

 

Hint: This is a lot like when you went to the beach and brought sand, shovels and shells into your kindergarten class. It may have been a long time ago. But it was a hit, right?

 

Result: You’ll appeal to kinesthetic learners who want to get involved with activities and hands-on learning. You’ll also get people up out of their seats for active experiences and interactive discussion. You’ll be a welcome relief from the boring talking heads.

 

Not too shabby for last minute choices, right? Sure you need to pump up your confidence. Yes, you must take on the challenges of doing something different, even outrageous. That’s how you will stand out as unique.

 

Remember: your team may start to notice if you always pick the same play. But these plays will save you in the final hour from the supreme embarrassment of having to admit that you’ve waited until the final hour to prepare. Hey, now it’s easier to get a good night’s sleep.

 

Want to boost your confidence and give masterful presentations? Go out and use your new plays to win results.