Title: Great Presentations
“Dad, you gotta see this!” My children are regularly showing me the latest quote or video on Pinterest or
YouTube. The excitement in their eyes
mixed with the laughter in their voice compels me to stop whatever I’m doing
and follow. They show me a picture or video and narrate with laughter and
delight waiting to see my reaction. I may laugh or I may respond “Wow, that’s
amazing!” and suddenly we’re on a journey enjoying a moment in time that will
later become a marker or a memory etched in our minds. This scenario plays itself out countless
times in our relationship.
When people give a presentation,
the same process unfolds. Audience members, whether at work, church, a social
gathering, a PTA meeting, or a sports event, are all silently whispering, “Take
me somewhere.” Captive audiences are passengers of your
vehicle. And, the power of a well-prepared presentation transports them from
where they are to where you want them to go. Bad presentations put them asleep
in the backseat; great presentations motivate them to lean forward
eagerly waiting for what’s around the next bend.
It’s a fact: Presentations have the
potential to change a person’s life. It is more than information sharing—it’s
intellectual, emotional, and spiritually transforming!
Think about the great speakers: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and
Jesus Christ. Legends. The latter used illustrations, parables, and everyday life to
articulate lessons designed to challenge, correct, and improve one’s position
in life while inspiring right behaviors. These individuals used words, phrases, and
illustrations to awaken the desires buried in the hearts of those within
earshot.
I listened to a great audio today of
Derek Halpern interviewing Nancy Duarte of Duarte Design. It was deeply insightful and inspiring! Nancy
discussed design, preparation, and structures of memorable presentations. One
of her points deeply resonated with
me (interesting choice of words since I just ordered her book titled Resonate) was something I desire to do when
leading men. She described how great
presentations contrast “what is and what could be.”
I firmly believe, “To be the man
you were always meant to be, you must be willing to leave the man you are today.”
In other words, there is a contrast that requires an intentional engagement of
the listener in the process of transformation and change. In my opinion
(echoing Nancy’s insight) the power lies in inspirational presentations.
We must show the audience their
present state and draw a picture (or give them a tangible example) of where (or
who) they could be IF they implement
what you offer. It may sound like a
great sales pitch but in truth, it is actually much, much more.
Everyone has the power to inspire. Each one of us can reach, teach, and unleash the potential rumbling underneath
the surface of a person’s possibility. Break the barrier of fear, step out and join
forces with others who believe in a better world. Be part of something bigger
than yourself!
Great presentations use passion,
energy, and inspiration to provide hope and promise to listeners stuck in the
death sentence lament of “I guess this is all there is.” But remember, you can never take someone to a
place you’ve never been or on a journey that you’re afraid to pursue.
Check out the Halpern—Duarte
interview at http://socialtriggers.com/how-to-create-great-presentations/
and make the investment and order Duarte’s books at http://www.duarte.com/books/. This
woman rocks.
Legacy is unlimited potential.
Steve
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