While we provide all types of support and services at Events & Logistics including transportation once your guests arrive in Miami along with teambuilding, entertainment, decor for your event/conference, hotel selection, and assistance in selecting the right venue for your meeting, we realize that for some, presenting at a conference can be a challenge. Whether you’re coming to Miami from New York, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia, we have a few lessons in presentation that every presenter could benefit from, straight from the Gettysburg Address!
Command the audience’s attention immediately with a powerful story, fact, or image.
Include specific details in your presentation that bring it to life and make it unique, details that are targeted to your particular location, event, or the audience. In other words, context is critical when creating your presentation.
Visuals are important. People are more apt to remember your message when parts of your presentation capture the attention of their eyes. Powerful visuals or vivid imagery capture your audience’s attention, and work to help them better understand the message as well. Even in your words, create a vivid image.
We, our, us – not me. Every presentation should appeal to the audience, engage them, include them. Your presentation should not contain the words me, I, mine, etc. but should instead include we, us, and our/ours. Get feedback from your guests, answer their questions, make it about them.
Span time. An effective presentation will include touching on the past, present, and what you desire happens in the future. In Lincoln’s address, he accomplished this in the words, ” . . . we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Keep it brief. Pack a punch in what you do say, but keep it short. No one wants to sit and listen to a presentation that drags on and on – and on. For most presentations, it’s possible to get the message across and make it memorable in 30 minutes or less. Ultimately, you don’t want your listeners contemplating a way to escape, but you do want to leave them wanting more!
Most of all, be yourself. Your message should be authentic and heartfelt, not written by someone else so that the voice the words are presented in do not sound like your own. Let it come purely from yourself in a way that is uniquely your own.
Presentations can be tough, but these tips will help you better communicate with your audience and leave a memorable impression.
Planning a conference, company awards banquet, or other event? Based in Miami, Events & Logistics is a full service destination management company you can trust for all of your needs. Contact us today, and bring your meeting or event down to where the weather is warm and the surroundings beautiful!
