Here’s a puzzle for you: How easy is it to get a roomful of people from Point A to Point B without loading them onto a bus? It’s simple when you have a presentation that flows logically from the outset, whether you are delivering a three-slide elevator pitch to a busy executive, or a two-hour seminar in a cavernous hall filled with antsy trade show attendees.
Overall, there are really only four components involved in the successful flow of a presentation. While many optimistically set out to structure their delivery around these pillars, few really succeed when all is said and done. So let’s think about what it takes to deliver your information in the most logical, digestible way possible:
1. Introduction – Give your audience a bit of background on your subject, even if they already have some familiarity with it. As presentations by nature are usually not as in-depth as other information dissemination methods, such as print or the Web, it pays to make sure everyone is on the same page when you begin.
2. Situation - Once the stage has been set, present a meaningful challenge or situation for them to consider. Break it down into specific pain points, and make it something they can relate to. This should be a problem or issue that has not been addressed for them—or addressed well—yet.
3. Solution - Now it’s time to unleash the real value of your presentation. This is where you demystify that challenge or situation, providing a solution, whether complex and innovative or simple and direct, that successfully addresses all of those pain points. Make sure you map out clearly how your solution addresses each issue and improves it—or better yet, makes it go away.
4. Benefits – This is the big payoff. Now that you’ve provided them with “the how,” they need to know “the why.” Outline the benefits that they personally, or their organization as a whole, will receive as a result of your solution. Don’t be shy or vague here; show them quantifiable results and seal the deal!
By designing your presentation to flow logically, you’ll not only have better control of the information your audience receives, you’ll also be confident that you’ve delivered messages that will resonate with them long after your presentation is over.
