Every year, I present content to several hundred listeners using multimedia tools virtually or face-to-face. I used to put a lot of effort into developing attractive and clear slides before each of my presentations, and yet, at the end of each of my talks, no one has ever come to me and told me that they thought my slides were fabulous! Nor ugly for that matter. I decided to invest less of my time in preparing the slides and here's why.
You see, there is a well-known paradox in the art of public presenting, which goes like this: a good presenter can shine even when using slides that are a little bland, but bright slides won't help a presenter who is a little bland!
Many professionals spend 80% of their time preparing an important presentation on designing and developing slides, while they will devote 20% of their time to making key messages and practicing them.
What if we flipped the percentages? Is this even possible? Let me share the recipe that is the result of 25 years of experience training and coaching presenters:
Let's assume a 10-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer period. Based on the rule of one slide for every minute of presentation, you will prepare 10 slides.
- Spend 30 minutes writing your slides.
- Prepare in writing and practice opening and closing remarks (45 minutes)
- Prepare in writing and practice answers to anticipated questions (45 minutes)
- Practice delivering the entire presentation a minimum of 6 times (60 minutes total)
20% for writing and 80% for items 2, 3, and 4.
When your listeners come to congratulate you at the end of your performance and don't mention your slides, you definitely had the desired impact! Shout out to Mr. Pareto!