A&S Alexander & Seiler

Q: Is it OK to write out my presentation on a pad of paper and use it during my presentation?

A: No! There is too much of a chance to start reading the pages and that is boring. Whenever I see someone read their presentation, I start having an out-of-body experience! It shows your listeners you have not prepared properly and you are not really interested in communicating with the people who are taking time from their busy schedule. Why don't you just make copies for everybody because they have very busy work lives and they can read your "presentation" at their convenience?

At the same time I understand the need for having the information with you. Here is a better option. Make an outline of your presentation including the introduction, all your salient points, evidence/benefits and conclusion. Now transfer that information onto 3 X 5 cards. Keep the message on each card simple. Use little tricks such as little smiley faces to remind you to smile at the appropriate place, draw an eye to remind you of eye contact, a long horizontal line to remind you to pause and use key words and phrases only to trigger your mind on what you want to say, etc. I have seen some very creative 3 X 5 cards to keep the speaker on track.

These cards are easier to handle and certainly quieter than sheets of paper and are easier to keep neat and tidy. (Don't forget to number each card.) From focus groups, listeners like to see 3 X 5 cards. They gave them a sense that the speaker has thought the presentation through and will stay on the topic.

If you will like to discuss this further, please email me: contact@denyseseiler.com

prev | FAQ | next

phone: (616) 204-8305    email: contact@denyseseiler.com