How do I make my presentations alive and Fresh?

There is a way to break through the wall and establish the direct human connection that is so vital for effective delivery of your message: Customize. Get to know your audience.

Talk Sharp and Snappy as if you are really excited about the topic. Don't over do it or your listeners won't be able to keep up. Think Seth Godin. You don't to cover ALL the content you wanted , it's more important that it is sharp & snappy than comprehensive. People sleep with TOO MUCH GIVEN TOO SLOW!

Direct Reference. Refer to one or more members of your audience by name. If you can, mention a well-known fact or figure about the person or the person’s company or market. “Just before the presentation, I was chatting with Linda whose company has just experienced …”

Mutual Reference. Refer to individuals, companies, or organizations familiar to your audience. “You know what I mean…” "You are probably familiar with" "You know what I mean when I say"


Back-, Forward-, and Cross-Reference. If you are part of a larger agenda with other speakers, refer to preceding or following speakers and their content. “Earlier today, you heard Steve tell you…” or “Later on today, you’ll hear Bill talk about…”

Contemporize. Refer to relevant events in the news on the day of your presentation. “This morning’s Wall Street Journal has an item about…”

Localize. Refer to the venue of your presentation. “Right here in this city, there are a number of companies that …”

Graphics. Display the current date and location on your first slide. Wherever you can, insert the logo or brand identity of a company in the audience.