The challenge in improving presentations is significant. This is due to a multitude of reasons. One of the fundamental issues though is the supportive media (p2) and addressing the very purpose of this may allow presenters a starting point for change. Consider exactly the single purpose of the slide set.
As discussed in many posts the p2 is used for a multitude of purposes; supportive media, illustration, distraction, script, handout, added detail, and conformity to name but a few. Mostly presenters view the p2 as a combination of all of the above. Identifying a single purpose may clarify the nature of its construction and use.
Many presenters view the p2 as their script, knowingly or otherwise. Its construction therefore maps the progress of the presentation, the timing and the delivery. The detail is a reflection of the speaker’s confidence in delivery (p3) of the topic. The translation of written thought into bulletpoints however limits almost entirely the ability to engage the audience.
Many presenters view the p2 as the handout, knowingly or otherwise. Its construction includes therefore the entire dataset of the piece and is a reflection of the speaker’s understanding of what data should be transferred and retained by the end of the piece. The translation of this into bulletpoints however limits almost entirely the ability to engage with the audience.
Many audiences view the p2 as both a handout and an alternative to listening to the speaker. Their attention is focused upon recording the data set rather than listening to the speaker and is a reflection of their belief that all the required information is contained within the slide set. This however limits almost entirely their ability to engage with the speaker.
If the presenter makes a conscious decision that the supportive media (p2) is purely designed to support the message (p1) in its delivery p3 this will change everything. The slide set can then be designed purely to support the message. A handout can be designed to be read after the piece and annoyed and investigated as appropriate. The script can become more fluid. The audience, secure that their data download is available can turn their attention to the presentation and its delivery. There is no limit to their ability to engage with the speaker.
If the presenter recognises the single purpose of the supportive media (p2) at its construction and makes appropriate comment at the outset of the presentation, this will significantly improve presentations and their overall p cubed value.
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