Presentation maths highlights how all the elements in a presentation have a impact in the value of a presentation, as perceived by the audience. The p cubed concept is a descriptive idea of the interaction of component parts of a presentation. The presentation message (p1), the presentation media (p2), and the presentation delivery (p3) each influences the impact of the other and the overall value. This must be the product, not the sum of these parts, hence p cubed presentations. The presentation maths would suggest that small changes result in significant, perceived improvement.
The value of a presentation is not in the mind of the presenter but the experience of individual audience members. For each factor, there are established audience based issues that cannot be changed by the presenter such as previous knowledge, deeper understanding or even language barriers. The presenter must ensure their message is appropriate, clear and memorable and this will maximise the value of the message (p1).
The supportive media (p2) similarly arrives in the milieu of established audience issues that cannot easily be changed. The perception that the media should read like a document, contain subscript references or complex data tables is established in poor academic practice. As such, application of scientific principles in the construction of appropriate media may not be as well received by some as by others. The presenter should ensure their media is appropriately constructed. Its reception is, as for all factors, in the perception of the individual audience members.
The delivery of a presentation (p3) is an essential part of every presentation and must be maximised. Multiple factors can influence the perceived value of the whole piece and should be addressed in stage craft, oratory and choreography as well as lesser issues that some audience members may be unduly and adversely influenced by such as attire, stage lighting or even cultural biases. What constitutes excellent delivery (p3) is in the perception of individual audience members and ultimately affects presentation maths as much as message (p1) and media(p2).
What makes a great presentation is in the perception of individual audience members. There are issues that the presenter can and should influence and there are unknowns that cannot be changed. Presentation maths shows that the good presenter should maximise each part of their presentation.