The art of presenting

Nobody is born a Cicero

At some point in life, everyone faces the challenge of delivering an oral presentation. Even back in high school, oral presentations were a regular requirement. I remember how daunting it was for all students: the dreaded oral exam.

Some students resorted to clever tactics like feigning stomach aches or even pretending to have a serious illness to avoid speaking in front of the class. However, if caught, there was no escape. It was a moment of truth revealing whether one had thoroughly prepared, memorized their material, could effectively articulate their points, or succumbed to nerves.

Such discomfort isn't limited to school; it can also arise in professional settings or interactions with individuals struggling to articulate their thoughts. This is often because we're not adequately instructed or trained in the crucial skills of rhetoric and public speaking. Instead, we're simply expected to step forward and regurgitate information from memory. Now, imagine having to do this in front of a critical audience or potential investors. It's no wonder that eloquence isn't innate in everyone.

That's precisely why we must address this deficiency in our ability to communicate effectively. We need to nurture the "Cicero within us" and harness our potential in this vital art form.

Perfecting Presentations: A Simple Recipe

Unveiling the essence of effective presentations through a straightforward recipe:

1. Preparation: Lay the groundwork meticulously.
2. Delivery: Master the art of presenting with finesse.
3. Presentation: Weave a compelling narrative for engagement.

Embark on your journey towards presentation excellence by prioritizing thorough preparation. Avoid the pitfalls of poor delivery, disorganized content, or trivial discourse. Enrique Dans, a seasoned speaker, emphasizes the importance of understanding the topic before taking the stage:

"Success in presentations stems from a clear understanding of the subject matter. Only accept to speak when equipped with insightful ideas to convey."

Let's delve deeper into this concept through a revealing anecdote.

A Glance Back at Blogak 2.0

In 2006, the University of Deusto played host to Blogak 2.0, a notable gathering delving into the realm of Web 2.0. Amongst the array of presentations, one particular panel on 2.0 politics stands out vividly in memory.

With notable figures like Idoia Mendia, Borja Sémper Pascual, Ricardo Ibarra, and Rafael Larreina, expectations were high for insightful discussions. However, while Rafael and Ricardo shone with expertise, the others faltered in their grasp of internet technologies and its implications for politics.

Borja Sémper, the youngest on the panel, attempted to connect with the audience with superficial claims of computer literacy, citing basic software proficiency as his extent of involvement. Such revelations fell flat among the tech-savvy audience of bloggers and internet enthusiasts, highlighting a stark disconnect between rhetoric and reality.

Despite the mismatch between panelists' expertise and audience expectations, the event passed without the anticipated uproar, perhaps due to the modest turnout. Yet, it served as a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine understanding and engagement in the evolving digital landscape.

But that was nothing. The cherry on the cake was when it was Ms. Mendia's turn to speak about 2.0 politics. Using her most reserved and dry tone (as if we were bothering her by making her speak), she spewed out something like:

"My assistant handles all incoming emails, from reading and selecting to printing them out. As for my internet usage, it's rather limited."

Imagine the importance of being well-prepared. It's not just about having a solid script; it's about being ready to discuss the topic confidently and make meaningful contributions.

"If you're clueless about your topic, it's best to skip the event altogether."

I've found myself in situations where I've been invited to speak on subjects I'm not familiar with. While my decline may surprise some, I'd rather address something I'm knowledgeable and passionate about, rather than discussing flying pigs at a vegetarian food expo.

To enhance your preparation, try rehearsing your presentation with friends beforehand. Gather 3 or 4 trusted friends, observe their reactions, and listen to their feedback. Their insights can help you fine-tune your speeches effectively.

Another useful method is recording yourself. It allows you to identify areas where you might be speaking too much or struggling with certain parts of the presentation. This approach is invaluable for crafting a polished and confident delivery.

Mastering Delivery

In my view, articulating thoughts effectively poses the biggest challenge for any speaker. It's not uncommon to encounter individuals proficient in their field but struggle to deliver a coherent speech.

When facing an audience, your message must exude unwavering confidence. Speak with conviction, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity. Engage with your topic naturally, avoiding the pitfalls of sounding like you're reciting from memory. Maintain a strong and clear voice, akin to conversing with friends at a casual setting. Lackluster speeches risk lulling listeners into a slumber.

History's great orators have imparted a timeless lesson: complexity doesn't equate to effective communication. Your message should resonate with everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject matter.

Asimov, a master of science communication and acclaimed author, emphasized the importance of simplicity in delivering messages. Similarly, Marcus Tullius Cicero, revered for his eloquence, advocated for speeches accessible to all, devoid of unnecessary embellishments and steeped in relatable content. Their success lay in their ability to convey ideas in a language comprehensible to the masses.

Your presentation should convey simplicity and directness in its message. There's no need to adopt a stoic demeanor on stage, but avoid circling around explanations endlessly.

Contrary to popular belief, great presentations aren't exclusive to charismatic personalities. Simply observe Rajoy's televised speeches to induce a nap or an ulcer. Similarly, even visionary tech entrepreneurs like Evan Williams, the mind behind Twitter, can lull an audience to sleep with their delivery style. While not always the case, it's a dynamic that can certainly evolve.

Slides

The role of presentation slides is equally crucial. Esteemed speakers advocate for minimalism: few slides, concise text, and sparing use of graphics. Each element should serve a purpose, with clear explanations provided for almost every aspect.

Guy Kawasaki, renowned for his tenure at Apple and investments in various projects, offers valuable insights into effective presentations. He champions the "10/20/30 rule," emphasizing:

10 slides.
20 minutes of presentation.
30-point font size (equivalent to 40 pixels, 2.45 em, or 245%).

In my experience, many presentations end with speakers hastily skipping slides and resorting to familiar phrases like, "Due to time constraints..." or "I planned to cover this, but time is limited..." Some even zip through 10 or 20 slides at lightning speed, a clear indication of inadequate preparation or an inability to condense their message within a 15-20 minute timeframe.

Guy Kawasaki emphasizes the importance of 10 slides as the optimal number to effectively convey project ideas for investment pitches.

Most presentations I encounter typically last no more than 20-30 minutes, followed by a Q&A session. Moderators often signal when it's time to wrap up, sometimes discreetly or even appointing a silent guardian to keep speakers on track. While longer talks still occur occasionally, it's increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world. Hence, it's crucial to tailor your material accordingly and avoid exhausting your audience with lengthy monologues.

Despite this, I've seen some presenters cramming over 100 slides into a 15-minute slot, which is impractical. Remember, presentations are about conveying ideas succinctly, not delving into intricate details.

Guy's recommendation of a 30-point font size is sensible, and I'd advocate for even larger text. Small text strains the audience's eyes, especially in large auditoriums. Focus on making your content easily readable with big text and concise sentences. Ultimately, what you say live matters more than what's written on your slides. If 30 points seems excessive for your sentences, it's a cue to refine and condense your content.

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Absolutely, storytelling is indeed a cornerstone of successful presentations. Stories captivate audiences, making information more memorable and engaging. Moreover, the presentation design should complement and enhance the narrative rather than detract from it.