Choosing the right structure can make all the difference. Here, we'll explore three effective presentation structures: The Classic Approach, The TED Talk, and The Tarantino. Each offers unique benefits and can be tailored to different audiences and purposes.
The Classic Approach: “Tell them what you’re going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you told them.”
Who might use The Classic:
· Project Managers: Useful for project updates and status reports.
· Consultants: Ideal for delivering structured client presentations.
· Business Analysts: Perfect for presenting findings and recommendations.
· HR Professionals: Effective for conducting training sessions and workshops.
When might it be effective:
· Project Meetings: For updating stakeholders on project progress and next steps.
· Client Briefings: When presenting detailed project proposals or updates.
· Internal Reports: For sharing research findings and analysis.
· Training Programs: When conducting employee training sessions.
The Classic is a tried-and-true method. It’s straightforward, easy to implement, and highly effective. You structure the presentation with a introduction, body, and conclusion. Communication folks often refer to this as “Tell them what you’re going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you told them.”
Introduction:
Grab Attention: Start with a hook, like a compelling question. "Did you know that 85% of success in life is determined by your communication skills?"
Introduce Yourself: "Hi, I'm [Your Name], a presentation trainer with almost a decade of experience."
State Your Purpose: "Today, I’ll share how you can structure your presentations for maximum impact."
Preview Main Points: "We’ll explore three key strategies: how to craft a sticky opening, organize your main points, and deliver a memorable conclusion."
Body:
Main Point One: Craft a Sticky Opening
Use anecdotes, questions, or surprising facts.
Example: "Imagine you see a speaker on stage, and the first thing you hear is, 'Who here wants to be a better presenter?' If that’s you, he instantly holds your attention."
Main Point Two: Organizing Your Main Points
Use the rule of three to make your content digestible.
Example: "Break your content into three main sections. For example, if you are presenting on leadership, your sections would include: 1. Vision, 2. Communication, and 3. Team Building."
Main Point Three: Deliver a Memorable Conclusion
Summarize your main points and end with a memorable statement.
Example: "Wrap up by revisiting your main points and leaving the audience with a powerful quote or a call to action."
Conclusion:
Summarize Main Points: "Today, we explored the importance of a sticky opening, organized main points, and a memorable conclusion."
Restate Purpose: "Remember, structuring your presentation effectively can make all the difference."
Where do they go from here: "Now, go out there and wow your next audience!"
Strong Closing: "As Steve Jobs said, 'The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.'"
The TED Talk Approach: Idea, Evidence, Story, Impact
Who might use The TED Talk Approach?
· Innovation and R&D Professionals: Ideal for presenting new initiatives or research.
· Product Managers: Useful for product launches, highlighting key features.
· Corporate Trainers: Effective for new methodologies and best practices.
· Business Development Executives: Ideal for pitching new market opportunities.
When might it be Effective?
· Communicating Research & Innovation: For new strategies, research, etc.
· Product Launches: When unveiling a product and explaining benefits to the market.
· Pitches: For presenting new business opportunities and potential returns to investors.
· Training Sessions: For innovative training methods to improve team performance.
The TED Talk Approach gains inspiration from the popular TED Talks, this structure is designed to share powerful ideas concisely and effectively.
Present a Big Idea:
Start with a compelling, clear idea worth spreading.
"The future of work is not remote or in-office, but hybrid. This model combines the best of both worlds."
Evidence:
Support with Evidence: Back up your idea with data, research, and expert opinions.
Example: "Research shows that hybrid work models increase productivity by 25% while improving employee satisfaction. Companies like Microsoft and Google are already seeing these benefits."
Story:
Tell a Relatable Story: Share a personal or real-world story that illustrates your idea.
Example: "Let me tell you about Maria, a project manager who struggled with work-life balance until her company adopted a hybrid model. Her productivity soared, and she finally had time for her family."
Impact:
Highlight the Impact: Explain the broader implications of your idea and how it can change the audience’s lives or work.
Example: "Embracing a hybrid work model can revolutionize your organization, leading to happier employees and better business outcomes. It’s time to rethink the future of work."
Conclusion:
Inspire Action: End with statement that motivates your audience to action.
Example: "Consider how a hybrid model could work for your team. Start small, measure the impact, and watch as your productivity and morale improve."
The Tarantino Approach: Present, Past, Present, Future
Who might use The Tarantino Approach?
· Change Management: Useful for presenting transformation stories.
· Marketing Professionals: Great for showcasing a brand or campaign.
· Strategic Planners: Useful for presenting long-term business strategies.
· Executive Leaders: Useful for company performance and future direction.
When might it be Effective?
· Transformation Projects: When explaining the need for change and future strategies.
· Brand Storytelling: For presenting a brand journey from inception to future vision.
· Strategy Meetings: When discussing past performance, current status, and future plans.
· Annual Reports: When presenting current achievements, historical context, and future expectations to stakeholders.
The Tarantino Approach gains inspiration from the non-linear storytelling style of Quentin Tarantino. This structure keeps your audience engaged by starting in the middle of the story, jumping back in time, returning to the present, and then moving forward to the future.
Present:
Start In the Middle of Things: Begin with a compelling moment or critical point in the present to grab attention.
Example: "Right now, our company is facing a major decision. We're at a crossroads, needing to choose between continuing our current strategy or pivoting to embrace new technologies."
Past:
Flashback for Context: Jump back to the past to provide background and context that led to the current situation.
Example: "Let's scroll back five years. Our company is thriving on traditional marketing methods. Our success is driven by a dedicated team and a loyal customer base. That was then."
Present:
Return to the Present: Bring the audience back to the present, now with a deeper understanding of the context.
Example: "Now, back to where we started. The landscape has changed dramatically with digital disruption, and our old methods are no longer as effective. We’re experiencing declining engagement and increased competition."
Future:
Look Forward: End by looking ahead, outlining future possibilities and strategies.
Example: "Looking forward, we have the opportunity to transform our approach. By adopting digital marketing strategies, leveraging data analytics, and exploring AI-driven customer engagement, we can not only survive but thrive in this new era."
Conclusion:
Summarize and Next Steps: Recap the journey from present to past to future, and inspire your audience to take action.
Example: "We've seen how our past successes shaped our present challenges and how future innovations can pave the way for new opportunities. Let’s commit to embrace change and lead our company into a bright and innovative future."
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right presentation structure can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively. The Classic Approach offers a clear and logical flow, the TED Talk Approach delivers powerful ideas concisely, and the Tarantino Approach keeps the audience engaged with a dynamic narrative. Experiment with these structures to find the one that works best for your message and audience.
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