Twas the night before the presentation.
Fear filled the room.
What if I look like an idiot? What if I don't get the message across like I want to?
What if, indeed!
Giving a presentation or a speech or ahem…a teleclass need not be intimidating. And contrary to what most people may tell you, structure is way more important than content.
Why?
Because the right if wasted, is all information structure don't present with the you. (Yes, this line was meant to confuse you)
And it did a good job of confusing you, didn't it?
You were confused because of a lack of structure. The line should have read: Because information is wasted, if you don't present it with the right structure.
Point made? So let's dive straight into structure
Step One: Structuring the Topics
First divide your presentation/teleclass content into three main headings.
Let me give you an example: If we did a seminar on the Brain Audit, I split it into:
1) The Fundamentals of the Brain Audit
2) Triggers: Why they matter
3) Why it's your duty to use the Brain Audit
Now the audience is very clear what is being covered. And then you cover those three main points. The curse of presenting is that you want to give lots of information. While you may think you're teaching a lot, the truth is that very few people learn when you dump a truckload of information on their heads.
The brain learns through repetition. And layering. You need to repeat what you've described as main topics and explain the points in great detail. Layer and repeat. Layer and repeat.
I gave you steps. That's a layer.
I repeat what's important. That's repetition.
Step Two: Structuring The Important Questions
The question must arise…What do you cover under each topic?
1) What is the topic about?
2) Can you give me some examples?
3) Why is it important.
So under the topic: The Fundamentals of the Brain Audit, I'll cover:
1) What is the Brain Audit
2) Give 2-3 examples and analogies
3) Tell you why the examples are important and how they relate to your business.
Of course, once you've got all of that topic tidied up, you need to move to structuring your timing.
Step Three: Structuring the Timing
Each topic would take about 15 minutes. That's 3 x 15 minutes + introduction of topic (5 minutes)= 50 minutes. That's about 10 minutes for questions if you've got one hour. If you've got more, you have the luxury of taking more questions. I always factor a presentation so that I have time before and after–yes even on a teleclass. I speak to the audience before…and it warms up the audience.
I extend the time slightly if it goes over one hour. And I speak to the audience after the session. Nothing is more painful than a presenter that shows up, does his thing and makes a quick exit.
The customer wants to like you more. Don't be a doofus and scamper away like you've done something wrong.
And goodness gracious, don't ever be afraid to sell related products. Most presenters never do an upsell and that's a mistake both for you as well as the listener.
Step Four: Why You Should Upsell
In every case, a listener will have got scraps of your information. A little here, a little there. In fact, the listener will have missed close to 80% of what you've said. If you don't offer a product/service which allows the listener to get more information, or further their information, you've done them a big disfavour. Not to speak of doing yourself an even bigger disfavour.
Make sure you have your products/services clearly stated on a sheet of paper, so you can read it off the sheet. No, don't depend on the computer screen. Things do go wrong, you know. And be sure to upsell, scared as you may be of selling to your customer.
Step Five: The summary:
Always start with the main three points, cover them and then sum up what you said. This format is important. Don't ever, ever make the mistake of thinking the audience understands. The brain finds it hard to assimilate and ‘translate' new information. It's your duty to make sure that the assimilation is as complete as possible.
I make notes using the 13 Box System And that's how I deliver the seminar. It's probably just as easy to have slides on your computer that you click ahead. My notes are always on paper. Can't rely on the computer crashing or something weird happening.
And create your presentation based on time factor
The more time you have, the more you can cover. Don't fall into the trap of trying to do it all. I've done the Brain Audit in workshops over one day. I've covered the same Brain Audit topic in 20 minutes, 45 minutes, 90 minutes and 60 minutes.
Obviously a one day session encapsulates more. Touch on no more than three main points in a shorter presentation. That's all you need.
Because once you have the structure, combined with your no-doubt marvellous content, only wild applause and increased sales can follow.
Enjoy the spotlight. You've earned it!
P.S. Keep your ears open for the structure. You'll see just how the presentation is structured in three parts.
Recommended Product: It's rough enough to have to speak to an audience, but aren't you always in awe of presenters who can bring the room to life? How do you create presentations that enthrall, hold and move an audience to action? Presenting the Black Belt Presentation Series.
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