How to Make a Better, More Persuasive Presentation

If you’ve ever given a presentation, you know how difficult it can be to create the perfect one. You need clear and creative ideas to capture the attention of your audience, all while practicing what you will say and hoping that you don’t forget it when the important time comes. But it doesn’t have to be so complicated. Incorporate these five strategies to make a better, more persuasive presentation.

Create a Hook

If you want to give a persuasive presentation, you need your audience to listen from the beginning. Grab their attention with a creative hook that leaves them wanting to hear more. Ask a question. Recite a famous quote. Tell a joke. Make them interested in who you are and what you have to say. The hook should engage the audience so that they know they are a part of this presentation and that you aren’t just talking at them, but rather, you’re talking with them. Whatever your decision, however, keep it relevant to the presentation at hand. You want them interested in the content of your presentation, not something that doesn’t tie in with what you are presenting.

Tell a Story

While creating a hook should get the audience interested, telling a story should hold their interest throughout the presentation. If someone’s telling a story, you’re probably more interested than if they were simply listing facts or information. As humans, we are drawn to stories, so include one in your presentation. Again, make sure it’s relevant to the information you’re presenting, but make it personal and interesting. Your goal with the story should be to connect with their emotions to hold their interest throughout the entirety of your presentation. The information that you present is the “what,” but the story that you tell is the “why.” Why should they be interested and why should they care?

Include an Extra

To keep the interest of the audience even when the presentation ends, include a little something extra near the end. Typically, this should be something tangible that your audience can take home. This can be a lot of different things, so you’ll have to think outside the box for this one. Make a brochure or pins to hand out or bring samples if you’re pitching a product idea. When you bring something for the audience, you engage them in the presentation and give them a reminder to take home. It’ll help you stand out in their minds.

Talk about Benefits

For the audience, that is. When giving a presentation, know exactly what the audience is looking for and be sure to articulate clearly how you can give them what they want. By the end of the presentation, you want to be sure that the audience walks away knowing exactly how your product, service, or idea will help them. Make the benefits clear and interesting so your audience doesn’t have to question anything.

Be Confident

If you don’t have confidence in your presentation and ideas, chances are that your audience won’t either. A confident presenter makes the presentation more enjoyable and interesting, while making it easier for the audience to follow along. Speak loudly and clearly to convey your confidence and know what you’re talking about. Your confidence can take the audience from liking your ideas to convincing them that your ideas are for them.

Conclusion

During your next presentation, keep your audience interested and knowledgeable with a cool confidence to persuade them of your products, services, or ideas. Don’t be afraid to get creative and innovative with your ideas to help you stand out. And always remember to practice ahead of time to give your best presentation yet.