Presenting is a Craft
“That’s amazing! You’ve found the perfect balance between providing enough information to spark interest and not saying too much, which would be overwhelming in this context. Well done, Nathalie!”
This feedback made me smile, not just for the compliment but also for the subtle observation. Finding the perfect balance between information and intrigue, between content and clarity, is the result of a thoughtful methodology.
The strength of a successful presentation lies in this subtle balance: rigor and emotion, structure and feeling. Many think it’s enough to gather contributions from various presenters and read them out loud to the audience as if discovering them at the same time. However, presenting is much more than that: it’s a discipline requiring method, creativity, and clear intention.
My 5 Golden Rules for a Successful Presentation:
- Knowing Your Audience: Who is in front of me? What are their expectations and level of knowledge? I adapt my speech to my audience and rise to the challenge by taking it up a notch to capture attention and stimulate interest.
- Rhythm: A presentation must breathe. Each moment has its tempo, with pauses and transitions tailored to the event. Before diving into the content, I define a clear temporal axis to structure the flow and maintain attention.
- Substance: Merging ideas from different presenters while maintaining coherence is a delicate task. Ego must be set aside. Ideas should flow like a story: introduction, development, conclusion. Conciseness is key: the goal is a clear message without digressions.
- Form: Aesthetics matter! Too many bullet points, poorly aligned, low-quality images, or inconsistent fonts can destabilize the audience. Every visual element must support the message and guide the eye.
- The Presenter’s Charisma: Charisma is essential for capturing attention and keeping the audience engaged. It relies on three key elements: 1. Presence – being fully in the moment; 2. Authority – a firm tone, straight posture, and direct gaze that reinforce credibility; 3. Warmth – authenticity, kindness, and empathy. When these three elements combine, your audience doesn’t just listen to you; they follow you.
Presenting is a craft. It’s about transforming raw ideas into a clear, inspiring, and captivating message. It’s not just a matter of technique but of balancing structure and emotion.
