Conferences should be a laboratory of ideas; a moment of coming together, of inspiration and 'putting fire in the belly' for the great things on the horizon. Delivering a compelling presentation that galvanises your audience is proven to not only power up organisational performance, but it is the calling card for an effective leader.
However, all too often, through a lack of time, or not being particularly bothered, the company conference is a yawnfest of soulless 'Death by PowerPoint'. I get it… the prospect of delivering a presentation to a roomful of peers is terrifying. You put off preparing for it until, with days to go, you copy and paste something that worked with a customer in Bolton a couple of months ago.
The result is wave after wave of disconnected presentations with no overarching theme, rammed with dense slides dripping in text and pie charts. The audience sits there willing it to be over so they can be first to the buffet table. It doesn't have to be this way! In the following article, I pull together some top tips for making your conference a cauldron of ideas which motivates teams through outstanding communication.
About Host Media Consultants
As a former news presenter and journalist, I have had the privilege of working as a media trainer, executive coach, conference presenter, and presentation skills coach for a number of leading organisations. At Host Media Consultants, we specialise in communication for influence in meetings, speeches, podcasts, and panel discussions. Our services cover a wide range of sectors including retail, politics, energy, financial, banking, motorsport, aviation, and transport.
The Power of Appreciative Influencing®
Over the years, I have come to understand what makes a great communicator and I have developed a number of templates and techniques to develop these skills. There is, however, a higher level of communication that leads to influence, which I am most interested in. My approach is called Appreciative Influencing® and it flows from a collaborative, engaging style of leadership and communication. It not only brings people with you; it makes them feel architects of that change. With skin in the game, teams that are appreciated are more fully engaged in the future of an organisation.
How to Master the Art of Conference Presentations
So how to weave this approach into your conference? Here is my guide to Mastering the Art of Conference Presentations with Host Media Consultants:
1. Have a Clear Intention
I have coached thousands of presenters over the years. The first Big Quick Win is usually to move from sharing to asking. What do you want the audience to think, feel, or do when they leave the room? Always think about your audience's perspective and read the room when deciding on your intention.
2. Tell a Story that Taps into Emotions
Humans are hardwired to remember stories. Make your points relatable through specific experiences. Complex concepts should be made accessible through examples of how something has worked or could work in the future.
3. Set a Time Limit
Mark Twain said: 'I don't have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long one instead'. Your audience will be most attentive for the first minute and at the end, so write your presentation with this in mind.
4. Think in Pictures
Visual imagery is much easier to remember than oral information. Use visuals instead of text where possible. Make sure your headlines are dynamic and succinct.
5. Every Word Earns Its Place
Long and rambling presentations can show a lack of discretion. Do not fill the slides with text. One simple message per slide will have more impact.
6. Body Talk
Our body language, intonation, eye contact, and where we stand or how we sit, send messages to our audience. Appropriate intonation is key. Look at one person per thought as this will trigger an intimate tone and a conversational pace.
The Impact of Effective Communication
Research has shown that businesses with highly effective communicators have a 47 percent higher total return to shareholders compared to companies with the least effective communicators. Businesses with strong communication practices are 3.5 times more likely to significantly outperform industry peers than businesses with less effective practices.
At Host Media Consultants, we go beyond theory. We offer practical techniques and templates, including Appreciative Influencing®, Elemental Influencing®, Ambitious try-for®, and the COAP®, which will enhance your ability to communicate and lead effectively.
Invest in Your Future
Effective communication is the cornerstone of success. For individuals, it brings meaning and purpose to professional relationships, enabling you to convince and inspire. For organisations, it's a strategic asset that drives results.
Visit us at www.hostmedia.info to explore our comprehensive services and find out how we can help you master media training, presentation skills, public speaking, conference facilitation, and crisis management. For more information, contact us at info@hostmedia.info. An investment in your communication skills is an investment in a brighter future.
Unlock your potential with Host Media Consultants. Start your journey to effective communication and leadership today.
Contact us today to learn more
Great communication is the key to success. Host provides expert media and presentation skills training in person or virtually across the UK.
