An important lesson to remember when developing executive presentation skills.
But not every “slide” or “power point” frame is a picture, i.e. – an image that is “graphical.”
In fact, for the most part, most presenters create power point frames that tend to rely more heavily on text than on graphics. You know what I mean: the ubiquitous “bullet points.” In fact, in an effort to “visualize” a presentation, presenters often subject audiences to power point frames that seem to be crammed with, ironically enough, about a thousand words!
This emphasis on text-based visualization is rooted in many factors, not the least of which is the notion that people remember more of what they hear and see versus what is only heard. Fair enough. But the most effective presentations tend to be those where the audience remembers not a word, phrase, or concept. But rather, a presentation where what’s remembered is a feeling. An emotion. A renewed sense of faith in a brand, or a strategy, or a plan; yet, not necessarily the specifics of the plan.
Point being, in the presentation development stage, think first about what the “heart” will remember. Then, address what the “mind” needs to recall. That prioritization will likely result in a visual strategy that amplifies the use of graphics and pictorial materials and display clear and powerful executive presentation skills. Let the words on screen punctuate the story, and leave the “telling” to you.