Presentation slides that make audiences sit up instead of switch off
AUTHOR: Lolly
How to tell authentic stories that audiences connect with
Practice may make perfect, but perfect doesn’t make people like you.
tips for making people like you
never be perfect.
When presenting, practicing until you’re perfect is worse than being thrown into the spotlight with no preparation at all.
On that stage, your authentic, vulnerable imperfections are what audiences connect to. Let’s talk about how to wield authenticity to compel action.
embrace vulnerability to connect with your audience
Brené Brown, the researcher and author who revolutionised the way we think about vulnerability, argues that vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity, innovation, and change. And a presentation is really just a rallying cry for change.
Too many presenters think presentations are about them. And they act accordingly—putting themselves on a pedestal. The crash back down to earth happens too late and at the demands of your unimpressed audience. You need to be standing beside them in this journey. Share your own struggles, your failures, your challenges—and how you overcame them. Only then will they know you can help them with theirs.
why vulnerability is key to inspiring trust
By embracing vulnerability in your storytelling, you invite your audience into a shared experience, making it easier for them to trust you. And trust is critical when you’re trying to inspire.
Don’t pretend to know everything. You just need to know one more thing than your audience—how to overcome the challenge in front of them. That’s it. If you present yourself as flawless, you create distance between yourself and your audience. They’ll see your story as out of reach and they won’t even bother extending an arm.
tell raw, emotional stories that drive action
Don’t add shine to your story. People like it rough. Emotional. Thought-provoking. Stir some shit up. Try and tap into the raw emotions you felt going through it and let everyone else in the room experience it too. When you share your stories from a place of honesty, people won’t just listen—they’ll feel seen and heard, and that connection will drive action.
you don't need a script to create compelling customer connections
Never hide behind a script. Have a structure, not a script. If you get caught up in sticking to a rigid narrative, you’ll miss out on the magic that happens when you’re being authentic and spontaneous. If you get off-track for a moment, that’s okay. Own it. Make a joke, share your thoughts, and let your audience see the real you. It’s these moments of authenticity that will make your message stick. But if you really know the subject matter, there will be no track—just honest conversations between like-minded people.
your unique selling point is your authenticity
While the business world continues to search desperately for USPs, you have yours. You just need to get up there and own it. And, of course, we can help.
video
Reading is tough. Rest your weary eyes on this moving picture instead.
Slides that make audiences sit up instead of switch off.
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