Voice Tips

How often do you look at your audience when you talk them through powerpoint bullet points? All the time? Sometimes? Not a lot?

I’ve been in a few company boardrooms recently taking videos of clients in front of presentation screens.

I’ve specifically asked for a powerpoint that has complex data – graphs, charts, numbers, financials… something potentially difficult to convey succinctly. I want to see how they can best explain the information.

I’m observing structure, cohesion, vocal delivery and body language.

For body language, what I’ve noticed when reviewing some of their videos, is a tendency to look more at the powerpoint than at the boardroom table.

This decreases engagement with the room, and thus with the message. And seems more prevalent if the information is particularly complex.

Here’s what I suggest:

1.  Prepare in advance – kind of obvious, but if you’re super busy you must make some time to do this. First impressions count.
2. Don’t over-complicate and drill down into massive detail. Pick the overarching trends, key points, summaries. There’s time at Q&A if more explanation is needed.
3. Look at the PP, grab the information, turn back to the room, then speak – not robotically but naturally.

Do this habitually and I guarantee you will not present, speaking with your face towards the powerpoint.

I’m only doing this post because I’ve sat with clients watching their videos and listened to their own rather harsh feedback on this issue.

????⭐️ Helping Good Speakers Become Great Speakers.