About Presentation Camps

Almost everyone has had experience in giving a presentation, and it's likely that most were nervous, unsure if it would be a success, or blindly oblivious to the fact that the audience had tuned out. In fact, there's an old adage that most people would rather be in the coffin than make a speech at a funeral. It's funny because it's probably true.

Presentation Camps are are all day events that are designed to give attendees the tools and knowledge to transform presentations into engaging, impactful stories. The camps focus on three areas:

Story

A story helps to connect your audience to the presentation and provide devices for them to remember the key points (and perhaps even share them with others). According to the Center for Digital Storytelling, there are 7-10 elements of storytelling, but let's condense the elements into the top five:

1. The Dramatic Question: What's the big idea? The audience needs to understand the opportunity, issue or problem.
2. Perspective: The speaker's "voice" personalizes the story and helps the viewers understand the topic.
3. Connection: The audience should care about the subject. What's in it for them?
4. Clarity: Organize the content, avoid jargon and don't stray off into the weeds.
5. Economy and Pacing: Keep it simple, avoid over explanation and break the content into meaningful chunks.

Content

Use high quality photos, illustrations, informational graphics, audio (music, sound effects, narration) and video or animation to tell the story. Avoid screens filled with text or bulleted lists.

Presentation

Arrive early and allow time to set up and settle in. Look at your audience and not the back wall, ceiling or floor. Use your hands and body to increase the impact of an idea or point. Wear a wireless microphone and walk around the stage. Do not read the text on the screen.

Great Presentations: A Handy Reference Guide

Volumes have been written about the art and science of giving great presentation, but the following folks offer quick, simple, personal insight into their presentation secrets. Review these before a Presentation Camp to get a jump start on improving presentation skills.

• "Seven Steps to Better Presentations" by Jeff Veen
• "How To Give A Great Presentation" by D. Keith Robinson
• "How to Get a Standing Ovation" by Guy Kawasaki
• "Slide Tips: Dodging Bullet Points in Powerpoint Presentations" by Dave Yewman
• "Better Beginnings: how to start a presentation, book, article..." by Kathy Sierra
• "The Problem With Presentations" by Doc Searls

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