1. Visual Aids (PowerPoint presentations, flip charts, handouts, pictures, overhead projectors, objects, etc.)

• The presentation handout should be the same document as the presentation slide.

• There should be no English spelling mistakes on a slide.

• You shouldn’t use too many colours.

• You needn’t include all details and data on your slides.

• There shouldn’t be too many words on a slide.

• A good presenter uses visual material to support the message and not to give the message.

• A picture is worth a thousand words.

TTT when you present visual information:

• Touch – indicate what is relevant on the slide

• Turn back to the audience, then …

• Talk to the audience and not to the screen or wall.

NB: Grammatically inconsistent lists are confusing and difficult to follow. Simplify the text by 1) applying the ‘less is more’ principle and cutting the number of words and 2) making the bullet points grammatically consistent.

Bullet points starting with verbs: Attack market Simplify product line Cut prices

Bullet points starting with adjectives: Larger market Simplified products Reduced prices

Bullet points starting with nouns: Market attack Simplification of product line Price reduction

STEP IV Top Up Your Techniques

Powerful techniques:

1. Repetition (of a word or a phrase) helps to clarify and consolidate the key points.

e.g. It’s a challenge, a real challenge.

2. Mantra (repetition of a phrase or a slogan throughout a presentation) helps to remember the idea long after the presentation is over.

e.g. This is our high potential Summit Programme that will take the best among you to the top, the very top.

If you successfully finish the three assignments, you are not simply at the end of your training, but at the beginning of a fast, interesting and rewarding career path on your way to the top, the very top.

It’s the only way that will take you to the top, the very top.

3. Rhetorical Question creates expectation and a feeling of a dialogue. It is also a useful tool for outlining or signposting the structure.

e.g. So, what is our second graduate programme?

4. The Rule of Three (three different words, three identical words, three phrases, three sentences) produces a sense of completeness.

e.g. This is a very exciting option for those of you who are truly looking for variety, opportunity and challenge.

5. Examples bring things to life as they create associations.

e.g. Let me give you an example of a Summit success story.

6. Taking contrasts (comparing one thing to another or using opposites)

e.g. This programme is not a holiday but a boot camp.

STEP V Be Positive and Dramatic

1. Use convincing language:

I trust/ do hope you understood the message.

It will definitely be successful.

We believe we could do that for you.

This is a very interesting idea.

We should certainly go in that direction.

I strongly recommend you should go with this campaign.

These findings indicate we must do this.

We’re positive that it is right.