So, you want a quick check on whether you're a good presenter?
In which case, ask yourself this:
- How many slides are you using?
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As a rule...
And prepare yourself for a shock here...
- The fewer the slides, the better the speaker.
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Showing lots of visuals is often known as Hiding behind your slides.
It betrays a lack of competence, clarity, and confidence.
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Sometimes also known as Death by PowerPoint...
A bombardment of slides is never a pleasant experience for an audience.
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I gave a recent talk about storytelling to a group of school leaders in London.
It was half an hour long, and went down very well.
So to the important question:
- How many slides did I use?
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Think for a moment.
Remember, it's a 30 minute presentation.
What would you say is about the right number of visuals?
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And, the answer is...
With a drum roll, and a fanfare...
- Three.
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Yes, really. I used just three slides.
Two of which were the title of the talk, Success Through Storytelling, along with my contact details, for the start and end.
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Yet despite the scarcity of slides, I got a great reception, lots of lovely applause, some very kind comments afterwards...
And, most tellingly of all:
Invitations to give more talks, and requests to do some teaching and consulting.
Which is the most telling measure of all.
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In summary, your story is what's important.
The message you have to deliver, the point you want to make, and - critically - the why.
All the while, speaking from the heart.
THAT'S what's important.
- NOT your visuals.
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So, check your slide count, and cut cut cut.
To help you remember the rule, ChatGPT has kindly created a useful slide for me, as you can see from the picture.
(And notice: just the one!)
