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Are your presentations better than a handout?

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by Carmen Taran

Has anyone ever told you before a presentation: ” I won’t be attending, can I have the handout?” While such request hits right into the ego, the question raises another that all of us presenters should answer before an event: Are we better than a handout? What do we do or say that attendees could not get out of a printed piece of paper?

Whether you present at a small meeting or a formal large event, here are four ways you can convince an audience that your presentation is worth attending:

 Incorporate audience interaction. Connecting with the presenter or with other members in the audience is an appealing promise and something that cannot be done with a handout. Participants get motivated when they can connect with others who validate their own point of views (because of similar interest) or show opposing views (therefore inviting further reflection). Printed paper does not talk back. And the silence of a handout does not lead to action.

 Promise customization of content and flow. When you announce that you will answer questions from the audience (whether 3 or 300 people), and adjust the presentation to their needs, the event is worth more than the fixed sequence and generic, limited approach of the printed word. Such promise also creates curiosity and promises entertainment, through the element of improvisation. When there is no strict flow and rigid structure, attendees are enticed to put away their mobile devices, pay attention, and be happy they didn’t stay home to be barraged by some downloaded slides. In addition, if some of the content is more difficult and requires more processing power, participants will benefit from your presence more than flipping through pages and trying to figure things out on their own.

 Allow them to practice and offer feedback. When you allow participants to put your message into practice and provide immediate and customized feedback, you have more chances to persuade them. Repetitive interactivity and practice lead to modified behavior. Mere reading has less probability of moving people into action.

 Liven the content with non-verbals. A handout, even if it’s well written, contains two-dimensional information. Written words can leave a reader flat. Posing and posturing can sometimes be more effective than words and numbers. You can bring the content to life with flamboyant body gestures and optimal vocal variety. Would you rather read a book by Tony Robbins or see him present live?

Next time you ponder scheduling  a live presentation (whether face-to-face or online), be exigent with your delivery approach. If you meet at least two of the four points above, deliver a presentation. If you don’t,  a handout will do just fine.

Download Rexi Media’s Presenter Pro iPhone app for more tips on how to deliver an outstanding presentation so that an audience gains much more than if they had engaged in solitary reading. Apply the Rexi Media tips and make them say “That was worth an hour of my time.”