Presentation is everything

Maria Casale
PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING
www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  mariacasale2010@gmail.com

Chapters
1. Presentation really is everything.
2. Are you a leader?
3. Are you passionate about what you are doing?
4. Are you living in the now?
5. The art of storytelling.
6. Harmony...does everything fit?
7. Tell me something I don't know.
8. Be amazing you.

Chapter ONE
Presentation really
is everything...

People ask a lot of
questions about
presentations

This is a snapshot of Google's top
searches containing the word
'presentation'

But what do you
really need to know?

You just need to now
how
This series will focus on 'the art of presentation'
step-by-step through my belief system,
explained in simple terms.

Your audience will form opinions and decisions based
on what they see and hear...and you may be surprised
to know, they will do this subconsciously!

Are you ready for that? You really need to get it right
and
that's not just about what they see on the screen. I
believe
it goes much deeper. It's actually very much about you.

You may look
smart but are you
really smart?

Don't pretend to
know what you're
talking about!

You need to know your stuff inside out and upside down.

The beginning
Of course your presentations need to be impressive, that goes without saying. But
how do you really connect with your audience? What about you? Are you connected?
Whether you are giving a presentation to 500 people, having a 1:1 business meeting
or anything in-between, everything about YOU is the presentation and I don't mean
this in a superficial way.
We all know when we're in the presence of greatness because that person has an
energy, aura, a vibe about them that you can't quite put your finger on, like an
invisible halo that makes it impossible not to like or want to be near them. All great
leaders have this.
So what is it?
I'll tell you, it's an inner self confidence and self awareness, a way-of-being that does
not always come naturally. It takes discipline and a desire to change, if need be. It is
integrity, sincerity, compassion, humility, desire and focus, a belief system and a set
of guiding principles all wrapped up in one neat little package that requires no effort.
It's whole, complete, sometimes referred to simply as 'oneness'. So why am I talking
about this? Well, because when I say presentation is everything, that means you too!
You are everything, so if you don't feel that you are, well then, ask yourself why not?
Also something else to think about...what will your audience/customer, think?
We are emotional creatures by nature so that means we have feelings and if you can
touch people on an emotional level (without even trying), you will create a lasting
impact, it's priceless
and that is the essence of what I'm talking about.

Planning / storyboard
By allowing yourself enough time to plan, gives you
space to breathe, which in turn enables you to really
think about the structure of your content. I often advise
my clients to work backwards. Start with the overall
objective and purpose of the presentation. What are the
key messages you want to convey? Create a
summary/conclusions page first. It also helps to write
this down on a blank piece of paper, writing helps the
mind to focus. If you can storyboard or map out a frame
work, it will help to break everything into bite-size
chunks. It can be confusing when you have a lot of
thoughts and ideas in your head and you are trying to
get them all out at once. So keep it top-line to begin
with, then start to break everything down.
> Every good story has a beginning, middle and end.
You need to think about your story, a theme and
thread that ebbs and flows, it runs through your
presentation and ties in nicely at the end.
> You should also think about research that will back up
your facts and quotes from relevant inspirational
people to help emphasis key points you want to
highlight and/or tell a true personal story, this of
something you can use as a metaphor.
> If you are presenting to an audience, you want to
keep them engaged so only key points on a page.
Big stand-out copy and stats with engaging
imagery. Where possible and relevant have a video
of some kind, using media and music can set the
tone, when it's done right video is emotive,
remember, we are trying to connect emotionally.
The video content will depend on what your subject
matter is, but give it some thought.
> Iconography really works too. People focus and
remember better when looking at visual graphics or
images. If you have too much text on a slide they
will get lost, then their brains shut down and they
start to wonder off....they will start thinking about
other things....not good!!
> All the content you have is your script so keep it in
your notes and for rehearsing your presentation.
(more on this in a later chapter)

Planning / storyboard
We all like to feel good. When we go to the cinema, see a show, are out with
friends, at a wedding, whatever the occasion...but when we are at work most
people don't expect to feel wonderful, happy, enlightened (because of work)
if you can uplift your audience's mood (and it is contagious by the way)
make them feel good, then you have achieved what you set out to do.
Give a successful, interesting, insightful, engaging, entertaining, touching,
powerful, presentation....whatever your objective, know what it is from the
outset and as long as the impression you leave behind is the same as your
intention, that's all you need.
Another important point to remember about having a fantastic presentation
that is well prepared and rehearsed...it will give you a great deal of
confidence, especially when you hear all the positive feedback.
The more you adapt this method and
mindset, the easier it will get, then soon
enough it will become a part of you.

Summary
1. Plan the outline/framework of your presentation.
2. Think of your overall objective, conclusions first.
3. Have an over-arching story/theme that flows through your presentation.
4. Break this theme into 3 sections (beginning, middle and end).
5. When you have your content and theme mapped out, check that there is synergy throughout.
6. Find your thread and link everything together - the flow is really important.
7. Can you tell your story creatively? It's imperative to keep your audience engaged.
8. Using interesting and relevant stats, quotes, references wherever possible ie tell stories
within your story.
9. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse...until you can deliver your presentation in your sleep!
10. Finally, say everything with conviction and be passionate about it...
Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Look out for Chapter
02
Are you a leader?

All great leaders have a
great team right behind
them.
If you require my assistance
bringing your presentation to life,
please get in touch, I'll be delighted
to help.

for more information: www.mariacasale.co.uk
Maria Casale
mariacasale2010@gmail.com
07905 454 178
PRESENTATION DESIGN & COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT
BESPOKE PRESENTATION TRAINING
EVENT PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

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