Presentation Excellence

While Tom Peters’ presentation style may not be your favorite, there is no denying that the man is a skilled and entertaining presenter. That is why it is great that he has put out (in Powerpoint format, of course — the man seemingly lives in PPT) a list of his tips for “presentation excellence”. Speaking as someone who enjoys presenting, but who also cheerfully learns from folks who do it better than I do, he nails some stuff I knew, but he also captures many things that I had never properly thought through.
Here are a few examples of Tom’s Tips:

1. Total commitment to the Problem/Project/Outcome
2. A compelling “Story line”/”Plot”
3. Enough data to sink a tanker (98% in reserve)
4. Know the data from memory; ability to manipulate the data in your head
5. Great stories/Illustrations/Vignettes
6. Superb “political antennae” (you must “play the room” like a Virtuoso and be hyper-attentive to the likes of Body Language)
7. By hook or by crook … CONNECT
7A. CONNECT! CONNECT! CONNECT!
8. Punch line/Plot Outline/WOW/Surprise in first one to two minutes

There are forty or so more, but just these first eight are gold. I love how much emphasis he puts on connecting — most people have no idea how important that is, and most of the few people who do know have no idea how to do it.

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1. Mars & Venus, Redux