MasterView International
by Luigi Canali De Rossi
May 15th, 2003
*Introduction*
"No ripples in ponds
No concepts in mind
Yet presentations aplenty
No threads around
To string the beads
And the audience is sleepy"
I can already hear complaints and cries - 'eleven' steps to a
presentation - surely that's way too many - after all the
wizards get you there with just a few clicks.
True, and these presentation wizards do have their uses - for
instance, you could be creating an occasional presentation, or
you are in a hurry - but then, these presentations have their
disadvantages too - they look 'canned', and they don't awaken
your (latent) talents. Sure, you are more talented than you
think, as you shall soon discover.
I think it's a case of deciding which way to go - since you have
come this far, why not continue for a little longer. You can't
swim until you get your presentation feet wet - so let's dampen
(definitely not the spirits!) them straightaway!
Jump in - now's the time.
Step 1 - Concept
Never attempt a presentation without a concept - it's that
simple.
Backtrack and go to from wherever you came. Alternatively,
elaborate your concept, exchange ideas, look a little further
with your own and other people's perspectives. Take a note book
(loose papers often get lost!) and jot down your ideas before
you forget them. By this time, if you have enough ideas to layer
the whole world with knowledge, it would be a good idea to
decide what's your framework? - what are your limits?
Let me explain how to make it easier - open any window and look
beyond and write - about whatever you see - it's a paradox, no
limits to whatever you're writing about, but you are still
limited by what the window chooses not to reveal - after all
there are no 360 degree views here! The window frames act as a
framework to your story. In the same way, limit your concept to
whatever is relevant to your presentation.
Step 2 - Visualization
You may not be a movie director or editor, but your presentation
still needs a story. Go with your ideas to a calm place, close
your eyes and just concentrate - try visualizing an audience -
what they like and whatever they don't. Now imagine the theme of
your presentation - visualize how you would present it as a
story, how the show would start, continue and end. The beginning
and the end of any presentation is equally important as the body
- so try to weave your start and finish sequences with a little
more impact.
