By Joey Asher
Category: Content
There’s a political party in New York called, “The Rent is Too D*** High.”
I think there should be another party called “Your Presentation is Too Dang Long.”
With that in mind, one of the best things you can do to make your presentation more exciting is to shorten it.
So what to do? Cut it in half! Half as long is twice as good.
Most business presentations can be delivered in 10 minutes with another 10 reserved for Q&A.
And the Weenies say, “That’s ridiculous. How am I supposed to cut this presentation in half?”
My usual response is not particularly sympathetic. “I don’t know. It’s your presentation. Just cut it in half. I promise it will be better. And I promise that if the CEO of your company told you to do it, you wouldn’t have a problem doing it.”
And Weenies respond, “But I’m going to have to leave important stuff out.”
If it’s so important, then why are people sending emails throughout the presentation? If it is so important, wouldn’t they be riveted? It may be important to you. But it’s obviously not important to your listeners.
The fact is that your listeners won’t remember most of what you’re going to say. So cut it short. Focus on the most important key messages. Support your points and stop.
If your audience wants to know more, let them ask questions.
© Wickedgood | Dreamstime.com – Sleeping Business Presentation
Speechworks is a communication and selling skills coaching firm. We teach professionals how to craft and deliver complex messages in a simple, persuasive manner. Since 1986, through workshops and one-on-one instruction, we have helped countless individuals become better presenters and communicators. You can reach us at 404.266.0888, speech@speechworks.net or on the web at www.speechworks.net
Joey Asher
Joey is the President of Speechworks, a communication and selling skills coaching firm. He has worked with thousands of professionals, helping them learn to communicate in a way that connects with clients and audiences. He is also the author of four books on communication skills: “15 Minutes Including Q&A: a Plan to Save the World from Lousy Presentations,” “How to Win a Pitch: The Five Fundamentals That Will Distinguish You from the Competition,” “Selling and Communication Skills for Lawyers,” and “Even A Geek Can Speak.” He can be reached at 404-266-0888 or joey@speechworks.net.
Recent Posts
FAQs About Q&A
By Joey Asher Category: Q&A In our communication skills workshops, we spend a good bit of time focused on Q&A. In fact, we feel it’s probably the most important element of a presentation. It’s when [...]
Want to Start Your Speech Off Right? Here are a Few Traps to Avoid
By Joey Asher Category: Content, Nerves You’re standing in front 250 people at major industry conference. Your heart is pounding. Your palms are sweating. You’re about to deliver a presentation that you hope will [...]
The Communication Skills Workout: 10 Weeks to a New You!
By Joey Asher Category: Other I’m fascinated by those workouts that you see advertised on TV or the Internet. I recently came across the “Caveman Workout” where you run through the woods in bare feet [...]
