The Power of "I"

T

here are six presentation principles. It all revolves around a simple concept I like to call the power of “I.” This includes ideation, information, influence, integrity, impact, and ignition. You need to have all six to succeed in any presentation.

Ideation
You must always bring something creative to the table – big or small. Be fresh. Be bold. Be inspiring through ideation.

Information
Creativity is essential to any presentation, but information is even more critical. People are taking time from their busy schedules to hear you speak. Make their investment worthwhile. Teach them something new.

Influence
Presentations are about persuasion. You are trying to win your audience over in some way or another. Maybe you are asking for a sale. Maybe you need funding. Maybe you need a vote. Either way – you are persuading.

Leadership is about your ability to influence and influence can be obtained through three simple principles: vision, attitude, and integrity.

Vision: You need to plan, forecast, and know where you are going. The audience needs to have confidence in where you are taking them.

Attitude: Emotions can kill you or make you. Choose the right behavior next time you are at the podium.

Integrity: Persuasion comes from trust. Be credible, ethical, and always show compassion.

That leads to my fourth “I” – integrity.

Integrity
The amount of credibility you can create in the 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes you have is the strongest contributor to how successful you will be viewed. Be honest. The audience will know when you are lying.

Impact
You need to drive your points home. Thus, I can’t stress more on the importance of previewing and reviewing your content. This increases retention. Help them remember. Help them be impacted.

Ignition
I have spent several years working in the area of marketing. No advertisement is worth anything if there is no call to action. The same rule applies with public speaking. If you don’t inspire or challenge the audience to do something then why speak to them. You have the opportunity to change lives. Challenge them. Motivate them. Ask them to do something with the new information they have learned.

Embrace these principles and you are set-up to win. There is power in “I.”

Comments

[Dave Prouhet]

Scott,

Found you based upon the Carnival.

This is an excellent article. I like all the "I"s and the ending with putting the ball in their court is pure salesmanship.

Dave
http://businessadvicedaily.com

[Scott Schwertly]

Thanks for the comment, Dave. "Ignition" is probably the most important "I." Nobody should speak in public unless they are inspiring their audience to do something heroic.