I used to deliver BIG presentations to Senior government officials and military officers at the Colonel and General level. I was often told I was a great speaker because I did the following....
Regardless of the audience, I always took a GROUND UP approach to my presentation.
My presentations took place on 3 levels, each occurring simultaneously.
Level 1: Layman, no real understanding of the subject matter
Level 2: Competent, understands subject matter
Level 3: Expert, top of the field in subject matter.
At first glance this may seem impossible. how can you simultaneously reach all audiences? Well, think of the animation house Pixar, they do it in pretty much every single film.
Laymen: kids, they love the cartoon and don't even notice the stuff that goes over their heads
Teens: They get most of everything and enjoy the cartoon
Adults: Marvel at how well everything comes together and truly appreciates all aspects of the cartoon.
My presentations follow a very similar format.
I start off with a very clear and concise theme/thesis, identify the problem and the solution
As I progress, each problem and solution is communicated at both the layman and expert level
At the end I sum everything up at both the layman and expert level
I find that having a clear thesis, problem/solution enables me to hit all levels simultaneous. However, I notice that if I don't have a clear thesis, problem/solution then I have problems communicating effectively.
Anyways, that is my technique and has worked wonders for me.
lastly, can't say enough about eliminating flimflammery and pretentiousness (is that a word?
) from your speech. Some people think that adds to their legitimacy but it really detracts from it and the thesis/argument you are making.
Mel...