Public speaking is tough enough, yet presenting boring
information makes the challenge equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest. Just
the thought triggers a loss of oxygen. Imagine what it does to your
audience. Still, keep hope alive! This article suggests three simple yet
effective tips for presenting boring information in an interesting way.
You'll surprise yourself.
3 Tips
- Mix it up.
Why is PowerPoint the first if not second option people choose for
presenting information? Moreover, its popularity appears to increase
with the driest topics. The speaker reads the slides loaded with too
much information talking in a monotone draining what little life exists
right out of the room. Why not distribute the packets, ask the audience
to review them, and cancel the session? That's better than sitting
through what seems like a funeral.
How do you discuss boring
information? After determining what to cover, take a step back to ponder
what would grab and hold your attention. Then, mix things up. Use a
blend of instructional methods to communicate the message. Devise
activities that fit as many learning styles as possible. Include
technology, but don't overdo it. PowerPoint is effective when employed
the correct way.
- Have fun.
Several years ago, for instance, I had to audition for a training
contract. Each person was allotted 30 minutes to discuss the history of
banks. We opened with a brainteaser (only two people have been able to
crack the code in over 15 years), sang a song to the tune of 12 Days of
Christmas, and concluded with a game. Everyone survived! The executive
team probably thought I was nuts.
One person kept asking,
"Where did you get that box? He exclaimed, "My wife would love it."By
the way, the discount store special was a large blue gift box filled
with smaller boxes each containing a question about the topic. It
resembled a maze. Plan A was to deliver the information by playing a
board game but the carpenter did not have sufficient time to build one.
- Bring the topic to life.
Let's revisit the former example. Everyone seems to think that history
is boring; however, nothing is further from the truth. In college, one
of the Jesuit priests held the professor of the year award captive. Why
did students enjoy attending his classes? He brought history to life by
dressing in costume, decorating the classroom, playing music, etc.
Simply put, this instructor was a breath of fresh air. Even if you were
not a history major, you enrolled in his courses for the entertainment.
Hence,
think engage first. Use case studies, role play, or a host of other
strategies to have the group experience whatever you're focusing on.
Aside from getting them involved, they're interested. Lecturing like a
talking head, consequently, gets you trapped in the end zone every time.
All
in all, your approach makes the difference. Decide to resurrect the
topic by being innovative. Think out of the box to meet your objective.
Give the audience your best.
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