If you have to build a keynote presentation, or any presentation for a large audience, what are the key areas to focus on? Here’s some tips on story-telling and audience engagement.

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BUILDING THE OVERALL STORY

Think of your presentation as a story. It can be hero/villian, preacher approach (tell, tell, tell), an analogy, partially educational. Lots of different approaches work.
Put yourself in the audience’s shoes. Who are they? Would they want to hear your story?
What does the audience get out of your talk?

THE KEY AREAS TO FOCUS ON

Are you bringing the right level of energy for the room? Are you educating, or motivating, or introducing new ideas?
Are you bringing empathy for your audience, or are you trying to portray confidence/leadership?
Are you at the right level for the audience? Technical vs. Business. Prior knowledge required? What about a mixed audience?
How are you interacting with the audience? Do they provide any feedback (raising hands, laughing at jokes, applause, etc.)?
Plan for 2-3 minutes per slide. Try not to waste any slides.
If you’re introducing new ideas, don’t make people listen AND read at the same time. Keep the visual simple and easy to view.
“Sell” the important parts. Emphasize them. Alter the pace to ensure people get it.
Use data (stats, graphs, charts) that make concepts easier to understand, or better emphasized.
Use comparisons - especially with new ideas.
Demonstrations can be valuable, but make sure it’s at the right level for the audience - and that it works (pre-recorded is an option)

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Building a Keynote Presentation

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