Presentation is everything

Of course your presentations need to be impressive, that goes without saying. But how do you really connect with your audience? What about you? Are you connected? Whether you are giving a presentation to 500 people, having a 1:1 business meeting or anything in-between, everything about YOU is the presentation and I don’t mean this in a superficial way.
We all know when we’re in the presence of greatness because that person has an energy, aura, a vibe about them that you can’t quite put your finger on, like an invisible halo that makes it impossible not to like or want to be near them. All great leaders have this.
So what is it?
I’ll tell you, it’s an inner self confidence and self awareness, a way-of-being that does not always come naturally. It takes discipline and a desire to change, if need be. It is integrity, sincerity, compassion, humility, desire and focus, a belief system and a set of guiding principles all wrapped up in one neat little package that requires no effort. It’s whole, complete, sometimes referred to simply as ‘oneness‘. So why am I talking about this? Well, because when I say presentation is everything, that means you too! You are everything, so if you don’t feel that you are, well then, ask yourself why not? Also something else to think about…what will your audience/customer, think?
We are emotional creatures by nature so that means we have feelings and if you can touch people on an emotional level (without even trying), you will create a lasting impact, it’s priceless and that is the essence of what I’m talking about.

1. Maria Casale PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

2. Chapters Presentation really is everything. Are you a leader? Are you passionate about what you are doing? Are you living in the now? The art of storytelling. Harmony...does everything fit? Tell me something I don't know. Be amazing you. www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

3. Chapter ONE Presentation really is everything... www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

4. People ask a lot of questions about presentations ? ? www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

5. This is a snapshot of Google's top searches containing the word 'presentation' www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

6. But what do you really need to know? www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

7. You just need to now how This series will focus on 'the art of presentation' step-by-step through my belief system, explained in simple terms. www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

8. Your audience will form opinions and decisions based on what they see and hear...and you may be surprised to know, they will do this subconsciously! www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

9. Are you ready for that? You really need to get it right and that's not just about what they see on the screen. I believe it goes much deeper. It's actually very much about you. www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

10. You may look smart but are you really smart? www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

11. Don't pretend to know what you're talking about! www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

12. You need to know your stuff inside out and upside down. www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

13. The beginning Of course your presentations need to be impressive, that goes without saying. But how do you really connect with your audience? What about you? Are you connected? Whether you are giving a presentation to 500 people, having a 1:1 business meeting or anything in-between, everything about YOU is the presentation and I don't mean this in a superficial way. We all know when we're in the presence of greatness because that person has an energy, aura, a vibe about them that you can't quite put your finger on, like an invisible halo that makes it impossible not to like or want to be near them. All great leaders have this. So what is it? I'll tell you, it's an inner self confidence and self awareness, a way-of-being that does not always come naturally. It takes discipline and a desire to change, if need be. It is integrity, sincerity, compassion, humility, desire and focus, a belief system and a set of guiding principles all wrapped up in one neat little package that requires no effort. It's whole, complete, sometimes referred to simply as 'oneness'. So why am I talking about this? Well, because when I say presentation is everything, that means you too! You are everything, so if you don't feel that you are, well then, ask yourself why not? Also something else to think about...what will your audience/customer, think? We are emotional creatures by nature so that means we have feelings and if you can touch people on an emotional level (without even trying), you will create a lasting impact, it's priceless and that is the essence of what I'm talking about. www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

14. Planning / storyboard By allowing yourself enough time to plan, gives you space to breathe, which in turn enables you to really think about the structure of your content. I often advise my clients to work backwards. Start with the overall objective and purpose of the presentation. What are the key messages you want to convey? Create a summary/conclusions page first. It also helps to write this down on a blank piece of paper, writing helps the mind to focus. If you can storyboard or map out a frame work, it will help to break everything into bite-size chunks. It can be confusing when you have a lot of thoughts and ideas in your head and you are trying to get them all out at once. So keep it top-line to begin with, then start to break everything down. Every good story has a beginning, middle and end. You need to think about your story, a theme and thread that ebbs and flows, it runs through your presentation and ties in nicely at the end. You should also think about research that will back up your facts and quotes from relevant inspirational people to help emphasis key points you want to highlight and/or tell a true personal story, this of something you can use as a metaphor. www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected] If you are presenting to an audience, you want to keep them engaged so only key points on a page. Big stand-out copy and stats with engaging imagery. Where possible and relevant have a video of some kind, using media and music can set the tone, when it's done right video is emotive, remember, we are trying to connect emotionally. The video content will depend on what your subject matter is, but give it some thought. Iconography really works too. People focus and remember better when looking at visual graphics or images. If you have too much text on a slide they will get lost, then their brains shut down and they start to wonder off....they will start thinking about other things....not good!! All the content you have is your script so keep it in your notes and for rehearsing your presentation. (more on this in a later chapter)

15. Planning / storyboard We all like to feel good. When we go to the cinema, see a show, are out with friends, at a wedding, whatever the occasion...but when we are at work most people don't expect to feel wonderful, happy, enlightened (because of work) if you can uplift your audience's mood (and it is contagious by the way) make them feel good, then you have achieved what you set out to do. Give a successful, interesting, insightful, engaging, entertaining, touching, powerful, presentation....whatever your objective, know what it is from the outset and as long as the impression you leave behind is the same as your intention, that's all you need. Another important point to remember about having a fantastic presentation that is well prepared and rehearsed...it will give you a great deal of confidence, especially when you hear all the positive feedback. The more you adapt this method and mindset, the easier it will get, then soon enough it will become a part of you. www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

16. Summary Plan the outline/framework of your presentation. Think of your overall objective, conclusions first. Have an over-arching story/theme that flows through your presentation. Break this theme into 3 sections (beginning, middle and end). When you have your content and theme mapped out, check that there is synergy throughout. Find your thread and link everything together - the flow is really important. Can you tell your story creatively? It's imperative to keep your audience engaged. Using interesting and relevant stats, quotes, references wherever possible ie tell stories within your story. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse...until you can deliver your presentation in your sleep! Finally, say everything with conviction and be passionate about it... Say what you mean and mean what you say. www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

17. Look out for Chapter 02 Are you a leader? www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

18. All great leaders have a great team right behind them. If you require my assistance bringing your presentation to life, please get in touch, I'll be delighted to help. www.mariacasale.co.uk  07905 454 178  [email protected]

19. for more information: www.mariacasale.co.uk Maria Casale [email protected] 07905 454 178 PRESENTATION DESIGN & COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT BESPOKE PRESENTATION TRAINING EVENT PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

20. for more information: www.mariacasale.co.uk Maria Casale [email protected] 07905 454 178 PRESENTATION DESIGN & COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT BESPOKE PRESENTATION TRAINING EVENT PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT