Written and unwritten rules alike are created as a baseline to carve out a reliable structure. This structure is important to adhere to for good reason. However, in the words of the late, great Robert Evans, “rules were meant to be broken.” In order to have a truly memorable presentation, you must first understand the rules, then ascribe to most of them while finding ways to break a few. Unique presentations break rules in the best ways. Here are a few thoughts on ways to reimagine your next presentation to create something extraordinary.
Deviate from Your Traditional Color Palette
I once worked for a company that was very green—both in their practices and aesthetic. This company had reliably green packaging and this worked especially well for the holiday season as traditional colors are green and red. One year, this company surprisingly switched to a sleek black campaign for holiday. Employees and guests alike were in awe of the sharp diversion; furthermore, it was incredibly impactful. While your colors often set you apart and make your brand what it is, they can be somewhat limiting. If you are in need of an attention-grabbing detour from the norm, consider a bold color shift. If done correctly, it will give you the right kind of attention and shock your audience into embracing the change you may be proposing in such a unique presentation.
Make the Audience Read the Screen
Text-heavy slides are not only distracting because they are busy, but oftentimes they do the talking for you, negating the need for a presenter. Nonetheless, a text heavy slide can be a powerful tool if used at the right time. I remember growing up in church often times there would be text on the screen to follow along. Sometimes the speaker would put the slide up first, give the audience time to read it independently, and then speak to it after opinions had been formed and ideas were flowing. This gave the listeners time for critical thinking—engaging them and helping them form their own relationship with the narrative. It may be a good idea to work a place into your presentation to let the audience read the screen, and then open it up to discussion before giving away the point you are trying to make.
Don’t Save Questions for the End
A good practice especially when speaking to a room full of extroverts is to save questions until the end. This keeps the presentation on-track and lets the presenter get through all of their material. However, finding the right place to engage the audience and let them ask questions just might be the tool you need to make your presentation unique. The audience will remember your deft engagement and appreciate the opportunity to be involved.
Of course, rules are rules for a reason. Tread lightly when you decide to break one and make sure it is done artfully. Taking a presentation to the next level just may call for a rule or two to be broken as that is what your audience will remember. Unique presentations break rules in many ways because presenters are bold enough to step out of their comfort zone. Want a bold new take on your presentation? Ethos3 is here with ideas on how to take your presentation from ordinary to extraordinary. Reach out today!
