25 January 2024|communication skills
Caroline Gregory
Many people are working internationally and need to make presentations which have impact and are clear to their whole audience. So, how can you present globally with success? This article focuses on a technique to build a framework which will give you a clear and memorable presentation.
Present with impact and clarity
Pre-work – first stage in how to present globally
Firstly, before you start, think of someone young that you know. Or someone who has no background knowledge of the topic you are going to be speaking about. Keep this person in your mind and perhaps have a photograph of them next to you.
Secondly if you are presenting in your second or third language (and you have CEFR B2.2+ level), try to prepare the presentation in this language. It is much easier to do this, than to prepare the presentation in your first language and then translate. However, if you are not at this level then there are good translation tools, for example DeepL. Maintaining the impact of your key message is never easy in translation.
Thirdly, focus on simplicity and don’t assume that simple uncomplicated language is not impactful or interesting. Think back to your education when you may have been encouraged to write in a complicated, sophisticated, and varied way. For a global presentation focus away from this and do the opposite. You can be clear, simple, and repeat words. Simple language does not have to be boring or lacking in detail.
“I apologize for such a long letter – I didn’t have time to write a short one.” Mark Twain
or
Je n’ai fait celle-ci plus longue que parce que je n’ai pas eu le loisir de la faire plus courte. — Lettre XVI
I only made this letter longer because I had not the leisure to make it shorter.” — 16th letter Blaise Pascal
Structure – second stage in how to present globally
Now you need to think of nine things.
Firstly, what are three things you want your audience to remember about you? Examples of what you might want them to remember are: that you are helpful, a good leader, approachable, interesting, have a good understanding of them, knowledgeable, etc.
Secondly, what are three facts/ideas/concepts you want your audience to remember from your presentation?
Thirdly, imagine your audience leaving your presentation with three gifts. What are three gifts – benefits/advantages/skills that your audience will remember are for them. For example, things which have helped their understanding or will help them work better or have made them feel more positive.
Think of a Venn diagram and add your nine pieces of information.
Then the overlap of these will give you your main message and focus.
An example
A presentation to introduce a new software system which is going to be rolled out company wide. This is being delivered by the Director of Operations. Here is the Director’s preparation.
Three things about me
Approachable.
Knowledgeable.
Empathetic: The Operations Director is understanding of their roles and the extra work the rollout of the new system could create.
Three things I want my audience to remember
Date of the rollout and that the whole team need to try and have free time that week.
The transition may create more work, but the end result will be worth it.
There will be constant help and support available.
Three gifts for them
Their new system will make their administration easier, so they won’t get so frustrated or need so much technical support.
The new system will free up hours of time they currently spend on admin.
They will have remote access to the new system so they will no longer need to be in the office to do their admin.
Now the Director can put his nine things into a Venn diagram.
“The new system is going to result in a transition period. There will be constant support to ensure it all goes smoothly for you. I am going to be part of the roll out from beginning to end, and you are free to come to me at any time if you have any questions or concerns.
When the roll out is completed, it will make your admin work easier, less frustrating, save you hours of time, and be more flexible. You won’t need to be in the office to get it completed.”
Now you are ready to start to prepare the presentation. You have your main message and focus, and you are preparing while thinking of someone. So, the result will be a presentation which will have impact and be clear for all your audience.
Further Reading
Practical tips to think about before a global video call
Three things to do to be successful globally
If you would like to learn more about how to present globally or discuss one on one coaching, book a half hour situation appraisal to discuss your needs with our Director, Caroline Gregory via our contact form.