The Best Way to Get Your Point Across in a Presentation

When we are trying to share our opinions, many of us have trouble getting to the point. Add to that the nerves and anxiety that go along with giving a presentation and it’s easy to see why so many people speak without purpose. The truth is, we all want to be heard and we want to convince others that our opinions are valid, but we may not realize that our attempts to do so are counter-intuitive. Whether you are trying to persuade consumers to purchase your new product or you are trying to convince your employees that they need to try new strategies, getting your point across requires a bit of finesse. Here are some helpful tips for presenting your points in the most convincing way. 

Know Your Goals

Ask yourself, “What do I want my listeners to take away from my presentation?†“What is the main point?†It is important to identify your main point so you know exactly how to tailor your presentation. After all, if you don’t even know your main point, how can you get it across to someone else? Make sure the point is straightforward and easy to understand. You want your audience to easily be able to sum up the main point of your presentation in just one short sentence.

Get to the Point, Fast

This isn’t the time to beat around the bush. It’s best to identify the central point of your presentation within the first couple of sentences. You will have time to explain it and back it up later in the presentation, but don’t wait to let audiences know why they are there. Leading with your main point will ensure your audience knows the purpose of the presentation. Once you have stated your point, you can then focus the rest of your presentation on this one subject. 

Back Up Your Argument with Valid Reasoning

It’s not enough to simply stand in front of an audience and make a claim. You have to be able to back up your claim with valid reasoning and evidence. For instance, we all know that it’s important for kids to read each night, but providing evidence and research makes that statement more credible. Think about the impact that is made when you say, “Children who read for at least 20 minutes a day are exposed to almost 2 million words per year.†Do some research and find helpful information that validates your point. 

Tell a Story

Stories are a great communication tool because they help bring our words to life. Not only do stories entertain, but they make it easier for people to visualize what you are saying. A story allows a speaker to make a statement or opinion and put it in a real-life setting. This makes it easier for the audience to connect with you and understand your point of view. 

Use Visuals

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes you can use an image, photograph, or video to make your point without even speaking. That’s because these images speak for themselves. Charts and graphs can be quick and easy ways to show statistics while photos or videos can tap into the listener’s emotions. Choose visual aids that are informative, but not distracting. This will help you emphasize your key points. 

Reiterate Your Point

At the conclusion of your presentation, remember to reiterate your point. This is the perfect time to wrap up your presentation by reminding your audience of your main point and why it is valid. This should be the last thing your audience hears so it will stick with them.