Want better outcomes from your presentations, pitches, discussions? Then make deliberate choices when developing and delivering your important messages.
Check out this collection of Deliberate posts from 2024 on Messaging.
Message Planning posts focus on the strategic thinking that should happen BEFORE working on the message itself. What are my goals? Who is my target audience? What do they care about? How much time will I have?
Message Structure posts focus on how to structure a message for more impact. What goes in? What stays out?
Media posts focus on the visuals that support your message.
Message Delivery posts are all about how you convey your message. This is your presence: everything your audience sees you do or hears you say.
Posts on High Stakes Pitches focus on a special subset of presentations: when your team has submitted a proposal for a project (or other complex scope of work) and is now invited to pitch to the client.
A popular set of posts focus on Interview Prep. Getting the right job offer takes more than answering the employer’s questions; demonstrate you’re the right person for the job.
Specific Situation posts are less focused. They discuss specific types of messages (like Big Stage presentations or HSE communication) or challenges (like giving someone else’s presentation).
Messaging in the Wild posts are examples of notable messages (good, funny, or bad).
Odds, Ends, and other Magic Stuff are posts that are indirectly tied to messaging.
Enjoy!
Message Planning
The strategic thinking that should happen BEFORE working on the message itself.
You’re selling yourself just as much as your idea or product
Win in the conversation
Common problem: Solution-focused instead of audience-focused
Common problem: No time for questions
Common problem: Repeating the same presentation
Common problem: Trying to educate the educated
Common problem: Can’t adapt when given less time
Message Structure
After you have your message plan, it’s time to structure it: What are you going to say? How are you going to say it?
Prioritizing key points for maximum impact (LI collaborative article)
Localize your presentation when presenting in another country
Options to translate your presentation
Adapting your presentation for a global audience (LI collaborative article)
Common problem: No “A Ha!” moment(s)
Common problem: Low audience engagement
Media
Media is what your audience sees during your presentation: slides, videos, drawings, etc.
Is each slide quick & easy to consume like a billboard? Or dense like a document?
Ten tips to get the most impact and reduce risk when using videos in your presentation
Bonus tips for using animated video
Make it easy to see your point
Slide animation
WHY use a flipchart?
WHEN to use a flipchart
HOW to use a flipchart
Lipstick won’t fix that pig of a presentation
Common problem: Low contrast visuals
Common problem: Confusing Charts & Graphs
Common problem: Poor use of photos
Common problem: Hard to consume slides
Message Delivery
Message Delivery is your presence: everything your audience sees you do or hears you say. It’s not just HOW you say it, but how you manage the room and your media.
Authenticity matters
Don’t hide behind a podium
The power of gestures
Seven tactics to get your audience to sit up and pay attention
Checking notes
RBF (Resting Bob Face)
Presenting in a second language
A PowerPoint secret weapon
Common problem: Low confidence delivery
Common problem: Showing but not actively referring to content
High Stakes Pitches
The client puts out a Request for Proposal. Your team applies a huge amount of effort into generating a proposal. If you make it to final few, you may be invited to pitch your proposal. A great pitch may not win the contract, but a weak pitch can certainly lose it. And pitches are different than other presentations; they tend to be high-stakes (win or lose, big revenue), tightly structured (client defines the agenda), team efforts, with lots of questions and discussion.
What about your pitch MESSAGE?
What parts of your high-stakes pitch need to be memorable?
Common problem: Undifferentiated
Common problem: Low confidence delivery
Common problem: Poor team Q&A
Common problem: Going over time
Common problem: Weak media / pitch deck
Common problem: Inconsistent
Common problem: Not compelling or memorable #1
Common problem: Not compelling or memorable #2
Common problem: Not compelling or memorable #3
Common problem: Not enough time or resources to prepare
Common problem: Client can’t decide to move forward (with any vendor)
Interview Prep
Most people preparing for a job interview tend to prepare by reviewing the job description and practicing answers to likely questions. Here are some additional tips to stand out:
Define your target audience & tailor your answers
Personal value proposition & how to deliver it
Be ready to share your best proof points in the interview
What questions do YOU have?
Specific Situations
Different types of messages or challenges:
Annual social media planning: How I do it, why it's important
Big stage presentations are different
HSE messaging
Poll: How would you describe most conference presentations?
Tips for giving someone else’s presentation
Messaging in the Wild
Good, bad, or funny messages seen outside Deliberate training events:
Don’t feed the alligators (Most popular post)
Message strategies at the presidential debate
My favorite founder story delivery example (video)
The worst leadership communication example I’ve experienced
Odds, Ends, and other Magic Stuff
Great stuff indirectly related to messaging:
Once they say YES, STFU
When Feedback is too much of a good thing
Silent spectators on LinkedIn
Book review: Jolt!
Looking for More?
If you (or your team) need to ‘level up’ your presentations and pitches, check out:
Deliberate training events. There are a range of options to develop your skills.
Deliberate coaching and coaching events. Guided help to prepare a specific message.
High Stakes Pitch Kit. Coming soon: A self-paced guide to prepare your team and winning message for a pitch.
Tip sheets (single page quick references) you can buy & download:
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