When the goal is to give an engaging and compelling presentation, we are present with the audience. We’re not reciting our material or reading a script. We’re deeply immersed in bringing our content to people who want and need it.
That’s the ideal.
What often happens in reality is that we have so much we want to convey, we really get into the weeds. We think “I have to make sure they know this thing and this other thing!” and cram anther example into our talk, another fact onto our slides.
Here’s what happens. The more data you have on your slides, the more likely you are to fall into the default intention of “to report.” You see all the words there and naturally feel like you need to say them all to your audience.
This default intention changes the way you speak. When you’re reporting, your voice has less color and variety, and you’re not connecting as much with your listeners. You’re trying to remember the next thing you wanted to say.
Instead, think about the deliberate and productive intention “to connect” or “to share.” Limit yourself to one idea per slide. Capture that thought in an image or a few words. Let the slide be the jumping-off point for what you’re saying, not the script.
