Unlocking Powerful Presentations: Expert Strategies to Stand Out and Captivate
by Nicolas Sacchetti
What makes a good presentation? Whether in an academic or professional environment, capturing interest is a true asset.
On the 14th of September, doctoral students and early-career researchers from 4POINT0 took part in a hybrid workshop day organized at Polytechnique Montréal, with a primary focus on career development. Here are some insights gleaned from the day.
Throughout these workshops, the students had the opportunity to showcase their research works and benefit from the guidance of seasoned professors and researchers, such as Philip Shapira (Manchester Institute of Innovation Research), Philippe Moralet (Thales), Nicholas Vonortas (Science and Public Policy, editor), Elicia Maine (SFU), and Mario Bourgault (Polytechnique Montréal).
Industry Audience
First and foremost, don't wait until you've completed your studies to introduce yourself to industry professionals. Many managers form a quick impression of the people they meet. So, before presenting, it's wise to know your audience, research the company, and understand who will be attending your presentation. Checking the company's publications can be a smart move.
To gauge a company's inclination towards innovation, their patent portfolio can provide valuable insights. A diverse range of patents suggests a willingness to explore new ideas and venture into new market areas or segments. If this portfolio includes innovations or technologies that deviate from the industry's conventional norms, it's a testament to their creativity and boldness. Furthermore, a regularly updated portfolio, combined with sustained R&D investment, indicates a proactive approach to experimentation and adaptation.
Companies specializing in high-tech will likely be more receptive to messages centered around innovation. Armed with this information, you can tailor your speech according to your audience.
Prioritize your approach. In your initial meeting, avoid jumping directly to the topic of funding. Aim instead for other goals, such as establishing trust or identifying mutual needs. Introduce a market-shaking innovation and ensure consistency in your arguments and visuals to maintain credibility. On that note, here's an article to improve data visualization:
Also, note that expectations differ depending on whether you're invited or if you sought out the invitation. Your chances of captivating an audience are higher in the former scenario.
But what is the ultimate goal of innovation? Be clear in your speech about the objectives driving your strategies and the means you're proposing. Be concise and straightforward. Industry players will be especially curious about the motivations justifying the changes you recommend. Remember, an innovation process should ultimately target commercialization.
Bear in mind that industry professionals are always eager to learn, and they'll be intrigued by diverse approaches. If your audience comprises government officials, target a specific department; inter-departmental collaboration appears to be a challenging ideal to achieve.
Academic Audience
Connecting your personal experiences to your research or discussion topic is an effective strategy. This not only roots your talk in reality but also showcases the depth of your interest and commitment. Be aware that certain value judgments, like opinions, might put off your audience. Reflect on their necessity in your presentation. Objectivity and neutrality are always welcomed in academia.
Additionally, blend formal and informal language for balanced presentations. Avoid being too stiff or too casual; striking the right balance is crucial. Ensure to include references and connect with literature to prove your grasp on the topic.
It's also advisable to number your slides so the audience can easily identify discussion points you'll address later. This slide numbering also aids the presenter in referencing a particular slide during subsequent questions or discussions, making the presentation more interactive and engaging.
Time Constraint
Time is of the essence. Presentations are timed, and the clock keeps ticking. Many individuals, realizing they're running out of time, rush to convey their information, often hurriedly and confusingly. Knowing where your essential slides and key points are allows you to effortlessly skip the superficial details to deliver your main message. Your introduction and conclusion are vital. Fear not: if you've sparked interest, attendees will revisit your analysis afterward.
Promoting Information Retention
It's undeniable. The brain tends to favor pleasant memories and forget the unpleasant ones. The same will apply to your audience during your presentation. Furthermore, laughter enhances synapse connections, and the brain connects what it already knows to new concepts. Thus, ensure the experience is memorable and positive.
Adapt, Connect, Engage
In conclusion, a successful presentation isn't just about sharing information but conveying it efficiently and memorably. It should cater to its audience, spark interest, and establish a connection with the listeners. Interactivity, clarity, and message relevance are all factors that make a presentation engaging.
These practical tips, shared by experts during the workshop day at Polytechnique Montréal, serve as tools for students and researchers to stand out and make an impact in their field. The key is always to consider the target audience and prioritize message quality over the quantity of information shared.
This content has been updated on 2023-10-19 at 16 h 10 min.