Need advice on how to make an engaging speech/presentation:

S

szimmer

Well-known member
Hello,


I need some creative ideas on how to do a speech/presentation on the country Colombia.


The presentation should be approximately 30 minutes and will be shown via a projector, screen and sound system. The last 5 minutes of the presentation will be about our non-profit which works in Colombia providing appropriate water solutions for poor rural communities.


Via our experiences with the non-profit we have lots of photos, videos and interesting stories on what the Colombia is really like. I “think” I want to do live narration while I discuss what is happening in the photos and videos. However, I could also record narration for some of the video clips. I am not sure what works better for a live audience.


Has anyone done similar work before?


Does anyone have a good example of an interesting and engaging presentation similar to what I am trying to do? Maybe it exists on youtube or vimeo and you could provide me with a link? If so, that would be great.


I am trying to avoid the boring standard PowerPoint presentation. Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated.


By the way, I should add that I have my own video company so I am capable of making short videos depending on the topic; with or without narration.


I look forward to everyone’s suggestions.


Thanks in advance,


Simon
 
Watch Braveheart, Independence Day and similar movies with engaging speeches.
Words do more than pictures in this field.
Once you got your words, just decorate them wit nice pictures.

Frank
 
interested in where in colombia you will be showing this?
i am colombian, from Medellin.


ohh and as for the tips, sorry...i'm like Seinfeld says, i'd rather be in the casket than be the guy who gives the eulogy
 
Hello,

I like the seinfeld quote.:D

No plans to show it in Colombia just yet. For now just the United States and Germany (we have a club that supports our non-profit there).

You can check out our non-profit at:

www.aguayuda.org

I am a U.S. citizen and Colombian citizen. I love Colombia! I was born in Bogota.

PM if you would like to learn more.

Take care,

Simon
 
Check out TED.com

Check out TED.com

If you want to see some great presentations by superb presenters, check out TED.com

You'll see every style under the sun, most of them delivered with passion and wit.

You might also want to check out a book or two about public speaking and/or talk to somebody in your local Toastmasters group.

As one of my colleagues who does media and presentation training keeps telling his corporate clients: it's not about YOU, it's about the audience.

Good luck, or, I should say 'Break a leg!'


Cheers,
George
 
Hello,

Good tip on the ted.com website. Thanks!

And actually I do have a friend who is in a Toastmasters group. I will contact her right away.

thanks,

Simon
 
Please post some results

Please post some results

Simon -

You're welcome. Please post some results of your project when it's over.


Cheers,
George
 
Keep your presentation to no more than 20 minutes. There's a fair bit of research indicating that the attention span of most adults is about 15-20 minutes. Yes, that's a general rule and, yes, there are things you can do to increase attention span (eg. breaks -- commercials) but I'd stick to it anyway. Keeping it to 20 minutes also allows time for Q&A.

Anything you can do to help your audience visualize things will help keep them engaged and make your presentation more memorable. But DO NOT use clip art or ridiculous sound effects.

Don't forget a call to action. Presumably, you want your audience to do something as a result of your presentation (eg. donate money/time, go to Columbia, never go to Columbia, go to your website, etc). Tell them what you want them to do and ask them to do it.

Bottom line, though, is that your story must be compelling. If you get that part right, the rest will come pretty easy.
 
Hi coddida.

I appreciate the advice.

I will definitely post the presentation when it is done but that will take some time.

thanks again,

Simon
 
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