The Three Elements of a Successful Presentation
When I worked for Xerox, I spent five days teaching trainers and speakers how to present information in a powerful manner. Those five days gave me time to work on many of the critical elements of speaking, including setting up your message, creating measurable objectives, sustaining interest, dealing with personalities, proper use of questioning tactics, tricks of the trade and so much more.
After I left Xerox, I continued to teach individuals how to speak in front of others, but I had to trim the program down from five days to three days. That meant trimming down the material, and I came up with the most critical elements of professional speaking.
Before I knew it, some clients asked me to teach this material in two, or even just one day. This didn’t mean I had to talk faster; it meant I had to continue to trim down the material to intelligently fit the designated timeframe. It also meant trying to net out and articulate the most critical elements of my message.
I was even requested to give shorter presentations on the topic, including half-day programs, and finally, the dreaded keynote. I don’t say “dreaded” because I feared the delivery. I say it because it meant trimming my precious five-day program to the best hour or two I could muster. In the process of condensing that material more and more, I had to figure out every moment of that presentation. I had to make every word count.
This brings us back to a question I was recently asked: “Mr. Jolles, what do you think the three most important elements of not just speaking, but also performing, would be? I’m just looking for three things.”
My first thought was, “Wow, I’ve spent 30 years learning how to condense a 5 day class into an hour. Now, this guy wants it condensed to three things!” And yet, figuring out the answer to that simple question forced me to provide an equally simple response. Here’s what I said:
“In real estate, they say the three most important things are location, location, location. In any performance, the three most important things are timing, timing, and timing.” That was my answer, and I’m sticking with it!
- Want to sustain interest throughout your message? It often comes down to the timing between your segments.
- Want to draw people to the core of your message? It often comes down to the timing between your sentences.
- Want to help people believe your message? It often comes down to the timing between your words.
- Want to bring humor into your message? It often comes down to the timing between your stories.
There is a time to speak, and a time for silence. When you can develop a rhythm between the two, you take a major leap into a whole different level of communication competency. Timing, timing, and timing! It’s not the words you choose, but rather the space between the words that matters.
Really good BLArticle today, Rob–couldn’t agree more!
As usual, great stuff! I thought you might be heading somewhere else when I read the title, 3 Things…. but that’s an inside joke between us and those that know me. Anyway, 3 things—
1) Thanks for the reminder that I should always go through a process when preparing a talk or presentation to determine what I can take out.
2) Thanks for the reminder that I have to focus very hard on balancing speaking and listening.
3) Thanks for the reminder that effective stories told well and with the right timing is the secret to having my message resonate.
Brian
Now that made me laugh. The inside joke here is that Brian Jolles ALWAYS communicates in three’s… although he usually goes over his three’s! Thanks for posting in three’s of course!
Thanks Nick. It is astonishing how much rides on our timing!
and all for the want of a nail!
My man Patrick is referring to Ben Franklin’s “For Want of a Nail” piece which I have placed into many a seminar. Nice hearing from you Patrick!
Rob:
I guess if someone only wants three things about speaking your summary is a good as it gets. However, wouldn’t it be nice if people wanted to learn all the important things and not just the what they can consume? I suspect you taught many great things in the five day course and maybe three days was an efficient & effective summary but, something must be lost when whittling down a complex subject. I commend you for answering the question however, I wonder if the one who asked it will be a better presenter.
If one asks “what are three essentials of baseball?” a great response might be a bat, ball and bases; however it wouldn’t be much of a game until you have someone to play.
Too bad people don’t take the “time” to learn all the important ideas. After spending two days in one of your classes I was yearning for more. This is not a condemnation of your blarticle. I just think your knowledge on the subject is worth taking the time to listen to all that is important. I’ll patiently await the next 3 things.
Well said Tom. Let’s chalk this up to poetic license. Certainly there’s a lot more to any performance but man oh man does timing play a huge role. Worst part is, it seems to rarely be taught or discussed. Well it is now! Thanks for posting Tom.
I remember those days back at XICTMD vividly. Although we taught in separate classrooms, I had the opportunity to hear your interaction with your students now and then. What I noticed was, by the 10:00 coffee break on Monday, your class was already charged up, motivated and hanging on every word you spoke. I tried to add some of what you did but never had that Jolles magic. My presentations were more effective, but not on par with yours. Those were the days.
That’s very kind, but as Paul Harvey used to say, “here’s the rest of the story.” Joe here was a technical trainer who had the guts to cross over and teach a brand new five-day sales program Xerox agents and dealerships. I’ve never heard of that before and thought you did an amazing job. Although we had different styles, we busted our tails getting that program right. It remains one of the most enjoyable programs I’ve ever taught. Thanks for that memory Joe.
What I appreciate most about this blarticle, is your willingness to be versatile and accept change. Like a fighter in a ring your able to roll with the punches. And no matter if it even came down to the one thing or even one word. The one thing that all of us can count on from Rob Jolles it that it will be delivered with passion. Thank Rob!!!
How about four things? Timing, timing, timing, and passion! I’ve seen Ron James speak, and if you want to see a man speak with passion, watch this man speak. You can learn more about his book, and his passion by watching this short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHLuDBDN2OE Thanks for posting Ron.