Presentation Tips

From Chaos to Clarity: Winning Slide Strategies

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Listen up. Your presentation should do one thing: support your story. Your slides are not meant to replace you, nor should they compete with your voice. Yet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overloading slides with text or data, trying to anticipate every possible need.

Here’s the challenge: when you present overloaded slides, your audience tunes out. They shift their focus to reading rather than listening. To keep your audience in the moment and connected with your message, you need to take a more strategic approach to slide design.

Here are some tips to ensure your slides are truly supportive:

  • Keep It Visual: Replace text-heavy bullets with charts, graphs, or images that communicate your points visually and clearly.
  • Use Builds to Reveal Content: Instead of overwhelming your audience with six bullet points at once, reveal each point as you address it. This keeps the focus where it belongs—on your narrative.
  • Simplify Relentlessly: During rehearsals, look for opportunities to trim your slides further. The less cluttered they are, the more easily your audience will process them.
  • Guide Their Focus: When presenting complex slides—like those with data tables or detailed graphics—use tools like highlight boxes or builds to direct attention to specific areas. Your audience should never have to guess where to look.
  • Ask Critical Questions: As you prepare your slides, challenge yourself with questions like “Do I really need a slide for this?” and “What’s the purpose of this slide?” Let these questions guide you toward concise, purposeful visuals.

Well-designed, concise slides that enhance your story will make your presentations shine. Remember, your slides are there to elevate your message—not steal the spotlight. 

This article originally appeared at WeAreComvia.com and is reprinted here with permission.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Reading the Room

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Some people just know how to read a room. They have this seemingly uncanny ability to perceive and understand the emotions, attitudes, and dynamics of a group of people in a given setting — and tailor their communications and behaviors in real time to make the most of the moment. 

Guess what? Those who do it well aren’t unicorns. They’ve honed the skill over time. 

Still, some leaders struggle with reading the room effectively. Why? Well, sometimes the issue is that it involves keen observation, empathy, and intuition. It means paying attention to, and honoring, emotions, and moods. In other words, it involves many things that old-style leadership used to tell you to check at the door. 

The truth is that being able to sense the unspoken cues and underlying sentiments in a room give you great power in influencing interactions and outcomes. 

Want to boost your room-reading ability? Here are a few things to focus on. 

  • Active Listening: Pay close attention to what is being said and how it is being said. Notice the tone, pace, and body language of your team members. 
  • Observe Non-Verbal Cues: Non-verbal communication, like facial expressions, gestures, and posture, provide significant insights into how people are feeling. 
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage open dialogue by asking questions that invite detailed responses. This helps you understand perspectives and emotions more deeply. 
  • Practice Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes to better understand their feelings and viewpoints. Empathy is key to connecting with others on a human level. 
  • Stay Present: Be fully engaged in the moment. Avoid distractions and focus on the interactions happening around you. 

Reading the room requires practice, and mindfulness. Mastering this skill can lead to more effective communication, stronger relationships, and a more cohesive team. 

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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TMI During Q&A

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You’ve seen it. Maybe you’ve even done it. Providing too much information (TMI) when answering questions.

It’s painful for the audience, and it erodes your credibility.

“But they need all of the details in order to understand!”

Wrong. What they need is the answer to their question. As brief and concise as possible without it sounding curt. It should be tailored so that they hear only what they need to hear to be satisfied — and not a data dump of everything you know on the topic.

The curse of knowledge affects us all. We often know much more than a questioner needs to hear. That’s why when I coach clients on handling Q&A after a presentation or during a high stakes meeting, I teach a visual aid that helps every time.

The Answer Sandwich. Here’s how it works.

Visualize a sandwich in your head. It might look something like this:

Yum. Now, remind yourself before Q&A that for each question, you’re going to make the questioner a sandwich with your answer.

  1. You’ll start with the top bun, which is your short answer. The direct answer to their question. “Yes, we looked at that and I’m happy to share what we found.”
  2. Next, you’ll serve up the “meat” and condiments, and other central elements of the sandwich. These are your supporting points. The trick here is to make them the right sized sandwich. What’s their appetite? Do they need a lot of details? Maybe just a few highlights so they understand? In other words, be audience-centric and consider what this specific person needs from you to be satisfied. Give them that, no more.
  3. Finally, and this is especially important if you’re making them a large sandwich, is to finish off with your bottom bun. This can be a summary of your answer (helpful if you went long) or a restatement of your key message. People are most likely to remember the first and last things you say, so finish strong.

Make sense? Good. Try it. Ask yourself, “What size sandwich does this person need?”

And remember, some people only need a piece of toast.

Clear, concise, and audience-centric answers are your secret weapon when you’re in the Q&A hot seat.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Quick Tip: The Power of the Pause

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In the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s easy to rush through conversations. However, pausing before responding can be a powerful tool.

It allows you to gather your thoughts, consider your words carefully, and demonstrate thoughtful leadership.

And trust me, the pause feels longer to you than it will to others. Need proof? Record yourself and test out some pause lengths.

So, next time you’re in a conversation (especially if it’s a challenging one), try pausing before responding. You’ll be surprised at the impact it can have.

P.S. Pausing is also your friend when you’re speaking in meetings or to a crowd. It helps you catch your breath, keep a good pace, and when used strategically can let that brilliant point you just made resonate with the audience before you move on.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Quick Tip: The 6 x 6 Rule

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When designing presentations, the 6 x 6 rule serves as a valuable guideline to keep your slides clear and concise.

While not a strict rule, it’s a great reminder to avoid overcrowding your slides with too much text. Here’s what you need to know:

What is the 6 x 6 Rule? 

The 6 x 6 rule suggests limiting each slide to a maximum of six bullet points, with each bullet point containing no more than six words. This helps maintain focus and clarity.

Why Use the 6 x 6 Rule?

  1. Guidance: It encourages you to distill your message, ensuring that your slides are easy to read and understand.
  2. Engagement: By reducing text, your audience will stay more engaged. They’ll listen to you rather than read ahead of you!
  3. Simplicity: Clean, uncluttered slides look more professional and are easier for your audience to follow.

Tips for Using the 6 x 6 Rule as a Guide

  • Highlight Key Points: Focus on the most critical information you want to convey.
  • Incorporate Visuals: Use images, graphs, and charts to support your points and add visual interest.
  • Be Flexible: Remember, the 6 x 6 rule is a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule. Adjust as needed to suit your content and audience.

By using the 6 x 6 rule as a guide, you can create presentations that are not only informative but also visually appealing and easy to follow.

It’s a handy reminder to keep your slides from becoming too wordy, ensuring your message is clear and impactful.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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The Data Doesn’t Speak for Itself

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I coach a lot of life science and biotech clients who create scientific and technical presentations. From pitches to high stakes regulatory meetings, time and again speakers overload their presentations (slides and talking points) with data — with the expectation that the data will do the job that the speaker actually needs to do themselves…

 …tell the story the audience needs to hear.

And do you know what? It’s not just the technical and scientific leaders we coach who do this. So, let’s take a moment to discuss how to transform your presentations from data dumps to captivating narratives.

Stop Bombarding Your Audience with Information

Here’s the challenge I often see in data-driven or scientific presentations: you present the data beautifully, but the story behind the data gets lost. You haven’t shown your audience the human impact, the problem you’re solving, or the exciting future your research, therapy, or solution promises.

So many numbers, charts, jargon — it’s enough to make anyone’s eyes glaze over. And don’t forget that your audience is seeing your presentation for the first time! You’ve likely lived with it for weeks, months, if not years. How do you help them absorb it? Remember it?

You have a secret weapon waiting to be used: storytelling.

Stories are Key To Unlocking Audience Engagement and Understanding

We humans are wired for narratives. Stories tap into our emotions, make complex ideas relatable, and leave a lasting impression.

So, how do we weave a compelling story into your data-driven presentation? Here are a few tips:

  1. Identify the Core Message: Before diving into data sets and charts, distill the essence of your presentation into a clear, concise message. What story do you want your audience to walk away with? Define this narrative core, and let it guide your entire presentation.
  2. Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience is fundamental to effective storytelling. Tailor your narrative to resonate with their interests, concerns, and level of expertise. Whether presenting to investors, researchers, or the wider public, adapt your story to connect specifically with them.
  3. Create a Narrative Arc: Just like any compelling story, your presentation should follow a logical and engaging structure. Introduce the characters (the researchers, the subjects, or the molecules), build tension with the challenges faced, and culminate in a resolution—the impact of your research or the promise of a brighter future.
  4. Visualize Your Data: Support your narrative with visuals that enhance rather than overwhelm. Use graphs, charts, and images strategically to emphasize key points in your story. Remember, visuals should complement your narrative, not serve as a substitute for it.

The Story is the Glue

Remember, your data is the evidence, but your story is the emotional glue that binds it all together. By weaving a narrative into your presentation, you’ll not only inform your audience, you’ll move them and inspire them. Craft your story with care, and watch as your audience transforms from spectators to active participants in your journey.

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On Nervousness & Anxiety When Speaking

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This is a much younger me on a stage singing and dancing in a musical. Honestly, this was so long ago I can’t recall which one. Maybe How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying or The Music Man?

That 17 year old was almost paralyzed by stage fright. Not when we would rehearse — that was always fine, and quite fun.

But when there would be actual people in the seats? Oh my. Hands shaking, voice trembling. Heart rate stratospheric.

Not a good feeling.

I see a lot of advice for reducing nervousness and anxiety on LinkedIn and other social sites. Some of it is good. Some… not so much.

The truth is that there is no list of tips or tricks that works for everyone. You need to figure out what the root of your anxiousness is, and do the work to minimize it.

Breathing exercises work for some. Others need to work on their confidence overall — not just when speaking.

Some people force themselves to speak in a certain style because they think they should, and it throws them off because that’s not their style. Sounds silly, but I see it all the time.

Some people have past negative experiences with presenting that haunt them.

Figure out what’s really got you nervous. Name it, and make a plan to work through it.

And… practice always helps. With a coach? Even better. But you know, I’m partial. 😉

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Michael Piperno Presenting with Screen Sharing On

Remote Presenting Quick Tip: Screen Sharing

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Too many presenters leave slides or visual aids on the screen when they’re no longer being used. That’s a missed opportunity to connect with your audience.

When you’re facilitating discussions (or answering questions after a presentation) it’s best to stop screen sharing so you can see your audience better — and so they can see you.

Of course, if a response to a question requires a slide or visual by all means use one, but if not your audience will appreciate seeing you, your body language, and your facial expressions while they interact with you.

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Does Public Speaking Make You Anxious?

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If so, you’re not alone. In fact, a fear of public speaking affects anywhere from 40 to 75 percent of the population, depending on what studies you look at. There’s even a medical term for it: glossophobia.

Here are some tips that will help:

  • Don’t try to be perfect. The fear of public speaking often stems from a fear of imperfection. The fact is that no one ever gets it 100 percent right every time, and neither will you. And that’s okay.
  • Know your stuff. The more prepared you are when it comes to the topic of your presentation, the more confident you will feel. Don’t forget to also consider (and practice answering) the questions you’ll likely get from your audience.
  • Use your audience to your advantage. When you can get your audience involved in your presentation, it’s much easier for you to deliver and much more engaging for them. Win-win.
  • Practice until you’re sick of practicing. And do it out loud! Recruit colleagues to give you feedback on your presentation. You can also record yourself giving the presentation and watch it back. I do this with every speech or workshop I create.

And finally, remember that being nervous is actually a good thing. How so?

Well, it means you care — about your audience and about your topic.

That’s good stuff.

Want some more tips? Send me a note through Comvia Group’s contact page and ask me for my favorite breathing exercises for settling nerves and preparing to speak. I’ll send them to you.

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Microsoft Word as a Teleprompter?

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I don’t typically read from a script when I present. Often I will have some bullets for reference in front of me to remind me of my key points, and I’m pretty comfortable speaking without a script as long as I’m comfortable with my material. Many of my clients do the same.

However, there are times when a script is critical. For example, when I coach life sciences leaders to present at high stakes meetings like FDA Advisory Committee meetings or EMA Oral Explanations, we prepare and rehearse a word for word script. The stakes are too high for ad-libbing (everyone must stay on message), the presentation must adhere to strict time constraints, and a script is critical to ensure a backup presenter can step in at the last minute. Life happens, and sometimes a speaker gets sick or can’t present for some other reason.

Even if a presentation isn’t mission critical, some people are more comfortable speaking from a script. That’s fine — but the trick is to be able to present it well when reading. You want to make sure your delivery is conversational and engaging. That requires a lot of rehearsal. 

Here’s a tip that I teach my clients for when you need to read from a script. Setup Word to act like a teleprompter!

Watch this video to learn how.

This tip is especially helpful when you’re presenting remotely. You can scroll through the script while maintaining eye contact with your audience. If you’ve rehearsed and refined the script enough, the audience won’t even know you are reading.

Enjoy.

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