I like Mac computers because they are simple and easy to use. I design my presentations the same way: simple and understandable. Conversely, I see some people cramming as much information as they can into their talks and slides. Take the time to speak like a Mac. Your ideas are worth the effort.
The first time I saw a Mac opened, it was a thing of beauty. If you wanted to remove a hard drive, you flipped a lever and it slid out. The first PC interior I saw looked like a bird’s nest of random wires and cords. Everything was jammed in and screwed shut.
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| Beautiful! |
Your presentations should be like a Mac. Don’t overburden your audiences with random information. Tell a story as to why your idea is better. Remember: the goal is to make it understandable and actionable. Here are the design techniques to Speak like a Mac.
- Make It Simple – Eliminate unnecessary information. Decide what the audience needs to hear and share that. The slides that Steve Jobsused were just pictures of the device or one word describing it. Your will appreciate it.
- Invest Time – Apple invests time in the design of the computer (exterior AND interior), the packaging and the presentation. Invest time in practicing your presentation. The audience will notice a difference and actively listen.
- In the Details – Apple pays great attention to the finite details of their devices. Learn about your audience, venue and anticipate the questions. Is this level of detail working for Apple? It is a $100 Billion company. Enough said.
The difference between great presentations (receive funding) and boring presentations (they walk out) is not the slides; it’s the speaker. They came to hear you. Give them what they came for and speak (simply) like a Mac!
Scientifically Speaking, of course.
Next Week: The Mythical Social Media ROI
