Presentation Polish: The Art of the Segue

Presentation Tip #4

Help People Follow You: Create Transitions

"We'll be back after this message from..."  There's a reason why TV and radio announcers use that line. It's designed to help you understand what's about to happen and how it's connected to the programming. In broadcasting it's called a "segue."

How often have you watched a speaker end a sentence, click the next slide, speak, click the next slide, speak, click the next slide... and you're wondering "How is this related to what I just saw?" That's what happens when presenters see their role as giving out information instead of telling a meaningful story.

Connect the Dots

This is what it sounds like when you're taking the audience with you: 

• "We just saw the results of last month's marketing activity. Now let's look at what that means for this month's forecast."  Click.

• "If we decide on Alternative D, how will that impact staffing levels? Here's what we found..." Click.

• "You asked how we're going to start up the Asian operation. Let's look at the first 3 steps." Click.

So the next time you have a presentation to design, think segue. Build a bridge from one thought or fact to the next--and take your listeners with you. They'll appreciate it.

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Looking to "bump up your game" when it comes to presenting? Here are the first three articles in the series:

#1: Presentation Success: Start With a Call

#2: More Presentation Success: Who Requested It?

#3: Be A Presentation Pro: Do This

 

Comments

[Joe Talent]

Bridging I agree is a key skill and even more important in international presentations where language issues may surface.

Now what exactly was the connection with Abbey Road...?

Thanks!

[Steve Roesler]

Joe,

A. Point well taken on the international scene. Not only does it help people follow your thoughts but it allows time for folks to translate your content.

B. Beatles. They are riding devices known as the Segway.

C. Truth be told, I thought it was a cool photo.

Thanks for weighing in,

Steve

[Eleanor]

Awesome, basic tip, which unfortunately a lot of people tend to forget! People have to remember that presentations have to flow smoothly and that the information has to be connected for the audience to make better sense of things. People can catch up when viewing disjointed slides, but they shouldn't have to fumble.

[Steve Roesler]

Eleanor, much of it is about the flow and connectedness, eh?