Creating Engaging Consulting Presentations

Most presentations don't fail because of bad slides. They fail because no one feels a connection. They look like lectures. While the best presentations feel like stories. And stories aren’t just entertaining. They’re how humans connect, trust, and remember. Here’s how to make your next presentation unforgettable: 1️⃣ Introduce the Villain ↠ Start with the problem you’re solving ↠ Be specific—what pain points does your audience face? ↠ When they feel the problem, they’ll lean in 2️⃣ Position Your Solution as the Hero ↠ Show how your solution saves the day ↠ Make it aspirational, not just functional ↠ Think: “This could change everything for you.” 3️⃣ Add Personal Touches ↠ Share your “aha” moment: how did you solve this? ↠ Vulnerability creates trust ↠ Your story becomes theirs 4️⃣ Use the Power of Three ↠ People love patterns ↠ Give them three parts: ↠ The challenge, the breakthrough, the transformation 5️⃣ Create a Visual Journey ↠ Your slides should feel like a movie, not a spreadsheet ↠ Bold visuals + concise words = memorable ↠ The simpler, the better 6️⃣ End With a Mic Drop ↠ Leave them with ONE unforgettable message ↠ Tie it back to their pain—and what they can do next ↠ A powerful ending moves people to act 7️⃣ Rehearse Until It Feels Natural ↠ Practice your story—not your slides ↠ Your authenticity is your superpower ↠ The more natural you feel, the more they’ll believe you Great presentations don’t just share information. They spark emotion. Build trust. Inspire action. What strategy resonates most with you? ♻️ Share this to inspire someone to tell their best story and follow Andrea Petrone for more. ---------------- 📌 Want more? Grab your FREE template to create presentations that captivate every audience: https://lnkd.in/evgSDXEX

PRESENTING VIRTUALLY and engaging a remote audience is hard. The pandemic made us all work differently and years later, many of us are still struggling to be at our best online. That's why I really enjoyed this little book VIRTUAL EI from Harvard Business Review which digs into the science of online attention, engagement and digital mindfulness.   The book addresses issues like “WFH is Corroding Our Trust in Each Other”, “The Endless Digital Workday” and “What Psychological Safety Looks Like in a Hybrid Workplace”.   Here’s a few of my takeaways:   🙈 Traditional meeting styles may not work the same for all types of workers. 90% extroverts say virtual meetings are effective but only 70% of introverts agree.   ❓ Too many acronyms or names you don't know? Google increased productivity by 2% (around $400M) by regularly encouraging new hires to “Ask questions, LOTS of questions – and actively solicit feedback on virtual presentations, don’t just wait for it”.   💬 Talking about NOTHING is important. Screen-fatigue is rampant. We need to create space for small talk before (and after?) meetings. Small talk should be an agenda item and not an afterthought.   👂🏽 “Deep listening” is generous. Don’t always jump to an answer. If you’re one of those people who just waits for a gap in the conversation to provide a solution, try stopping yourself. Suspend your own agenda and listen to others more often.   🦜 It’s hard to engage disconnected audiences. Virtual presenters need to be like birds! (I like this one). Virtual presenters should deliberately and compellingly call and elicit a response. Simulate back-and-forth conversations by asking more rhetorical questions. eg. “Are you ready to try something new?”   A Few Ways to Make a Virtual Presentation Interactive: • Use an icebreaker • Keep it simple (10 slides max?) • Ask the audience • Have an interesting background • Try a quiz • Use humour • Make eye contact (with the camera not just the screen) • Don’t forget body language • Make use of effective language • Be aware of 10-15 minute attention spans • Add in some visual and audio effects • Use video • Have a keylight to highlight your face • Let the audience answer anonymously • Get your audience moving • Turn control over to the audience It’s a good book (for your commute?) which you can read in under 90 minutes. And at £11 it’s cheaper than 1 issue of Harvard Business Review magazine.  

Different audiences need different openings. Here’s what works for each. There’s no one-size-fits-all opener. Your audience, executives, clients, and students, shape how you should begin. Here are 9 customized ways to hook attention based on who you’re talking to: 1. For Execs: Lead with a Promise    ➝ “In 7 minutes, you’ll see why this solution drives $3M in ROI.”     2. For Clients: Use a Vivid Visual    ➝ “Picture your Q3 roadmap—cut in half. That’s what this does.”     3. For Internal Teams: Tell a Story    ➝ “Two years ago, we faced the same challenge you’re in now…”     4. For Students: Ask a Provocative Question    ➝ “What if failing this test made you better at your job?”     5. For Pitches: Make a Bold Claim    ➝ “We’re not just solving X—we’re reshaping the category.”     6. For Workshops: Issue a Challenge    ➝ “Stand up if you’ve ever wanted to walk out of a training session.”     7. For Keynotes: Start with Silence    ➝ A pause before speaking builds gravity and presence.     8. For Tech Audiences: Hit with a Data Stat    ➝ “42% of teams still deploy weekly with manual QA…”     9. For Any Audience: Speak with Empathy    ➝ “I know how intimidating this can feel. I’ve been there too.”     The opener sets the emotional tone. Make it intentional. Who are you speaking to next? Pick one and practice. 📌 Save this cheat sheet 👤 Follow Jay Mount for communication systems that flex with context

Here’s how I turn one keynote talk into infinite customized talks. It all starts with this: I built my talk modularly. For context: I speak to many different audiences, who have many different needs. Making a new talk for everyone is impossible — but I want to serve every client uniquely. A modular structure fixes that. The intro and outro are the same (and I improvise personalization for each audience). Then the meat of the talk is built on modules. Each module is about 7-12 minutes long. I start each with a big idea, then tell a compelling story to illustrate it, then offer a takeaway and exercise. Over time, I add, refine, and retire modules. I have five active ones now, and maybe 10 that I've retired. When I’m hired to speak, I do an intro call with the client to learn about the audience, their needs, and their interests. Based on that, as well as how much time I have on stage (30 minutes? 45? 60?), I assemble the talk. Maybe I’ll use the intro, plus modules 1, 2, 4, and 5, and then the outro — and no Q&A. Maybe I’ll use the intro, plus modules 2, 3, and 4, and then the outro — and 15 min of Q&A. Or whatever. A talk easily snaps into place. In my notes, I also give myself suggestions of how each module connects to a certain audience need. For example: If they’re going through X, then I can relate that to a point I make in Module 2. As a result, I have one talk that can be used and delivered in infinite ways — giving me more opportunities to work with clients, but with a lot less work. Want to be more strategic about YOUR work? My newsletter can help — subscribe for free at jasonfeifer.com/newsletter (Or want to explore my speaking at your event? Info at jasonfeifer.com/speaking)

After decades of working with leaders at companies like Apple, Salesforce, and Cisco, we've identified 4 storytelling techniques that consistently work to deliver important messages in high-stakes settings: 1. Start with the unexpected Don’t begin your presentation with context. Instead, begin with the moment that makes people think, “Wait…what?” Instead of something like: “Here’s an update on our September campaign…” Try starting with the most interesting detail: “I broke our biggest marketing rule last month, and it worked.” Lead with the surprise. You can add context later. 2. Let people feel the tension After the surprise, don’t rewind to the beginning. Take your audience to the moment where things weren’t working. Flat numbers. Missed goals. Stalled progress. Instead of: “The campaign was underperforming, and our team went back to the drawing board.” Try:  "We were two weeks out from the end of the quarter. The campaign wasn’t producing results, and the team was out of ideas. That’s when I decided to take a risk...” You don’t need to explain the problem. You need to make people feel it. 3. Use real dialogue When your audience hears what was actually said, they stop listening to you and start visualizing the moment. This helps them connect emotionally with what you’re saying. Instead of: “The campaign manager said team morale was low and they were struggling to find a solution.” Try: “My campaign manager pulled me aside in the hallway and said, ‘We’ve tried everything. The team has been working overtime, and we don’t know what else to do.’” Dialogue brings listeners into the moment with you. It makes the story real. 4. Share the lesson Never assume people will infer the meaning you intended. End your story by answering: - What does this mean? - How should someone act differently now? Example: “Breaking our biggest marketing rule helped us turn this campaign around and hit our numbers. I strongly suggest we revisit our marketing guidelines. We could be leaving a ton of revenue on the table.” Without the lesson being clear, even a good story feels unfinished. These are the same techniques we teach to our clients at Duarte. Try them out during your next presentation and watch how people lean forward and tune in to your message. #ExecutivePresence #BusinessStorytelling #PresentationSkills

What makes a keynote truly resonate with an audience? I was recently helping a colleague prepare for his first keynote presentation. He knows that I spend a lot of time on keynote stages and that I enjoy coaching others who do as well. Stepping onto a keynote stage can feel daunting, but managing that adrenaline and delivering a compelling message comes down to preparation. When preparing a keynote, many people focus on gathering information. I encourage them to think instead about building a bridge of comprehension so the audience can clearly follow and connect with the message. One framework I often share is what I call the 5 P’s of keynote preparation. 1️⃣ Purpose. Define your goal. What exactly do you want your audience to Know, Feel, and Do? A clear purpose acts as a filter for what makes it into your keynote and ensures the content is relevant and meaningful. 2️⃣ Prime. Your keynote actually begins before you step on stage. Think carefully about your talk’s title and how it is announced. When you prime your audience well, they arrive ready and eager to hear your message. 3️⃣ Plan. Our brains crave structure. Instead of a wandering list of ideas, package your keynote logically. One framework I often use is “What? So What? Now What?” It keeps ideas concise, establishes relevance, and makes them easier to remember. 4️⃣ Premise. Avoid starting with “I’m glad to be here.” Capture attention immediately with a thoughtful question, a compelling story, or a surprising insight. Make it clear where you are taking the audience. 5️⃣ Presence. How you deliver matters just as much as what you say. Keep your posture strong and balanced, gesture with intention, use the space around you, and vary your vocal tone and pacing. These 5 P’s can help strengthen your keynote and improve any high-stakes communication. Always happy to help in crafting your keynote or delivering one to your firm. A quick glimpse at my keynote address at TiEcon last year, where I used the 5 P’s to prepare my own presentation. 👇

261 hours per year on PowerPoint. That’s how much time the average person spends working on their slides. That’s a staggering amount of time. What’s worse? Most of it is wasted on formatting! People often ask me how I prepare my PowerPoint presentations. My answer surprises them: “I don’t think in slides. I think in concepts and stories.” For me, slides are not the starting point—they’re the final step. Instead of being constrained by Slide 1, Slide 2…Chart 1, Chart 2, I focus on crafting a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. My way: Story 1st, Slides 2nd This mindset shift happened years ago, and it transformed how I present. Here’s my simple 3-step framework for building impactful presentations: 1️⃣ Set the plot Start by painting a vivid picture of a problem or situation. Create a gap that sparks curiosity and propels your audience out of complacency. Think about why so many stories begin with, “Once upon a time…” It’s an invitation to a journey. 2️⃣ Add the twist Introduce contrast. Show the audience the gap between what is and what could be. Guide them through a transformation. As you alternate between the present and the envisioned future, make the latter irresistibly appealing. 3️⃣ Call to action End on a high note. Inspire your audience with a compelling vision of what’s possible if they embrace your ideas. Give them a clear, actionable next step. Once I’ve nailed the story structure, the data, charts, and slides naturally fall into place. PowerPoint: a tool, not a hindrance With this approach, I’m not constrained by slide sequences or formats. I can adapt to audience questions, improvise, and make the presentation more engaging and memorable. The story drives the presentation, and PowerPoint simply becomes the tool that enhances it. What about you? The next time you start a presentation, take a step back. Are you designing slides—or are you telling a story? Shift your focus. Start with the story, not the slides. And watch your presentations transform from forgettable to unforgettable. If you found this helpful, try this approach in your next presentation, and let me know how it goes!

Last night, former President Obama and First Lady Michelle reminded us of the power of compelling storytelling in their speeches at the Democratic National Convention. But what’s the secret behind these moments of excellence? Jon Favreau, Obama’s former director of speechwriting, shared five golden rules that are just as applicable to our business presentations as they are to political speeches. Here are five insights you can apply when delivering your next presentation, whether on stage, in a meeting, or in the boardroom: 1. The story is more important than the words Too often, we focus on the right words, but the real question is, “What story am I telling?” Before writing a speech, Favreau would always begin with a conversation, drawing on Obama’s ability to outline a clear narrative first and build the words around it. Always start with the story you’re trying to convey—it’s the backbone of your message. 2. Keep it simple Long presentations may feel thorough, but they are often forgettable. Favreau emphasized brevity: aim for twenty minutes or less. "A speech about everything is a speech about nothing." Narrow your message down to the essential points. 3. Address counterarguments upfront Don’t wait for the Q&A to address objections. In business, as in politics, it's key to acknowledge opposing views and deal with them during your presentation. When Obama delivered his Health Care Reform Plan, he anticipated objections and tackled them head-on. 4. Empathy is key Knowing your audience isn’t enough. You have to step into their shoes. Obama’s speeches resonated because they were written in a language his audience understood. Whether you're presenting to colleagues, clients, or an entire audience, connect by understanding their challenges and perspectives. 5. Persuasion requires inspiration Logic alone won’t motivate. The best way to connect is through stories that touch the heart. In Obama’s 2008 victory speech, Favreau chose the story of Ann Nixon Cooper, a 106-year-old woman who had seen the full spectrum of progress in America. Her story was the perfect reminder that change, though slow, is always possible. Whether you're stepping on stage or presenting in the boardroom, these timeless tips from Obama’s speechwriting playbook can help you connect with your audience, deliver your message effectively, and inspire action. What stories are you sharing in your presentations? #Leadership #PublicSpeaking #Storytelling #Empathy #Inspiration

We’ve all been there. You’re in a meeting. You open your mouth, ideas spill out like octopus tentacles, and by the end no one knows what you meant. And you feel like you’ve blown it. Nothing is worse than knowing what you want to say, but not knowing how to say it. Here’s how to tame that octopus and speak with confidence (even under pressure): Imagine your boss asks: “What are your team’s biggest challenges this quarter?” First, pause. Take a moment to clarify your thoughts – the reason we can get tongue-tied is we try to come up with the answer after we already started speaking. Untamed Octopus Answer: “Well, we’re a new team, so there are priorities, and then tools, and also global alignment across regions, and that reminds me of…” (you get the idea) Tamed Octopus Answer: You pause. Jot notes. Circle 3. Then respond: “Our biggest Q2 challenges are: • Priorities - separating the important from the unimportant. • Tools - deciding between in-house vs. third-party. • Global alignment - teams across US, Europe, and Asia.” You expand briefly on each. Then you summarize again: “So, priorities, tools, and global alignment. Same content. Radically different impact. Here’s how to tame your own octopus in any meeting, interview, or pitch: 1. Pause before speaking (it makes you look thoughtful before you’ve even said a word) 2. Jot down your ideas (you probably have 10) and circle your top 3 3. Organize into buckets: “First… Second… Third…” 4. Add gestures: Say “First… Second… Third…” (and even count on your fingers). Research shows gestures improve comprehension by 60% 5. Summarize again: Repetition cements your message and makes it easy for others to pass along your points accurately It’s simple, but it changes how others perceive you: more confident, more credible, more clear.

I have a confession to make. I have been guilty of putting people to sleep during my presentations. Unfortunately, not once, but many times. I could blame it on the complexities of tech topics or the dryness of the subject. I could always console myself by saying that at least it's not as sleep-inducing as financial presentations (sorry, my friends in Finance). Deep down, though, I knew that even the most complicated and dry topics could come alive. As with anything, it's a skill and can be improved upon. Thus, I turned to my friend Christopher Chin, Communication Coach for Tech Professionals, for some much-needed advice. He shared these 5 presentation tips guaranteed to leave a lasting impression: 1/ Speak to Their Needs, Not Your Wants Don’t just say what you like talking about or what your audience wants to hear. Say what your audience needs to hear based on their current priorities and pain points: that sets your presentation up to be maximally engaging 2/ Slides Support, You Lead Slides are not the presentation. You are the presentation. Your slides should support your story and act as visual reinforcement rather than as the main star of the show.  Consider holding off on making slides until you have your story clear. That way, you don’t end up making more slides than you need or making slides more verbose than you need 3/ Start with a Bang, Not a Whisper The beginning of a presentation is one of the most nerve-wracking parts for you as the speaker and one of the most attention-critical parts for your audience. If you don’t nail the beginning, there’s a good chance you lose the majority of people. Consider starting with something that intrigues your audience, surprises them, concerns them, or makes them want to learn more. 4/ Think Conversation, Not Presentation One-way presentations where the speaker just talks “at” the audience lead to dips in attention and poorer reception of the material. Consider integrating interactive elements like polls and Q&A throughout a presentation (rather than just at the very end) to make it feel more like a conversation. 5/ Finish Strong with a Clear CTA We go through all the effort of preparing, creating, and delivering a presentation to cause some change in behavior. End with a powerful call to action that reminds your audience why they were in attendance and what they should do as soon as they leave the room. By integrating these, you won't just present; you'll captivate. Say goodbye to snoozing attendees and hello to a gripped audience. 😴 Repost if you've ever accidentally put someone to sleep with a presentation. We've all been there!