Great presentations are like power ballads, they tap into three key things that create impact and leave an impression on just about every audience.  Check out some power ballads by Aerosmith or Chicago to get a feel for how they utilize emotions, timing and memorable choruses to create impact. Get on Guitar Hero and practice your power ballad moves!

1.            They Play On Your Emotions

Every great power ballad pulls on your heartstrings.  It uses emotion to create empathy for the main characters and to beseech you to connect with its message.  (“You bring meaning to my life, you’re the inspiration…” Chicago) A great presentation does the same thing.  Remember, the human brain’s memory sensors are triggered by emotion.  It works two ways.  When you feel something or connect with something on an emotional level you are more apt to put that information into long-term memory. In addition, when you remember or access those memories you recreate the emotion you originally felt.  This is why emotion is a great memory tool.  It helps people remember and it can help you attach positive emotions to your ideas.  Maybe it won’t make them want to grow their hair long and slow dance in the gym in a too big tuxedo like a Chicago power ballad will, but at least they might remember your message!

Create emotion in your presentation by using stories, humor or by creating personal connections for the listener.

2.            They Have Great Timing

The perfect power ballad knows how to take listeners from a slow melodic section to a raucous, head banging chorus without missing a beat. (“It’s a Hard Habit to Break…”  Chicago) A power ballad knows how to keep listeners engaged with the song through timing and variety.  They use various tempos from slow and melancholy to fast and excited interchangeably to keep the intensity of the piece consistent throughout the song.  A great presentation does the same thing, by interchanging lecture and high energy exercises to keep listeners engaged and participating throughout the session.  Maybe some karaoke or some group air guitar to enhance your main points?

Create presentations that include both lecture and high energy activity components.

3.            They Rock Out to A Chorus That Everyone Can Sing Along To

Finally, a great power ballad has a repeatable and memorable chorus.  The sign of great power ballad is when you can’t help but sing along. (Dream On… Aerosmith)It is the hook or the center piece of the chorus that is remembered long after the song is no longer played on the radio.  A presentation that has impact always has a hook line. A repeatable and memorable saying or component that triggers listeners to remember what they are reading and instantly signals to them what the main take away of the presentation is.  While it may not gain you the screaming throng of fans that Steven Tyler has, it will certainly up your chances at stardom in the business world and your presentations will get rave reviews by the critics that matter.

Make sure your presentation has a memorable hook line.  A phrase or saying that embodies your presentation and that everyone will remember.

Check out this website for slogan or tagline ideas to incorporate into your next presentation http://www.ediwriter.com/samples.html .

Five Simple Tips to Make Your Next Presentation Pop!!

1.Create emotion in your presentation by using stories, humor or by creating personal connections for the listener.

2.Emotions make people remember what you said.

3.Create presentations that include both lecture and high-energy activity components.

4.Make sure your presentation has a memorable hook line.  A phrase or saying that embodies your presentation and that everyone will remember.

5.Check out this website for slogan or tagline ideas to incorporate into your next presentation http://www.ediwriter.com/samples.html.