Questions could be the Answer to your Presentation Problems

Anne had a big personality but her presentations were flat. If you charted them like a cadiogram, you'd wonder if she had a pulse. I was working with her to prepare for her first town hall in a huge new job. She'd been at the company for a while, but this was a larger and largely new audiencce. We discussed the many questions they might have and developed her message. Midstream, Anne sighed, "I'm always so much better in Q&A." Like many, she looks and sounds more relaxed / less monotone and programmed when answering questions. I suggested she use the Q&A format to deliver her presentation. Bingo! Asking questions employees might ask and in the folksy way they might ask them, immediately connected her content to the audience and improved her monotone problem. Asking a question forces you to change your inflection / vocal tone. Using a Q&A format also can take an  audience by surprise. It made Anne look like a stronger leader..ready to take anything head on. Questions could be the answer for you too.