Speaking is an Evolutionary Process — How to Learn From My Mistake
One of my favorite sayings for clients is, “Speaking and Storytelling is an evolutionary process.”
This refers to the fact we frequently have opportunities to learn (or re-learn) key ideas.
I had one of those moments today.
I was virtually presenting to the Las Vegas chapter of the National Speakers Association, I had prepared and practiced, reviewed my visuals, and was excited to present.
The feedback was excellent, the audience was engaged and they asked several relevant questions.
When it was completed, my mentor (who was part of the in-person audience at the event) congratulated me and then sent me this picture…
The in-person audience couldn’t read all my slides.
Because most presentations have been online for two years, I’d forgotten a key concept from pre-COVID days…
When using slides for an in-person audience, avoid light colors for your verbiage, pictures, and images IF you create light color backgrounds.
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The slides were effective for me and the online participants, but not for everyone else.
Today’s post offers one simple idea:
When creating slides, use as much contrast as possible — dark backgrounds with light printing or vice versa.
Every piece of our presentation adds to or detracts from our effectiveness.
Keep this in mind and your skills and impact will continue to evolve in the best possible way.
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