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.
