4 Quick Steps for a Great Way to Present an Idea (During a Presentation or a Blog Post)

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I got a really good idea to grab the attention of my audience...by accident.

Actually, I gave a presentation recently, and I mentioned that I would tell them how to do something...sort of sneaky.  It definitely met a concern that a few people in the room had.

Step #1: Setup the puzzle.

I promised them that I would tell them how to do something sneaky within a larger overall topic.

Step #2: Give them all of the puzzle pieces they need.

I proceeded to explain those concepts, and I provided a demonstration how to do several things within this larger topic.

However, I did NOT connect those individual things I showed them with how they could solve the puzzle.

Step #3: Give them the mini-quiz.  Present the puzzle.

Once I gave them everything they needed to do that "cool sneaky trick" I mentioned earlier, I reminded them of my promise.  I restated my promise, and I told them that I gave them everything they need to solve the puzzle.

I asked them, "I just showed you everything you need.  Can you tell me HOW to do it?"

They weren't expecting this.  I could see their brain wheels turning.

Of course, they weren't prepared, but they WERE paying attention now.

Step #4: I connected those dots.

Verbally, I reviewed those steps with them, and then I demonstrated those steps--to be sure they knew HOW to do it.  I became the magician who showed the secret to his trick, and now the people watching were prepared to go do that same trick.

The funny thing is that I found this by accident.  Truthfully, I got sidetracked and forgot to connect those dots.  Then I realized what I had done, and I saw the opportunity I had to make that impact.

My point is that maybe you plan this in advance, but even if you don't, you might be able to turn a mistake in your presentation by posing that question....

I've shown you everything you need, but can you figure HOW to do it?

Either way, it's a great way to present a lesson that leaves an impression, and it's not hard to do.

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