Many presenters make the mistake of fixating on what their product or service is and does.
Here’s what often happens:
They passionately detail the tech specs and features, explain each angle of their idea, or take the audience on a play-by-play through the process, with detailed visuals along the way.
But listeners won’t know *why* they should care unless you give them the inside story. Of course you know it, at a cellular level. But they don’t!
Sure, you’ll need to give them enough about the ‘what’ for them to understand your idea or innovation. Here’s a tip to double check this: Imagine an audience member gets stopped in the hallway afterwards and asked, “What was that about?” If they can give a clear, short answer as to your ‘what’ (since you’ve given it to them in a clear, re-tellable way) then you’re on the right track.
So here’s where you make your ideas stand out:
Spotlight *why* audiences should get excited.
The key to inspiring an audience about your idea is to dive into the impact. What truly matters.
- How will you make your customers’ lives better by filling an urgent market need?
- How will you empower users or improve industries?
- How will you give your target audience a new way to understand a critical issue?
For example:
You’ve created an app with cutting-edge health tracking capabilities. You could explain in clear – game changing!- terms how it will:
- Enrich and empower users’ lives by helping them take control of their health goals
- Support partners by simplifying daily tasks, saving them valuable time
- Contribute to our society and benefit people in a meaningful way
Essentially, craft your presentation around how you improve lives. Weave in that emotional value and human impact.
You’ll inspire audiences when you spotlight the why, your bigger vision — how you help people achieve their deepest needs and desires. Make them feel that urgency in their gut. That’s what sticks.
Shout out to all you Innovation Studio entrepreneurs who I presented to in our webinar last week on “Storytelling and Founders Credibility”.
You’re on your way to capturing your next audience’s hearts and minds! And a big thank you to program director Marisa Nieves (above) for all you do to support these early stage innovators!
