Go on… say it out loud! Edit. Your. Oral. Now, say it faster.
I’m going for a bit of a play on words here.
Editorial. Edit. Your. Oral.
Cheeky? Get to the point?!
An editorial is defined as a newspaper article written by or on behalf of an editor that gives an opinion on a topical issue. These pieces are usually a reflection on the most contentious matters of the day. Unlike a news article, which is theoretically unbiased, editorialists are unapologetic in stating their opinion. Pieces tend to get to the point quickly and poignantly. The reader may disagree with the writer, but oftentimes the article becomes a conversation starter.
In contrast to the written word is the presentation. We’ve all attended dozens, maybe hundreds. Whether in-person or via video conference, speakers may use their platform to inform, educate, share a call to action, or simply to entertain. The best speakers, in my humble editorial opinion, operate in a manner similar to an editorial. Interesting. Creative. Persuasive. And, to the point.
We’ve all sat through presentations which were nothing short of painful. You know what I’m talking about. Up come a stack of 50 slides. Worse, each slide contains an endless list of bullet items, in about 10-point type. And still worse, the speaker reads each and every slide to their audience.
Pull out cell phone. Begin scrolling.
As presenters, what if we took an editorial approach? Shared opinion and facts. Stirred up our listeners, maybe with a bit of thought-provoking detail. Or a bit of controversy. Most importantly, with a powerful message.
Next time you’re giving a presentation, think about it. And edit your oral.
Categories: Content