Deliver a Memorable Wellness Presentation

Research shows that the average person forgets most of what he or she has heard during a presentation within three days afterward. If your wellness program includes presentations, these tips can make a difference in what employees are remembering.

Are you called upon to present your wellness program to management or employees? Tired of doing the same old PowerPoint drill? Here’s how to create a memorable presentation that will not only drive your audience to embrace and support your goals, but motivate them to action too.

Keep it short and take is slow. Studies have shown that the average audience member will hear only seven and a half minutes of a one-hour presentation. Most people’s attention spans waver after 30 minutes. Rehearse your presentation and time it, then see where you can cut to keep it brisk. Consciously slow down and add pauses for emphasis to counteract the natural tendency toward speedy speech that often comes with giving presentations.

Limit your message set. In a recent study conducted by the Air Force, meeting attendees forgot 95 percent of what they heard within 72 hours. Make your key messages memorable by limiting them to three or five points—odd-numbered lists are easier to remember because they have a middle point. If using a PowerPoint presentation use the 10-20-30 rule: no more than 10 slides, last no longer than 20 minutes, and use no smaller than 30 point type.

Use props. Even if you rely on PowerPoint, you can make your presentation multidimensional by adding other elements. A blood pressure cuff, samples of exotic but nutritious fruits or vegetables, or running shoes that feature good treads are a few examples. Tip: Flip charts are useful for small groups.

Give props. You’ll have audience members riveted if you recognize individuals for their past participation in your program or mention other contributions worthy of being called out. It will make everyone more alert because people will wonder if you’ll call their name too—and they’ll want to be seen as paying attention when all eyes are on them.

Get physical. Making eye contact, smiling and using hand gestures all help animate your presentation and keep attention focused on you rather than on your PowerPoint animation. Practice walking back and forth across the width of your audience—actors and directors call this blocking—to engage the entire room, not just those in the center.

Stay focused on your “customers.” Don’t read from the screen or turn your back on your audience. PowerPoint, charts and props are merely visual aids to reinforce your words. You are the show, but your audience is the reason you’re giving it. It’s about them. When organizing your presentation think of your audience and what is in it for them.

Keep it fun. Show your personality and enthusiasm for the subject. Interact with your audience and create a conversational tone. Try telling relevant stories or antecdotes. Adding in a few laughs will keep the audience alert they’ll learn more than if they were just educated.

Last, remember the Toastmasters International rule: Tell them what you’re going to say, say it, then tell them what you said. By repeating your key messages at the end of the presentation, you’re more likely to get people to remember your goals and do what you’re asking. Often, the first thing someone remembers is the last thing the person heard.

More Resources:

Toastmasters International, 10 Tips for Public Speaking

Toastmasters International, Visual Aids & Powerpoint

American Economic Association, Top 10 Tips for Giving Presentations (pdf)

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