Recently, I have attended several events
where people from well-known charities have spoken to ask for money or
volunteers. One of the presenters asked
me how she could improve her presentation.
So I developed three quick tips that could help her become a more
effective charity spokesperson. (And
even if you're not in that role, these tips can help your presentations be more
compelling and clear.)
1.
Be selective with
statistics. One charity spokesperson used at least twenty
statistics in a five- minute presentation.
The result was that the audience was overwhelmed and confused; there
were too many statistics to remember and it was not clear how they related to
each other or the presenter's overall message. Instead, use only a handful of statistics that are the most impactful and most relevant
to your audience. For example, if you're
asking for large donations, tell the audience the breakdown of how each dollar
is spent.
2.
Use stories. Another spokesperson
shared a moving story of how he lost a family member to the disease for which
the charity was working to find a cure. Even
if you don't have a personal story of your own to share, tell a story
representative of a typical client that your charity helps. The story should be true, short and relevant
to your message.
3.
Be clear about your
message. What is the call to action? Do you want the
audience to donate money, volunteer time or do something else? Don't leave them
guessing as to how they can help. Mention
your message at the beginning of your presentation, give examples or share
stories that relate to it during your presentation and then remind the audience
of it at the end of your presentation.
Make it easy for them to remember.
| Yes, I want a free subscription to Gilda's Email Newsletter |
| Enter your email address: |