In the world of presentations, one truth remains constant: audiences remember less than you think. We’ve coached thousands of presenters facing the same challenge – the overwhelming urge to include “just one more slide.” Today, let’s talk about why selective content curation might be your most powerful presentation skill.

The Overloaded Presentation Problem

We’ve all been there. Sitting in an audience while a presenter races through 47 dense slides in 20 minutes. Information blurs together, key messages get lost, and despite the presenter’s expertise, we walk away remembering almost nothing.

Why does this happen? Because many presenters suffer from what we call “expertise curse” – when you know your subject deeply, everything feels essential. The result? Presentations that try to say everything but end up communicating nothing.

The Psychology Behind Our Hoarding Tendencies

Before diving into solutions, let’s understand why we overpack presentations:

– Fear of appearing unprepared.

– Anxiety about audience questions.

– The mistaken belief that more information equals more value.

– Emotional attachment to content we worked hard to create.

Recognising these triggers is the first step toward becoming more selective.

The 30% Rule: Less Really Is More

Here’s a counterintuitive approach that transforms presentations: after creating your first draft, cut 30% of your content. Yes, 30%. 

This isn’t about dumbing down your message – it’s about amplification through elimination. When you force yourself to identify what’s truly essential, your core message becomes clearer and more impactful.

Four Questions for Ruthless Content Selection

When deciding what stays and what goes, ask yourself:

1. “What’s the ONE thing my audience must remember?” If they forget everything else but remember this one point, would you consider your presentation successful? Build around this core message.

2. “Does this content directly support my key message?” Be honest. That fascinating but tangential statistic might need to go.

3. “Is this the right audience for this level of detail?” Technical experts might appreciate depth, but executive audiences typically need synthesis and implications.

4. “What’s the action I want my audience to take?” Content that doesn’t drive toward this action is probably dispensable.

The Art of Strategic Omission

Becoming a great presenter isn’t just about what you include – it’s about what you strategically omit. Consider these approaches:

– Create backup slides for potential questions without cluttering your main presentation.

– Provide supplementary materials for those wanting deeper dives.

– Use storytelling techniques that convey complex ideas without overwhelming detail.

– Build breathing room into your presentation for audience processing.

The “Explain It to My Grandmother” Test

One of our favourite techniques is the simplification test: If you couldn’t explain your key message to someone completely unfamiliar with your field (like your grandmother), you haven’t distilled it enough.

This doesn’t mean your presentation should be simplistic. Rather, it means your foundation should be crystal clear before adding necessary complexity.

Benefits of Being Selective

Presentations with carefully curated content:

– Allow deeper exploration of important points.

– Create space for meaningful audience interaction.

– Reduce presenter anxiety and increase confidence.

– Dramatically improve message retention.

Your Challenge: Become a Content Curator

Next time you’re preparing a presentation, approach it as a curator rather than a collector. Start with everything, then methodically refine to what matters most.

Remember, your audience isn’t measuring value by slide count or word density. They’re hoping for clarity, insight, and relevance.

We’ve seen countless presenters transform from information dumpers to inspiring communicators through this single shift in approach. The most common feedback? “I never realised how much stronger my message could be with less content.”

Your audience’s attention is precious. Honour it by giving them only what they truly need. In the world of presentations, less isn’t just more – less is better.

In the vast landscape of corporate presentations, too many speakers scurry about like mice – quick, nervous, and easily overlooked. But what if you could command attention like an elephant? These magnificent creatures possess qualities that every presenter should aspire to: presence, confidence, deliberate movement, and an unshakeable calm. This guide will transform your presentation style from mousey to magnificent.

The Science Behind Presence

Research in behavioural psychology provides fascinating insights into how our physical presence affects both our own psychology and others’ perceptions. Dr. Amy Cuddy’s groundbreaking work at Harvard Business School demonstrates that adopting powerful, expansive postures for just two minutes increases testosterone levels by 20% and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) by 25%. This physiological change directly impacts our confidence and performance.

Moving Like an Elephant: The Art of Deliberate Presence

Physical Navigation

Elephants never apologise for the space they occupy. They move with purpose and grace, despite their size. In presentation terms, this translates to:

– Own your territory: Use the entire presentation space confidently

– Take slow, measured steps when moving

– Plant your feet shoulder-width apart when speaking

– Allow yourself to be still – resist the urge to fidget or pace

– Use purposeful gestures that match your message’s importance

Body Language Mastery

Studies by Dr. Albert Mehrabian suggest that 55% of our communication is non-verbal. Channel the elephant’s natural gravitas by:

– Standing tall with shoulders back

– Keeping your chin parallel to the ground

– Making deliberate eye contact (3-5 seconds per person)

– Using open palm gestures to convey honesty and openness

– Avoiding self-protective positions like crossed arms

Sounding Like an Elephant: Vocal Power and Presence

Voice Projection

Elephants’ low-frequency calls can travel up to 6 miles. While you don’t need quite that range, proper vocal technique is crucial:

– Speak from your diaphragm, not your throat

– Lower your pitch slightly for authority

– Project to the back of the room

– Maintain consistent volume throughout

Pacing and Rhythm

Research by public speaking expert John Zimmer indicates that the optimal speaking pace is 130-150 words per minute. Like an elephant’s steady gait:

– Embrace strategic pauses (count to 3 in your head)

– Vary your pace for emphasis

– Use silence as a tool for impact

– Articulate clearly without rushing

Think Like an Elephant: Mental Fortitude

Emotional Intelligence

Elephants are known for their emotional intelligence and social awareness. Apply these qualities by:

– Reading the room’s energy

– Adapting your content to audience engagement

– Responding gracefully to unexpected situations

– Maintaining composure under pressure

Focus and Preparation

Just as elephants remain focused on their journey despite distractions:

– Know your material deeply

– Prepare for potential questions

– Have backup plans for technical issues

– Stay centred despite external pressures

The Memory of an Elephant: Content Mastery

Structure Your Content

Elephants never forget, and neither should your audience:

– Start with a compelling hook

– Use the rule of three for key points

– Include memorable stories and analogies

– Reinforce main messages through repetition

– End with a strong call to action

Visual Support

According to presentation expert Nancy Duarte, slides should enhance, not duplicate, your message:

– Use high-impact visuals

– Limit text (no more than 6 lines per slide)

– Employ consistent design elements

– Include clear data visualisations

Comprehensive Pre-Presentation Checklist

Room Setup:

□ Survey presentation space

□ Test all equipment

□ Check lighting and temperature controls

□ Arrange seating for maximum impact

□ Verify audio systems

□ Set up backup equipment

Physical Preparation (Day of Presentation):

□ Practice power poses (2 minutes minimum)

□ Complete vocal warm-up exercises

□ Perform deep breathing exercises

□ Stretch to release physical tension

□ Dress appropriately and comfortably

□ Arrive 60 minutes early

Mental Preparation:

□ Visualise successful delivery

□ Review key messages

□ Set positive intentions

□ Practice mindfulness or meditation

□ Review audience background

□ Prepare responses to likely questions

Technical Elements:

□ Backup presentation (USB and cloud)

□ Fresh batteries for all equipment

□ Water within reach

□ Timer/clock visible

□ Handouts prepared

□ Emergency contact numbers

The Final Trumpet: Bringing It All Together

Remember: Elephants never doubt their right to be in a space. They move with purpose, communicate with clarity, and maintain unwavering presence. By embodying these qualities, you’ll transform your presentations from forgettable to remarkable.

As management expert Peter Drucker once said, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” Like an elephant’s acute awareness of its environment, your success as a presenter depends not just on what you say, but on your ability to command attention, read your audience, and adjust accordingly.

Practice these techniques consistently, and you’ll find yourself developing the natural authority and presence that makes elephants the undisputed leaders of their domain. Your presentations will no longer be exercises in survival but opportunities to thrive.

*”There are always three speeches for every one you actually gave: the one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.”* – Dale Carnegie