Choosing a presentation topic
These are questions that the Presentation Doctor is asked all the time.
The right presentation topic.
It is easy to pick the topic. Just follow these two simples rules.
Pick a subject you are passionate about. The passion will come out in your voice and in your body language and will be naturally picked up by your audience.
Pick a topic that could be illustrated by pictures. A lot of the research shows that you could increase message retention dramatically if you use pictures rather than bullet points.
Job interview topics
Pick a project or area of your work that was well received. Ideally one where you received lots of positive feedback and got the end result despite all the setbacks. This will show you as someone who can get things done and is well liked. If you can please do include the feedback you received.
If you are going for a management or leaders position it is a good idea ask your team to describe your leadership style. If you have not lead a team before - just ask the people you work with to describe your style.
Personal topics
The key is the passion. Examples that can work well are hobbies and holidays. These are both topics that can be well illustrated.
Your holidays should have lost of photos and most hobbies have lots of photos available. You can probably find lots of travel photos on the web, but please do ensure that you have the permission of the copyright owners.
If you pick a hobby make sure that you keep the jargon out of it and bring the topic down to a simple enough level everybody will be able to understand it. This is an area where your fellow hobbyists should be able to help you with lots of pictures. Here are some of the great hobby presentations that I have seen - all very visual
Steam trains
Archaeology
Lorries and trucks
Needlework
ateur radio expeditions
Professional topics
If you are looking to speak on professional (paid) basis the best topic is one that grabs people's attention. Here are a few examples
The seven deadly sins of presentations
Motivating people in boring jobs
The physics of football
PowerPoint poisoning - the antidote
CRM - holy grail or holy smoke
These are questions that the Presentation Doctor is asked all the time.
The right presentation topic.
It is easy to pick the topic. Just follow these two simples rules.
Pick a subject you are passionate about. The passion will come out in your voice and in your body language and will be naturally picked up by your audience.
Pick a topic that could be illustrated by pictures. A lot of the research shows that you could increase message retention dramatically if you use pictures rather than bullet points.
Job interview topics
Pick a project or area of your work that was well received. Ideally one where you received lots of positive feedback and got the end result despite all the setbacks. This will show you as someone who can get things done and is well liked. If you can please do include the feedback you received.
If you are going for a management or leaders position it is a good idea ask your team to describe your leadership style. If you have not lead a team before - just ask the people you work with to describe your style.
Personal topics
The key is the passion. Examples that can work well are hobbies and holidays. These are both topics that can be well illustrated.
Your holidays should have lost of photos and most hobbies have lots of photos available. You can probably find lots of travel photos on the web, but please do ensure that you have the permission of the copyright owners.
If you pick a hobby make sure that you keep the jargon out of it and bring the topic down to a simple enough level everybody will be able to understand it. This is an area where your fellow hobbyists should be able to help you with lots of pictures. Here are some of the great hobby presentations that I have seen - all very visual
Steam trains
Archaeology
Lorries and trucks
Needlework
ateur radio expeditions
Professional topics
If you are looking to speak on professional (paid) basis the best topic is one that grabs people's attention. Here are a few examples
The seven deadly sins of presentations
Motivating people in boring jobs
The physics of football
PowerPoint poisoning - the antidote
CRM - holy grail or holy smoke
