Interactive Presentations Make You Smarter

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By AlexAnndra Ontra

Kudos to Microsoft for finally adding an interactive feature to PowerPoint through the Zoom feature. Zoom lets presenters jump around their presentation, rather than lock them into a rigid, linear slide show. Prezi has built quite a following with their interactive presentations. And Shufflrr’s broadcast mode allows presenters to present content from all over their slide library, not just from PowerPoint. I’ve been a big proponent of “Going Interactive” for years. Here’s why.

Interactivity breaks us out of the PowerPoint monotony

With over 30 million PowerPoints created each day, I think we can all agree that we are inundated with decks. Linear, laborious, monotonous slides. No one wants to sit through another slide show. And in the new era of interactive, engaging presentation management, soon you won’t have to.

Interactive presentations encourage participation

When an audience member sees a slide appear on the screen, as a direct result of their comment or question, they are empowered. They have confirmation that you are listening and are genuinely concerned with their issues. When a customer gets that kind of positive reinforcement, then they are more inclined to participate. And the more you learn about their business, the better you can position your product as the best solution.

Interactive presentations elevate the speaker

The ability to address any question or comment, whether or not you had prepared for it, shows you know your business, and that of your customer. Furthermore, not having to say, “I’ll get back to you” eliminates the need for follow-up meetings and calls. Interactive engagement shortens the sales cycle.

Linear PowerPoint presentations are a safety blanket

We clutch it because it gives us a sense of control when we are presenting. But think of all you can learn when you let go of that rigid structure, and open up to your customer. In the case of sale presentations, you will learn more about your customers business. And the more you know, the more likely you are to close. Presenting interactive gets you to close.

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      AlexAnndra Ontra, co-founder of Shufflrr, is a leading advocate for presentation management. She has been providing presentation technology and consulting services to global enterprises for over 15 years. At Shufflrr, Alex advises Shufflrr clients through the process: from trial to content architecture, through the launch, training, and then ongoing software upgrades. She’s hands-on. She is a leading expert in presentation management strategy, implementation, and adaptation.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post or content are those of the authors or the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company.