Today I am going to share with you a very important topic, how much is too much content when you present.
Presenting content to an audience can give one a deep sense of satisfaction. So imagine this: you are on stage and what comes out of your mouth is everything you know about the topic. It feels great, right? You feel like you have added real value to your audience, right? And your audience will love you for it, right? Wrong! I will share with you the things to consider when deciding how much content to present.
What happens with your audience when you tell them everything you know?
Your audience feels overwhelmed. They disengage. Telling your audience everything is one of the key mistakes you can make. As human beings we cannot digest so much.
10 things to consider when deciding how much content to deliver
- Context
You have to consider context here from your audience’s point of view. You know all this about your topic but they have their whole world they’re trying to fit a topic into. So what we want to be able to do is give them enough to be able to deliver on a digestible, actionable outcome for them.
2. Detail
What is the context in which you are speaking in? If you are speaking in a sort of a competency based certification, then you’re probably like a lecture. You are probably going to have to go into a fair bit of detail. Your audience might need to be assessed on what they are talking about. Or they may need to be able to have those ins and outs an in-depth detail about it. The likelihood that you’re doing that is probably limited but that’s a consideration.
3. Expectation of content delivery for the event organiser
What is the context of what the event organisers want you to be able to deliver your content? They might have said to you that they need to meet a certain criteria or that you need to cover specific things.
4. Time
How much time do you have to deliver the content in? I’ve presented in everything from a 10 minute spot to eight days training and longer. How much time do you have for this? Are you giving them just an inside and a taster? Or are you really giving them a lot more detail? And how much time do you have to play with? This is a really good indication.
5. What is the content delivery promise that you are making to your audience?
If you say you are going to speak on a certain topic then make sure you do it. Don’t go off-topic. Also make sure your audience walks away with an outcome they can use. If you don’t deliver on your content promise, your credibility will be compromised.
6. One topic – one outcome
Sometimes we try to pack in too much into the time that we have in front of our audience. But what is the one topic or outcome that you want them to be able to walk away with? We know so much and we sometimes forget that the content we take for granted are gold nuggets to our audience members. Keep it simple.
7. What’s the step by step process your audience needs to get that outcome?
Where are they coming in at and where are they walking away at? Keeping in mind, of course, that we are dealing with a group environment so it won’t to be tailored to the individual. But in general where is your audience member starting and where is your audience member finishing in the time that you have them in the context you’re working in? Consider any obstacles
8. Consider any obstacles
This refers to obstacles that your audience might need to consider in getting through those steps and getting that outcome. You don’t want to tell them that this is how you drive a car and not tell them about the road rules.
9. Make sure that your content delivers real, tangible take aways for you audience
This is a personal value of mine. I hate going to trainings that are all just theory with no practical takeaways. And I certainly hate listening to speakers who are all about the sell and nothing about practical. If I’ve taken my time to be there to listen to your convent don’t do the whole time selling to me. Give me something I can actually use because I’ve invested my time in you.Wrap up – how do you want your audience to feel after your content?
10. Wrap up – how do you want your audience to feel after your content?
How do you want them to feel? What do you want them to think? What do you want them to do as a result of your content? Use that as a guiding light in how much content you cover when you are going to speak.
How do you want them to feel? What do you want them to think? What do you want them to do as a result of your content? Use that as a guiding light in how much content you cover when you are going to speak.
As always, I’d love to hear your experience. The Good, the
Bad and the Ugly.
Feel free to put into the comments box or onto the Facebook page of what your
experience has been.
Think about what is one topic that you could present content on that isn’t too big that isn’t too small?
Let me know in the comment box come and share below or come and share in a Facebook page of Create Action Now.
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You can always reach me via email Cynthia@createactionnow.com.au