Seth Godin

Have been working hard on a presentation for a pharmaceutical contact and was directed to Seth Godin's blog about the topic. Here's what he has to say about presentations:

The hierarchy of presentations

• A presentation is a precious opportunity. It's a powerful arrangement... one speaker, an attentive audience, all in their seats, all paying attention (at least at first). Don't waste it.



• The purpose of a presentation is to change minds. That's the only reason I can think of to spend the time and resources. If your goal isn't to change minds, perhaps you should consider a different approach.



• The best presentation is no presentation at all. If you can get by with a memo, send a memo. I can read it faster than you can present it and we'll both enjoy it more.



• The second best presentation is one on one. No slides, no microphone. You look me in the eye and change my mind.



• Third best? Live and fully interactive.



• PowerPoint or Keynote, but with no bullets, just emotional pictures and stories.



• And last best... well, if you really think you can change my mind by using tons of bullets and a droning presentation, I'm skeptical.



• A presentation isn't an obligation, it's a privilege.

I'm planning to check out his Purple Cow and Tribes books. If you've already read them, let me know what you thought of them.

Ruth