Dan Ochsner MC370.XM1.12SPR Sales Presentation Assignment 1

Right brain aptitude one, as described in Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds, is “Design”.

Design illustrates the concept that one should begin a presentation with an overreaching design

theme in mind. Flavor, overall look, font and other characteristics all combine to create the

design. Reynolds points out that decoration and design are not the same as decoration is

something that one thinks of as an afterthought.

Story is another aptitude describing how much more effective a presentation is if the

presenter offers some personal recollection or story relating to the subject matter that helps the

audience better connect with the message.

The third right brain aptitude presented is “Symphony”. Symphony refers to “big picture”

thinking. One should understand in advance and convey to the audience the important aspects of

the material and how it all relates to itself and the rest of the world.

Empathy is another aptitude. This is a tool to not only use in deciding the best way to

reach an audience but also as an evaluation on how well the audience is tuned in. Adjustments

can be made during a presentation based on empathetic observations.

Play is suggested as another way to better connect with an audience. Using humor is

suggested as a new concept in presenting compared to the old paradigm of seriousness. People

respond better to real humor that makes them laugh and not just jokes or goofing off.

Finally “Meaning” is the aptitude that conveys real information by the presenter knowing

his or her stuff. Exceeding expectations and creating a feeling of fulfillment in the audience is

the goal. ∆