You might remember in an earlier Modlette Vickie was talking about designing a Modlette about visual presentations. This is her first attempt for a final paragraph: If you feel it’s hard to create a captivating presentation, don’t worry. It doesn’t need to be so difficult. You should simply begin with introducing a few graphs that explain your points in a simple way.
You can tell Vickie was tired when she wrote this. And when you feel tired, learners hear it in your writing voice. Your content lacks enthusiasm and becomes flat. This shows particularly in the long sentences. Adding ultra-short sentences would instantly add more energy.
Most trainers are like Vickie. They write a final paragraph straight after they’ve poured all their energy into writing their first draft. You’ll find it much easier to write with enthusiasm if you write your final paragraph on another day.
Vickie and her trainer talked about her final paragraph, and Vickie suggested the main stumbling block for Karl, her ideal learner, is that he is nervous about using more visuals in his presentation. He doesn’t think he’s up to it. So, Vickie decides to give Karl a pep talk and to present a concrete target for implementing visuals.
So, this is what she writes:
Including visuals in your presentation isn’t hard. Make a pledge to yourself now, that you’ll include one visual on each slide of your next presentation, and you’ll cut your text by half.
Let your slides dazzle and dance. Captivate your audience.
And let your message linger in their minds.
Do you hear the difference? This feels more energetic: