You have presentation content. Your words are powerful; they support the goal that leads to your hope.
You know your crowd, and have identified the audience benefit.
You have considered your content and compiled options. You have statistics, stories, planted thoughts, echoes, and callings to chose from. It can be difficult to know what to leave out. You must filter your presentation content or you could be in trouble!
ADVENTURES REQUIRING FILTERS
Long-distance hikers and long-term campers carry an important item. It is not noticeably big, but it can be lifesaving or, at the least, save you from an extremely uncomfortable bout of embarrassing sickness. When on an adventure, you must be aware of the need to stay hydrated. You must also beware of drinking impure water. Sometimes the impurities are visible; the water looks murky. Other times the pollutants are invisible. The water looks clean. How can we know the water will serve its purpose and not serve another much more uncomfortable purpose?
That is where a filter proves useful. You need to filter content!
As water is pushed through it, impurities are removed. Stuff that is not supposed to be there is taken out. The process requires some effort. Unless you are lucky enough to be hiking along a stream, you will need to go in search of a source. Water must be found. And then more effort is required as you obtain product from that source and push it through the filter. This serves as a good illustration of a focused presentation. The water is like the content of a message. You want pure presentation content! This requires effort.
The information needs to be filtered to remove any distractions from the purpose. Sometimes it is easy to see impurities. Other times it can be more difficult. At a glance, the content seems clear– it looks like it would serve its purpose and so we are tempted not to filter it. It is only when we serve the content to our audience that we discover that it should have been filtered.
3 DANGERS OF UNFILTERED PRESENTATION CONTENT
- Some impurities distract the audience from the message.
- There may be content that kills the message!
- Some impurities trigger “allergic” reactions
To filter content requires self-discipline and humility. The process might require the help of a friend, coworker, or mentor who can help you carefully consider your content and get rid of any unnecessary elements. It can be difficult, but the product will be much better as a result.
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So…
Is filtering difficult for you?
What are some things you have learned that help you filter more effectively?
