A participant in a recent presentations seminar called it PowerPoint’s most valuable real estate, which, in addition to being a great metaphor, is also an accurate description of the key portion of any slide.
That is the headline.
Build on Solid Ground
Imagine a chart in a sales presentation displaying growth of the different players in an industry. Then, compare these possible headlines for that chart for impact:
- Growth
- Rapid Industry Growth
- Industry Growth Exploding
Or, imagine that you want listeners to see that your firm is leading in the field. Which headline is most engaging?
- Industry Leader
- Leading the Pack
- Leaving Competitors in the Dust
Or, imagine that you are presenting internally and asking for more resources because you are lagging the industry. Which headlines will motivate your listeners more quickly to act?
- Slow Growth
- Lagging Competition
- Getting Trampled
Don’t Waste Your Real Estate
Strong headlines keep people in your logic loop, tell your story, and drive your argument to a persuasive end and easily taken next step. Keep the headline brief. Make it vivid. Enjoy the results.
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