Diana Kander is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and a vanguard when it comes to memorable pitches. She is the author of Go Big or Go Home, a book that teaches readers the art and science of making impactful pitches for film, sports, business, and philanthropy. Her pioneering research reveals the direct correlation between emotion and memory, offering insights into enhancing audience engagement and recall. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Diana joins Barry O’Reilly in a thought-provoking conversation about making presentations more engaging and memorable. They unpack the concept of co-creation in presentations and provide real-world examples of successful pitches that involve audience participation. 

Go Big or Go Home

Diana shares the genesis of her book Go Big or Go Home, shedding light on her journey into the world of memorable pitches. "I was approached by the CEO of a company who was struggling to keep his audience engaged during presentations. This triggered my exploration," she recalls. The CEO's predicament posed a compelling challenge for Diana, propelling her investigative journey into what makes pitches memorable. This challenge was a catalyst for her bestselling book. She researched the real-life struggles of professionals to create an impact with their pitches. The result was a book that unveiled the secrets behind delivering pitches that are not just heard, but remembered.

Creating Emotional Resonance

"Connecting emotionally helps the audience remember your message long after the presentation is over," Diana tells Barry. Her research unveiled five tools needed to create emotional resonance in presentations: 

• The element of surprise keeps the audience engaged and alert. 
• Analysis helps the audience to understand and connect with the data or information being presented. 
• The pitch order, or how the information is arranged, can evoke different emotional responses. 
• Using 3D objects during presentations provides a tangible element that can make the pitch more memorable. 
• Co-creation involves the audience in the presentation or problem-solving process, creating a sense of ownership and engagement among them. 

By using these tools, Diana believes presenters can create a deep emotional resonance with their audience that outlasts the presentation itself.

Co-creation: Including the Audience

Co-creation is a strategic tool in presentations where the presenter involves the audience in the process of problem-solving or idea generation. Rather than being passive recipients of information, the audience actively participates in the creation process. Diana views co-creation as a pivotal tool in the success of a presentation. She states, "Co-creation is not just about soliciting input from the audience; it's about immersing them in the process. This participatory approach creates a sense of ownership among the audience, enhancing their connection with the material and, ultimately, the presenter." Co-creation transforms the conventional presentation dynamic into a shared journey. "Involving the audience in problem-solving can create a mutual sense of accomplishment. This shared ownership is an essential part of engagement and retention," Barry remarks.

Looking Ahead

Diana also announces a free digital copy of her book to anyone who reaches out via email.

Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.com

Resources

Diana Kander on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter

Go Big or Go Home