Ep 13 Public speaking: Building, setting up and giving a great presentation

Show notes

Listener Appreciation and Podcast Milestone

Stephen shares his gratitude for the podcast reaching the top 40 design podcasts on iTunes. He reflects on the humble beginnings of the show and the unexpected, overwhelming support from listeners.

Upcoming Events

1. Designer Hangout Live Q&A (Sept 20, 2016):

   • Topics: Storytelling, design thinking, global design leadership

   • Sponsored by InVision

   • Replay available at designerhangout.co

    

2. Adobe MAX (Nov 2–4, 2016):

   • Three sessions, 7+ hours of content

   • Two sold-out workshops with Jeff Stout

   • One session still available: “Success is a Choice” on leadership

    

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Part 1: Understanding and Adapting to Your Audience

The Two Parts of Every Presentation

• Your content

• Your audience’s mindset

Audience as a Bag of Golf Clubs

• Use different “tools” (styles, tactics, tones) depending on the person or group

• Adapt communication to match the audience’s comprehension level

• Anticipate how they receive and process ideas

Techniques to Control Attention

• Use of assigned seating

• Creating a memorable, event-like experience

• Strategic use of distance:

  • 4 ft rule: Too close = intense or intimate

  • 12 ft rule: Too far = audience disengages

  • Ideal distance: between 4–12 feet

   

Standing and Movement as Strategy

• Standing allows physical and emotional proximity control

• Use pacing to mask intentional repositioning

• Stand near difficult or disconnected individuals to re-engage or subtly apply pressure

• Use brief, private reassurance to support hesitant but willing participants

 

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Part 2: Dealing with Problematic Audience Archetypes

Stephen outlines four common types of challenging audience members and how to handle them effectively:

1. The Silent Cynic

• Disengaged but not combative

• Likely to be on their phone or distracted

• Solutions:

  • Limit phones and distractions

  • Assign simple tasks (e.g., note-taker, timekeeper)

  • Build rapport outside the meeting (e.g., take them to lunch)

   

2. The Certainty Seeker

• Needs complete clarity before moving forward

• Struggles with ambiguity, agile processes, and open-ended creativity

• Solutions:

  • Ask them to write down questions for later discussion

  • Involve them in the creative process to build trust

  • Have direct conversations to help them understand and buy into the process

   

3. The Spotlight Hog

• Craves validation and recognition

• Enthusiastic but may dominate discussion and limit others’ contributions

• Solutions:

  • Publicly acknowledge their input

  • Shift focus to other participants by cold-calling

  • Give them constructive roles (e.g., co-facilitator, presenter)

   

4. The Tangent Taker

• Easily distracted, talks in stories or unrelated anecdotes

• Problematic when meetings go off-topic

• Solutions:

  • Ask more bounded, closed questions

  • Use a “parking lot” for unrelated ideas

  • Impose time limits per person during feedback or brainstorming

   

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Part 3: Controlled Responses to Objections

Turn “No” into “Yes, But”

• Avoid saying “no” outright

• Use “yes, but…” to acknowledge the feedback while redirecting the conversation

Dissecting Vague Negative Feedback

1. Use counter-questions:

   • Ask “why” to prompt specific feedback

    

2. Restate dramatic objections to diffuse emotion:

   • Mirror back their exaggeration to help them clarify (e.g., “You’re saying you absolutely hate this?”)

    

3. Call for accountability:

   • Ask them what they would do instead

    

It’s Okay Not to Have the Answer

• Don’t fabricate responses

• Prioritize honesty and follow-up over saying “something” in the moment

 

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Part 4: The Aftermath – Keeping Your Idea Sold

The Two Presentation Decks Strategy

• In-room Deck:

  • Minimal, image-led, meant to be delivered with voiceover

   

• Leave-behind Deck:

  • Fully detailed, includes narrative and context

  • Stands on its own for secondary audiences

   

Prepare the Client to Re-sell the Work

• Teach and equip them to present internally

• Create easy-to-understand, jargon-free materials

• Include catchphrases or key takeaways that stick

• Design with empathy: think of their boss or audience like your own mom

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Final Thoughts

Stephen wraps the episode by reinforcing one central idea:

Great ideas are everywhere. The real challenge is getting them sold—and keeping them sold.

Presentation skills aren’t just about the performance in the room. They’re about preparation, strategic adaptability, understanding human behavior, and helping others become advocates for your ideas when you’re not around.

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Episode Takeaways

• Understand your audience and adapt your approach like a golfer choosing the right club

• Learn to manage difficult people without confrontation

• Prepare your work for life after the presentation

• Keep your ideas alive by empowering others to present them well

• Don’t fear objections—use them as proof of engagement

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Resources

• Designer Hangout

• Adobe MAX

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Connect

• Show notes and more: podcast.stephengates.com

• Email: ask@stephengates.com

• Reviews help grow the podcast—please consider rating or writing a review on iTunes

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Legal Disclaimer

The views expressed in this podcast are Stephen’s own and do not reflect the views of any current or past employers.

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Tagged as:
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