Want to be happy? Be grateful.

If you are very clear about your key message or core theme and you have given detailed thought to what you are going to say, then all you really need to do is tell your story simply and sincerely.  Brother David Steindl-Rast does just that.

All too often, the first port of call when preparing a presentation, in whatever shape or form that may be, is some form of computer-based programme which delivers great – and sometimes not so great – visual images and is invariably used as a prop to hide behind.  Whilst PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi et al are not the work of the Prince of Darkness, they can often be barriers to an actual connection with your audience and effecting change in their minds.

Sometimes, try shutting your laptop and giving yourself a little time to really think about how you would want to hear your message and asking yourself whether that message is clear and if you really need all those 68 slides?

If your message is powerful enough by itself and doesn’t merit the use of supporting images, then take the plucky choice of ditching the technology and actually just telling your story.