How many key points should your presentation have?
I get asked this question a lot.
Too many speakers approach it from the wrong direction.
They think about how much they want to cover.
They think about how much they can squeeze into the time.
Then they try to squeeze in a bit more
And then a lot more.
Instead, approach it differently.
There’s a quote that goes back to Roman times.
“Vessels with narrow mouths reject liquid if too much is poured in at once, but can be filled if it flows in gradually or a drop at a time…”
– Quintilian, The Orator’s Education
This idea is really about what your audience can absorb, not how much you can deliver.
There isn’t a single exact answer.
It comes down to judgement.
Consider things like:
- The audience’s knowledge and experience
- Their familiarity with your subject
- The length of your presentation
Once you’ve thought it through, ask yourself:
What is realistic for them to take on board?
Because the real measure of success isn’t what you put in.
It’s what they take away.
Always focus on what your audience can actually absorb, rather than how much you can say.
For more helpful presentation tips, why not check out the following article on the importance of being authentic.
