I’ve been thinking a lot lately about current events, Tolstoy, and how people share information.
These days, my brain feels like a ping-pong ball bouncing freely inside my head, ricocheting from one "what if" to the next. So this blog might be a bit denser than usual—thank you for staying with me as I unpack some thoughts that I hope will be helpful.
This morning, that ping-pong ball settled at the intersection of Tolstoy and how you share information. But before I dive into how this connects to your audience, let me tell you a bit about Tolstoy.
Tolstoy was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and social thinker, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in history. His works explore themes of morality, human nature, and spirituality, often set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russian society. If you’ve read War and Peace (kudos if you have—it’s a long one!) or Anna Karenina, that’s Tolstoy.
Tolstoy had a way of looking at life that often reflected the interconnectedness of individuals and the forces shaping history. One of his analogies compared life to a watch. Imagine an intricate mechanical watch, with countless tiny gears and springs, all working together to make the hands move.
For Tolstoy, this represented the balance between individual actions (the small gears) and the larger forces that influence the course of history (the main mechanisms). A single gear doesn’t operate in isolation—it plays its role in a broader system, influencing and being influenced by the other parts.
This idea has stuck with me because it’s such a powerful visual for how everything we do has meaning and contributes to the larger picture. Now, let’s zoom in on how this concept connects to you as a speaker and how you share information.
A traditional presentation is like winding an old watch: it’s linear, static, and one-size-fits-all. But today’s audience operates more like a digital smartwatch. They expect interactivity, personalization, and dynamic visuals. If you present like it’s 20 years ago, it’s like trying to fit a key-wound mechanism into a smartwatch—it’s out of sync with modern "gears."
Yup, shorter attention spans
Audiences today are like a watch running faster—they process information quickly but lose focus just as fast. The old “data dump” presentation style doesn’t work anymore.
For example, instead of cramming a slide deck with text, focus on bite-sized, visual storytelling. Think TED Talks or Instagram Reels—each moment must captivate and resonate. Be clear about what you want your audience to FEEL or DO in each moment.
You need to acknowledge diverse learning styles
In the past, audiences may have tolerated text-heavy explanations. Now, they expect visuals, sound, and emotion to work together like synchronized gears.
For example, replace bullet points with story-driven narratives supported by infographics, video snippets, and interactive elements. This approach engages auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners all at once.
Demand for authenticity
People crave connection. They want stories that feel human, not overly polished performances.
For example, instead of starting with, “Let me show you some data,” begin with a personal anecdote that connects emotionally. Then, weave the data into the story as part of the journey.
Technology integration — it's not going away so embrace it
The digital “gears” have brought tools like AI, augmented reality, and live polls, and audiences now expect these to enhance their experience.
For example, use live polling tools to engage your audience in real-time, or include an interactive element with VR.
Human-to-Human Interaction
No matter how advanced technology gets, nothing replaces the power of human-to-human interaction. Engaging your audience directly through interactive activities turns them from passive listeners into active participants.
For example, build in moments of audience collaboration, such as small-group discussions, improv exercises, or role-playing scenarios. Use activities like “Think-Pair-Share,” where participants reflect on a question individually, then discuss it with a partner before sharing with the group. Incorporate live Q&A sessions or exercises where audience members apply what they’re learning in real time. These approaches foster connection, create shared experiences, and help reinforce your message through action.
Here is my clarion call!
If we don’t evolve the way we present, we risk becoming irrelevant—like an analog watch left behind in a world of smartwatches. Tolstoy’s watch analogy reminds us that everything is interconnected. The way we speak, the stories we tell, and the tools we use are all part of a larger system. Just as every small gear in a watch plays a vital role, every choice we make in our presentations—whether it’s how we structure a story, engage diverse learners, or integrate technology—shapes the overall impact.
So, when you step up to share your message, think like Tolstoy. Consider how your individual “gears” align with the larger forces at play: your audience’s expectations, the demands of modern communication, and the interconnected world we live in. When your presentation ticks in harmony with these elements, it doesn’t just tell time—it transforms time into a memorable experience.
In other words, stop giving presentations and start creating experiences!
I welcome all reflections. How are you staying relevant? Please share and I am more than happy to pass on your wisdom in a future newsletter. Let's help each other out!✨