Presentation Minefields Averted

Presentation Minefields Averted

Of course, there are plenty of ways to screw up a presentation ( ! ) But here're some reminders about a few of the classic "mines" in the presentation minefield. Personally, I find number 5 the MOST common!

Eight Classic Presentation Mistakes

1. Dullness itself: Relying on only one or two illustrations to make your points.
Use salient statistics … timely quotes … appropriate industry examples … and personal stories to help your listeners visualize your message – and remember it.

2. NOT repeating your message enough.
Repetition is crucial to retention. Half an hour after a presentation, the average listener has already forgotten 40 percent of what was said. By the end of the week, 90 percent is usually forgotten. The more you repeat and illustrate your message, the more retention you’ll get.

3. NOT answering the audience’s most major question, “What’s in it for me?”
You must understand the payoff: why you audience is willing to come and listen to you. If you can answer this question, you can tailor-make your speech for them – and reach them in a very personal way.

4. Burying your point.
You can lose your audience, even if you have something that they want to hear, unless you point out the most vital sections for them, in advance. Use signal phrases (like “What’s important here,” or “This can’t be overemphasized”) to focus people ‘s attention on the most important parts of your message.

5. Forgetting to practice (and time) your speech out loud.
This little item can cause major embarrassment on stage. A short spoken rehearsal will eliminate tongue twisters … make sure the speech’s spoken length is appropriate … ensure that your opener is no more than the recommended three minutes long … and that you close snappily, in 30 seconds or less.

6. Forgetting to check visual aids for readability.
You can only have yourself to blame if you lose your audience over this! Look at all your visual aids in advance. If anything you present cannot be read from the back of the room, get rid of it. Now.

7. Answering hypothetical questions after the speech.
You can into real hot water on this one, because these questions have no boundaries, no budget or time constraints, and can pin you down to a future you’d rather not have. Turn the question, instead, back to reality by saying, “Based on these facts and the existing situation, this is how I would handle the situation.”

8. Getting distracted before you speak.
Very few speakers can answer a phone call or deal with some minor emergency before they speak, and NOT have it distract from their presentation. Always take five minutes (or more) to collect your thoughts, focus on your message, and breathe before stepping up to the podium. Don’t allow distractions to ruin what you’ve taken days to prepare.
Now, go out there, do your homework, practice, and knock 'em dead!

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I hear and I forget...I see and I remember...I do and I understand.

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