Why Your Presentations Aren't Very Good
posted by Anna Mar, December 17, 2012Life is too short for bad presentations.
Anyone who tells you that all their presentations are smashing successes either hasn't given many presentations or is lying.
We've all been there — a presentation or speech that doesn't go well. It can be embarrassing, disappointing and just plain bad for your career.
The good news is that it's easy to improve your presentation skills by avoiding a few common mistakes:
1. Focusing on your slides
The value of your presentation isn't your slides.The visual elements of your presentation are important. However, the true value of a presentation is you.
After all, you can send your powerpoint by email.
Develop a few simple slides that drive home your theme and then forget about them. Your slides are there for your audience, not for you to focus on.
2. Being boring
The best way to be boring is to leave nothing out.It's easy to overestimate what your audience will find interesting.
~ Voltaire
The first rule of not boring your audience is to get to the point.
The second rule of not boring your audience is to focus your message on satisfying an urgent need for your audience. People are interested in things that impact them.
3. Starting out on the wrong foot
The first 2 minutes of your presentation is critical.When you begin with something less than interesting (such as a long self introduction or the history of your company) your presentation is doomed.
Do something that establishes your ability to wow right from the start.
4. Confusing your audience
I had nothing to offer anybody except my own confusion.A clear, consistent message driven home with repetition is best.
~ Jack Kerouac
If you state seemingly contradictory facts and recommendations your audience will get completely lost.
It's better to leave your audience with a simple, consistent message than to give them a complex message that leaves them wondering — what was the point?
5. You're not believable
The role of an actor is to make every character believable.It's difficult to balance the need to give your presentation a wow-factor with the need to make it believable.
~ Orlando Bloom
Think of your favorite character from a great movie — he or she was probably both amazing and believable. That's what you want for your presentation.
If your audience doesn't believe your message, it's just as bad (or worse) as putting them to sleep. You'll face challenging questions.
6. You're not being creative
You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.Traditional public speaking advice makes for boring, ineffective presentations. For example, ending your presentation with questions is the worst thing you can do. It's better to end with something memorable and high energy that leaves a lasting impression.
~ Jack London
There's no set format for a good presentation. What sets great public speakers apart is creativity.
Begin with a question instead of ending with one. Get out of the mold of reading powerpoint slides. Do something different.
7. Being too serious
There's no such thing as soy milk. It's soy juice.Lighthearted presentations are almost always best. Entertaining your audience is just as important as informing them. It's impossible to inform an audience that has drifted off.
~ Lewis Black
8. Letting your fear guide you
In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.Virtually everyone is a little nervous when they give a presentation. In fact, fear of public speaking consistently ranks amongst the most common fears.
~ Bill Cosby
The key to overcoming your fear is not to focus on it.
Enthusiasm is the secret. When you're excited about the opportunity to share information — your fear becomes a secondary concern.
This is the first installment in the 9-part series How to Give Magnetic Presentations.
How to Give Magnetic Presentations
This 9-part series provides you with concrete direction that’ll have you giving magnetic presentations in no time.
|
|
Half the ambitious people in any given firm plan to be CEO someday. Most won't make the grade. It's a demanding role that requires an awe inspiring set of skills. |
|
Have you ever met a time burglar? |
|
Why super nerds have trouble finding IT training they like. |
|
An illogical argument that almost sounds logical. |
Recently on Simplicable
| 16 Decision Making Stylesposted by Anna MarDecision making is never easy. Every time you make a decision your future universe shifts a little (or a lot). |
| 110 Management Skills (List)posted by Anna MarManagement is tough. It's difficult to get right. Just when you think you've got the hang of it, an issue jumps up and bites you. |
| 125 Project Management Skills (List)posted by Anna MarProject management is a high stakes profession. |
| 98 Program Management Skills (List)posted by Anna MarProgram managers oversee a portfolio of projects including strategy, program execution, benefits realization, stakeholders and governance. |
