The TOP 10 Presentation Mistakes

that people make...and how to rock it instead.

I created this for a client after doing speaker coaching in the corporate space. Although I do a lot of TED coaching too, these presentation mistakes are pretty much across the board. Any presentation quirks/things you can’t stand?!

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  1. TMI (TOO MUCH INFO)
    Overloading on data or just too much information. Blah! Blah! Blah!
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    Useless information, more stories and a honed focus on your idea.
  2. DREADFUL VISUALS
    Using too few or poor visuals.
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    Use inspiring and relevant visuals that will help your audience remember. Visuals don’t have to be slides.
  3. SAMENESS
    Using the same vocal variety and/or the same emotional level of your presentation.
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    Change it up to bring the audience up and down; and interested.
  4. GOING OVER TIME 
    Not being within the specified time limits and holding the audience captive.
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    Make sure to stay within your allocated time, even if you have to cut short.
  5. DARTING EYES
    Letting your eyes jump all over and not making enough genuine eye contact to connect with the audience.
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    Hold steady eye contact from person to person while being intentional about looking over the entire audience and not being robotic.
  6. ENDING ON Q&A 
    Ending on Q&A is boring and diminishes the control you have to close out strong.
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    Do your Q&A towards the end but then finish with a powerful point or call to action.
  7. TALKING TOO MUCH
    Talking non-stop and not engaging the audience, or even worse; reading your slides!
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    Use interactive and engaging content with well-paced pauses to keep your audience’s attention.
  8. USING CLIPART 
    There’s nothing that screams “rookie” more than clipart and stock photos.
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    Use original and interesting visuals that will help the audience make connections to your content. Visuals should add to your story not take away.
  9. I BEFORE YOU
    Using too many “I statements” in your presentation and not enough “you statements.”
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    Keep the I/you balance tipped towards your audience.
  10. THE WEAK FINISH 
    The end is the last thing your audience hears from you. Don’t end on thank you or something weak.
    HOW TO ROCK IT
    End with a strong call to action or thought-provoking statement.

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