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?!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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