We can probably all recall a really dreadful presentation that we have had to endure.
Unfortunately they tend to stick in the memory for all the wrong reasons.
But the strange thing is that many people make the same mistakes they have seen in these dull presentations when it is their turn to take to the stage.
It is almost inevitable that we will all have to make a presentation at some point in our careers.
So to help you avoid this vicious circle of mistakes we asked Paul Brennan, one of our expert tutors from our presentation skills training courses, to highlight five key mistakes you really should avoid:
1. Tread carefully with humour – it is no joke
Who can forget Gerald Ratner’s infamous speech to the Institute of Directors in 1991 when he joked about the “crap” that his stores sold.
It cost him his business and his reputation.
While he may have thought such candid quips would raise a few laughs, it showed little respect for his customers and, in a sense, his audience.
Do fellow businessmen want to be implicated in such unprofessionalism? And of course it was being filmed for all of us to see. We want humour to warm the audience up, not enrage them. As with all the best comics, test your gags (and keep them limited and clean) to a trusted sample audience.
2. The question of questions
If you are going to take questions, then make sure you have done your research - not just on your lecture core text but what related issues your audience may raise.
What are the topical issues around your subject? What is being discussed on social media? What news stories related to your topic are out there on the day?
No point giving a speech on the implications of Brexit if you don’t know this morning’s latest statement from government or the Bank of England or CBI. Get yourself or your communications team across the papers and websites.
If you want to be an authority or thought leader then you need to know the latest thoughts and trends to demonstrate authority, credibility and integrity.
3. Death by PowerPoint
We can all benefit from visuals to help aid the presentation – but don’t let it hinder.
Paragraphs of texts will not only turn the audience off but distract them from what you are saying.
Do you really need a “running commentary” on the screen behind us? The odd headline statistic or tag line will help underline the message, not sweep it away. Less is more.
Consider investing in some sharp animations and cartoons to bring humour and colour to your presentation.
This short video with one of our other tutors Siân Jones will also help you make your slides more effective.
4. Be presentable
How you look is just as important as what you say. We are judged in the first few seconds before we even open our mouths. Be smart and well-groomed but not in something that restricts your movement.
Light blue shirts are great under studio lights but show the sweat patches more so than white. Clunky jewellery may get in the way of the microphone on your collar and may be a distraction.
Let Pat Butcher rest in peace and tone down the accessories and colours. All black or all white never works. Block colours with a well-fitting jacket work best.
5. Stand your ground
You may be at a podium for some time. Wandering around the stage may work but is not always possible (if restricted to static microphones) or suitable.
So we need to anchor ourselves. Tripping, slipping or swaying can distract or ruin even the best of presentations.
Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip width apart and angle out your feet at the “ten to two” clock face position. Imagine an invisible cord above your head and let it pull you up to your full height – and beyond. Own your space, whatever your height.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with over 30 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Click here to find out more about our highly practical presentation skills training courses.
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