Twelve Tips That Will Save You From Making a Bad Presentation

1. Eliminate your PowerPoint slides

OK, admittedly this is a bit drastic, and PowerPoint can be used effectively. But most people don’t have the proper training or mindset to do it well, and by preparing without it, will create a MUCH better presentation. Even if you use PowerPoint, I would coach you to make your slides LAST, so effectively you’re creating a presentation without slides first.

2. Tape a practice session and watch it

Most people won’t take the time to practice. I don’t mean running through slides or a script on the airplane. I mean standing up in a room and going from start to finish with no breaks just like the real deal. Fewer still will bother to tape their practice and watch it. Those that do will be noticeably ahead of everyone else. Nothing will alert you to bad presentation habits quicker, and the really good presenters pretty much all do this at some point.

3. Get feedback from someone you trust

Simple fact – you CANNOT see or hear yourself (or your jokes, mannerisms, or intonations) the way others do. The only way to get this knowledge is from a trusted friend or coach. Again, the really good presenters ALL do this.

4. Speak slower than you think you should

If you do Tip #3, you’ll probably find out that your rate of speech isn’t what you think it is. With a precious few exceptions (and you’re not one of them), speakers will be much more effective if they slow their rate down. Probably the best way to do this is to make sure that you honor every punctuation mark. Periods are full stops (look it up!) and commas are pauses (look it up!). This is the skill that will have the greatest effect on you being easy to understand.

5. Gesture bigger than you think you should

It feels goofy to use gestures properly. Get over it. Use large gestures that feel like they belong on a game show or charades game. Your voice will change as a result and you’ll be seen as energetic and engaging. When you are done making the point, stop moving your arms.

6. Cut your content in half

Unless you have a script you can predict within a minute every time, you need to cut stuff out. Beginners especially find themselves talking about the things they know and the

stories they like and time just gets away while the points are missing. Make clear points, offer a little support and sit down.

7. Have a clear call to action

Knowing information is great. Sharing that information isn’t as great for the audience. Make them do something. It could be as simple as check your math or as concrete as make a phone call. But have something for EVERYONE in the audience to do, both while you talk and after you are done. If you can’t figure out what they should do, you shouldn’t be talking to them.

8. Go by the room ahead of time

If you’ve not presented there before, of course. And visit the folks in charge of the meeting and room while you are there. There are some things you will discover that will keep you from making rookie mistakes. Presenting remotely? Ask the meeting sponsor to swing by and take a picture of the room with their cell phone and send it to you.

9. Buy and use your own equipment: remote, microphone, computer (and projector?)

You’ll be used to it, and the chances of failure drop exponentially. While all computers and projectors and remotes behave basically the same, that isn’t an absolute match, and two minutes before you are introduced isn’t the time to find out that the company’s computer doesn’t have an HDMI out and the projector doesn’t accept VGA in. You’ll also look more professional and feel more confident with your own gear.

10. Always have a backup plan

Using slides? Take a CD, USB stick, and upload to the web. Depending on handouts? Have an extra copy, a VISA card, and knowledge of the nearest copy shop when you go. NEVER rely completely on computers or powered equipment. Have a plan for going analog should the power go out or the projector completely blows up. Once again, you’ll feel better, and when (not if) things come up, you’ll be ready.

11. Don’t ever mention time

Ever. You should know what the time is, but the audience NEVER needs to know. Don’t mention you’re finishing early, running late, or that the knucklehead in front of you ran over and it’s not your fault. The corollary to this is perhaps the greatest rule of presentation, teaching, speaking, or visiting: Never, ever, EVER, run over.

12. Don’t EVER speak when you are looking at slides or notes

This will revolutionize your presentations and engage audiences. Don’t speak – not even ONE WORD – if you are looking at your slides or your notes (or your shoes, or the ceiling). This will prevent the most egregious and boring habit that audiences hate.

For more tips on public speaking and dealing with people, visit our blog at www.millswyck.com/blog. If you have never experienced the life-changing transformation that awesome speaking skills can bring to your life, check our web site to see what some of our clients think of our intensive speaking workshops.