Most Common Presentation Mistakes
1. Lack of Preparation
Too often a good presentation is ruined because the speaker has not taken the time to prepare.
2. Poor Use of Visuals
Visuals should enhance your presentation, not detract from it. Most business people around the world today have learned how to use PowerPoint technically, but not professionally.
3. Inappropriate Humor
Off-color jokes could doom your presentation because you are taking the risk of offending someone in the audience.
4. Inappropriate Dress
The best advice is to dress conservatively so that the audience can pay attention to what you are saying, not what you are wearing.
5. Not Knowing the Audience
Custom-design your presentation to fit the needs of your audience. Find out the size and demographics of your audience beforehand. What are the ranks and positions of the people who will be attending?
6. Non-Functioning Equipment
Since so much of our business world is dependent on technology, always check your equipment beforehand.
7. Starting or Ending a Presentation Late
Like you, the members of the audience have time restrictions. Respect them.
8.Using a Monotone Voice
Your voice is the primary means of communicating with your audience. No matter how interesting your material, if you speak in a monotone voice, you will lose your audience.
9. Too Much Material in Too Short a Time
If you have too much material, cut back or cut out. It is annoying and pointless for a speaker to try to rush through a presentation.
10. Not Clarifying the Topic
Make sure you know clearly what you are expected to speak about. Second, don’t assume the audience knows what you are going to speak about.
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