The Business Bulletin
5 common presenting mistakes and how to avoid them We are often gifted the opportunity to present to a group of people and our first thought is “the nerves”. We think about “what to wear”, the “topic” anything but the basic preparation steps. Often, we completely forget the prep & delivery plan, the key techniques and what our audience wants.
This is common though, so here are
is the presenter faffing around with
our top tips to help you do your best
paper, fiddling with IT equipment or
job – you’re the subject expert so how
flipcharts, or asking the audience to
can you prove it?
“hold on a minute”.
Be prepared – perception is everything and takes less than a second The best way to lose your audience instantly is to be “seen as” unprepared. The worst thing to see
The audience starts out with
Be on time Simply put, turning up late, or even at the exact time looks unprofessional. Unexpected travel delays, technical glitches (although
inherent “trust” that you’re an expert –
these might be forgiveable and
so being ill prepared will eat into that
‘unforeseen circumstances’ won’t be
trust immediately. Be totally familiar
forgotten, no matter how engaging
with your content and make sure you
your presentation. Don’t let being
have a backup plan to access the
memorable be that you were late
presentation – on your phone, USB
or kept people waiting in the virtual
stick or email it in advance. Check
world. Make sure you know where
your flip chart pens and paper – and
you’re going, pre-empt traffic issues,
have your step by step running guide
parking and need for cash the day
close to hand. If delivering virtually,
before. Be ready, relaxed, and waiting,
test IT the night before.
when people arrive.
Issue 10 – Sales and Marketing | 41
