How to handle worst case scenarios in presentations
Case 1: You have 15 minutes for presentation instead of 45 you planned initially No matter how fast you talk you won’t be able to go through the whole material. Select only key messages from each part of the presentation and keep your eyes on the watch. Limit the information but make sure it follows a logical path. Always be prepared to extract the essence of your presentation.
Case 2: You are asked a question on a topic you wish to elaborate further on in the training Always respond to questions. Offer a brief answer and explain you wish to discuss more on the subject later in the presentation. Do not leave a question unanswered or avoid answering until the finish of the training or you will lose your credibility in front of the audience.
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Case 3: You lose your train of thoughts It’s ok! Smile, excuse yourself and start again. It happens to everyone and the audience will empathize with you if you have an easy going attitude and you keep on smiling.
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Case 4: You plan to go through the training manual page by page but the participants move ahead Take into careful consideration if you are going to offer the participants the training manual at the beginning or at the end of the training. The risk of offering it at the beginning is that the training participants will not pay so much attention to you and will try going by themselves through the course material. If you do offer it, try to keep them at your pace, always reminding them what page are you at.
Case 5: You are expecting to hold a training for 10 people but find 20 in the room Smile and appreciate the opportunity that you will deliver your message to a larger audience. If you have hand-outs prepared, either transfer the information on the flipchart or group people in teams of 2 during the exercises. Think about allocating more time for discussions and questions.
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Case 6: Several participants begin a side conversation Stop from your speech and inquire if they have any questions, or you can offer them any clarifications on the subject you were discussing. If this does not work, continue your presentation while moving closer to the group and lower your voice. Pause and wait until they stop talking.
Case 7: You drop your notes on the floor Make fun of yourself, pick them up and rearrange them while still making jokes and smiling. It will be easier to rearrange them if the notes are numbered, so be sure to do this before the training.
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