b.gif" alt="Mistakes" width="343" height="185">

A “Presentation Without Mistakes” is a speaker’s goal. That rarely happens.

No speaker is perfect and even the most seasoned ones, who regularly stand before audiences, will make mistakes in their presentations.

Being aware of what to avoid helps. Some of the most common ones are:

• Not preparing enough:
  • Failing to prepare adequately can lead to a lack of structure that makes it hard for the audience to follow.
    • Their verbal and non-verbal communication expressing confusion can lead to a lack of confidence.
• Talking too quickly:
  • Speaking fast because of nerves, lack of practice, or both, can make it difficult for listeners to follow along and understand what is being said.
• Not speaking clearly:
  • Mumbling, talking too softly, or using unclear pronunciation can make understanding the message arduous.
• Using filler words:
  • Words such as “um,” “ah,” and “like” can distract from the message and make the speaker seem unprepared. (Toastmaster meetings have a designated “Ah” counter to help members rid their talks of these.)
• Failing to engage the audience:
  • Not making eye contact or including the the entire audience in the presentation can make the attendees lose interest.
• On the other hand, being too formal:
  • Using overly formal language or delivery can make the speaker seem distant and unapproachable.
    • The audience might feel like they’re back in school and being lectured.
• Being too casual:
  • Using overly casual language or delivery can make the speaker seem unprofessional or unprepared.
• Using jargon, buzz words, and techno-speak:
  • Including technical terms or industry-specific language the audience may not understand can be off-putting and confusing.
  • An audience is not impressed hearing words they don’t understand. They feel stupid and will tune out the speaker.
• Failing to use visual aids effectively:
  • Visual aids can be a useful tool to help illustrate a point, but they can also be a distraction if poorly designed or used excessively.
    • Many slides with bullet points and hard to read spread sheets should definitely be avoided.
• Reading from a script:
  • Reading directly from a script can be monotonous and can make the speaker seem disconnected from the audience.
• Relying too much on notes:
  • While it can be helpful to have notes as a reference, relying too heavily on them can make the speaker seem unprepared or unable to engage with the audience without prompts.
• Failing to practice:
  • Not practicing the presentation beforehand can lead to mistakes, gaps in the content, or a lack of confidence.
    • TED Talk speakers I coach are encouraged to practice “One hour for every minute of presentation.”
• Neglecting to tailor the message to the audience:
  • Failing to consider the audience’s knowledge level, interests, or needs can result in a presentation that is not engaging or relevant.
• Not allowing time for questions: 
  • Failing to allow time for questions or not adequately addressing questions can make the audience feel like their concerns are not being heard.

Knowing and trying to avoid these common mistakes will help make your presentations absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT!

———————————————————————————————————————————————————–

300x172.jpg" alt="Three Simple Ways to Improve Your Presentations." width="300" height="172">

About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”

Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills.

They do this because they know: Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.

Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills.

They do this because they know: Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.

They also know: We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.

He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!

Services:

• Keynote Speaker
• Workshop Facilitator
• Breakout Sessions
• Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching

Topics:

• Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!
• Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
  • Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
  • We are All Self-Employed!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Podcast Channel, and connect with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.

My books can be purchased on amazon.com. “NO SWEAT Public Speaking” “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”

Audible offers “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!” as an audio book.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.

Thank  you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!