Reflection: ” A good orator is pointed and impassioned.” Cicero
- Don’t put all the words of your presentation on the slides. You have a captive audience, so let’s give them all the information we can. If the information does not fit just make more slides with a smaller font. The Rule of 6 by6 (Six lines with only six words) is either unknown or just ignored. The adult learning principle of providing relevant and concise information is not seen as important by some designers. Only use enough effective words to make your point and inspire the audience.
- Don’t waste time rehearsing—just wing it. This is just another meeting and not that important as a State of the Union address or Board of Directors meeting. It’s not as if we have the time to practice and rehearse the presentation which is not given the priority it deserves.
- Read everything on the slides. Sure, throw in a few examples or stories here and there. No one in the audience can verify your claims because they are overwhelmed with a “data” dump. This leads to audience members checking-out and being frustrated.
- Don’t pay attention to correcting your distracting habit of “fill speak : Saying, “Um” and “Uh” often isn’t that big a deal. In fact this type of vocal miscues sends audiences running for the door, a crossword puzzle or their smart phone. The easy way to stop this irritating and distracting activity is to simply pause and take a breath before making your next statement.
- “It’s what you say and not how you say it” that matters. Don’t worry about your delivery, your expertise and reputation and overwhelming content will carry the day.
- When an audience member tries to ask a question during the presentation– just brush it aside or say you will answer it later in the speech. The participants get the message not to ask questions or challenge your ideas. Lose credibility and connection by this tactic. If the question is asked try to calmly and clearly respond to their concerns.
Growth Mindset: Be a Life-long Learner 