Avoid These 7 Common Presenting Mistakes

In the exciting world of career development, opportunities often present themselves in the form of presentations or speeches. This can be a significant step towards cementing your professional reputation, so it's important that you deliver it effectively. In this article, we will discuss the common mistakes people often make when delivering a presentation and how to avoid them, based on the insights from a seasoned professional speaker.

1. Mic Check, Please: Don't Start by Asking if Your Mic is Working

It's a common sight: a speaker approaches the lectern, taps the microphone, and asks, "Is this on?" This seemingly innocent act can potentially alienate the audience. If a speaker used the microphone before you, it's likely to be working. To avoid this, arrive early and conduct a sound check with the AV team. Start your presentation by diving straight into your content - if there are technical issues, trust that the audience will let you know.

2. Your Energy Matters: Bring the Right Energy on Stage

As soon as you step on the stage, you command attention. The energy you bring can set the tone for the rest of the presentation. Avoid shuffling your notes and stalling. Instead, walk on stage confidently, make eye contact with your audience, and start with a warm smile. Remember, the energy you emit should not be forced or overly enthusiastic; rather, it should reflect your authentic self and your passion for the subject at hand.

3. Keep Slides Simple and Readable

If you are using slides during your presentation, remember to keep them simple and readable. Overly complicated slides with small fonts can be hard to read, particularly from a distance. Strive for clarity and simplicity - the main purpose of your slide should be to support your spoken content, not to overwhelm your audience with information.

4. Don’t Read Your Slides

While it might seem convenient to read directly from your slides, it can come across as uninspiring and disconnected. Your audience can read; they are there to listen to your insights and engage with your unique perspective. Use your slides as a reference, but focus on delivering your content directly to your audience.

5. Control Your Pace and Avoid Filler Words

When we are nervous, we tend to speak faster and use filler words like "um" and "ah." To avoid this, remember to pause instead of using fillers and practice controlling your speaking pace. Pausing allows your audience to absorb the information, and speaking at a moderate pace makes you appear more confident and composed.

6. Look Up, Not Down

Reading from a script can lead to disconnection from the audience. Eye contact is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience, and it's impossible to achieve if you're constantly looking down at your notes. To avoid this, familiarise yourself with your content and maintain eye contact with your audience as much as possible.

7. Avoid Monotone Delivery

Finally, a monotone delivery can bore your audience and cause them to tune out. To avoid this, vary your voice's pitch and pace. Deliver your speech with enthusiasm and expressiveness to keep your audience engaged and interested.

In conclusion, by avoiding these seven common mistakes, you can significantly improve your presentation skills and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Remember, perfecting these skills takes time and practice. However, the journey to becoming a professional speaker is one of continual learning and improvement.

What do you think are other common presentation mistakes? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below.

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