In both education and business, many individuals frequently make presentations, while others do so only occasionally. These situations can be challenging since creating an engaging presentation is often difficult, yet it seems all too easy to deliver dull and unappealing ones.
Nancy Duarte points out that common mistakes occur before and during a presentation. Thankfully, these mistakes are not hard to fix; they just require some awareness and thought.
A typical error in presentations is simply listing important points one after another. Overloading the audience’s brain will lead to disengagement. It’s essential to connect with both the heart and the mind.
Even if the topic is abstract, using relatable language can help. Starting the speech with a relevant example or story can draw the audience in. Consider asking yourself, “Why is this topic important? How does it benefit people or my organization?” Use the answers to guide your presentation.
When creating slides, avoid writing the full text of your speech on them. Keep sentences short and use the slides as prompts rather than complete thoughts. They should act as headings for the audience who may be taking notes. If you fill your slides with text, the audience may read instead of listen, which defeats the purpose of having a speaker.
Watch presentation videos on platforms like YouTube and review materials on Slideshare to spot common features and visuals. Once you notice these trends, forget about them. Strive for originality and steer clear of clichés.
Have you ever listened to a presenter who spoke in a way that was confusing, yet seemed smart? That person likely used a lot of specialized jargon. While it is natural to want to impress, if your goal is to share ideas or inform the audience, it is best to minimize jargon.