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5 Presentation Skill Mistakes that Speakers Make

Presentation skills designed to enhance a presentation are often forgotten when the presentation begins. Arms start to flail, cadence goes out the window and attendees become annoyed. Ultimately, presentation skills that have been learned deteriorate to nothing and the speaker is thought of as annoying rather then the guru that was advertised. To increase the likelihood of a solid presentation, work to avoid some of these common mistakes when giving a presentation.

Information organization

Going into your presentation, make sure that the information you will be discussing is laid out in a logical fashion. Backtracking to include a new piece of information, that you have forgotten, is a common presentation skills error. If attendees need to figure out how a piece of information fits into the scheme of things, they are likely missing new information that is being presented as they figure out the last bit. If you do find that you have left out pieces of important information make a separate section at the end of the presentation. Start this section with “before I wrap up and entertain a few questions I’d like to briefly revisit…” In this way the attendee can more easily place the new information in their minds and notes.

Pace

Pace is a presentation skills challenge for most people. They have so much to say and it all wants to spill out all at the same time. In many instances, the presenter will even hear the rushing commentary but not be able to stop running off at the mouth. All you can really do at this point is stop at the end of a thought. If you have arraigned for a glass or pitcher of water, pour a glass and take a full pause. Remember the value of a pause, remember the value of inflection and remember the value of voice volume. Now continue.

Distracting movements

Presentation skills are very clear on the subject of unwanted movements. You do want to move about the stage in a smooth fashion but you do not want to flail about. If your arms and legs are moving every which way the information will be forgotten in favor of “man, did you see the way that guy flailed about?” Movements are for emphasis of a point and audience inclusion only.

Mumbling/diction/accent

Generally, diction and other vocal characteristics are areas where good hard work needs to be done so that a clear voice is heard. This skill is likely the most difficult to get over as it is something that you have a lifetime of practice to support. It is very easy to fall into your common speech patterns. Try to do some verbal gymnastics before the talk. Also, remember pace and the pause for help.

Time management

One of the most common mistakes that presenters make, when it comes to presentation skills, is running over the time allotted. When you become nervous, all sense of time disappears. Put a time mark on your notes and do not be afraid to, stop and make a conscious effort to look at your watch. Attendees are busy and will respect your concern for their time. If you are running short on time do not speed up. Let people know you are available for questions afterwards. Overall, attendees understand if you goof on your presentation skills so relax.

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