5 FINAL Things You Should Never Do When You Present
Did you miss the first 5 things? Check them out HERE! And numbers 6 through 10 are HERE!
11. Never apologize for interrupting/stopping conversations. You have heard a presenter say it; he/she will ask the audience to engage in a conversation about X, Y, or Z, then after a certain amount of time, the presenter will say something along the lines of "I'm so sorry to stop your conversations." This statement is pointless considering these are conversations that must come to an end in order for you to continue with your presentation.
Instead, thank the audience for the robust discussions, then move on with your presentation. Consider saying "Wow! What great conversations! Thank you for engaging. Now to the next point." (Bear in mind you can always evaluate if what you have to say next is as impactful as the conversations. If what the audience is discussing brings more value than the content you had prepared, then consider letting the conversations continue for a few more minutes before continuing with your presentation.)
12. Never diminish your power. For instance, avoid ...
a. saying it's your first time doing anything, e.g., making the presentation, designing a presentation, traveling out of the country, et cetera.
b. saying "I don't know." (Want to know what to say instead? Read this.)
c. folding your arms; remain open and warm. (Check out this post to find out what to do with your arms and hands.)
13. Never position the audience to engage in too much multitasking.
Here's a true story ...
I recently attended a luncheon where the presenter, all in the space of less than a minute, told the audience to complete the evaluation, announced the date of the next luncheon, told us to get ready for a prize drawing, and instructed everyone to clap in appreciation for the local restaurant that provided the food.
Do we complete the eval?
Jot down the information for the next luncheon?
Listen for the names of the drawing winners?
Or put down our pens to give applause?
If you must move things along, then ensure you have a logical order for what you want the audience to do. It's hard to simultaneously write and listen, so save the writing to the end. Giving applause is quick and easy, so make that first. To that end, have everyone clap for the restaurant. Announce the next luncheon date. Then, draw for prizes. Finally, ask everyone to complete an evaluation.
14. Never make anyone feel less than royally amazing! Have them feel like they have crowns sitting on their heads.
a. Avoid saying "Without further ado ..." after someone finishes speaking or after you finish speaking and you are preparing to pass the microphone to someone else. Here's why: A definition of "ado" is "fuss, especially about something that is unimportant." When you say "Without further ado," you are saying "Let's move on so we no longer have to hear [insert speaker's name] continue to fuss about something that is unimportant."
b. You should consistently comment on how incredible is an audience member's idea, or revel in what a great question it was someone asked even if it is an obvious question meant to trip you up. (For how to handle difficult audience questions, see this post.)
c. Ensure you talk about how terrific it was to spend time with the audience.
15. Never let them see you sweat. No matter if ...
you got lost while trying to find the place…
technology fails …
a slide is missing …
your video does not play …
your font does not show correctly …
an activity seems to flop …
you lose your train of thought …
anything goes wrong …
SMILE, and make it clear that all is right, you are having the time of your life, and that there is absolutely nowhere else you'd rather be or nothing else you'd rather be doing than spending time right here right now with the people gathered before you.
You've got this!
Did you miss the first 5 things? Check them out HERE! And numbers 6 through 10 are HERE!
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