How can you tell when you have taken on too much for your presentation deadline?

1 Sign 1: You have no clear outline

A clear outline is essential for any presentation. It helps you organize your main points, structure your flow, and prioritize your content. Without an outline, you may end up with a presentation that is too long, too vague, or too confusing. You may also waste time and energy on irrelevant or redundant information. To avoid this, start your presentation with a clear outline that defines your goal, your audience, your key messages, and your supporting evidence.

2 Sign 2: You have too many slides

Slides are a useful tool for visualizing your data, illustrating your concepts, and engaging your audience. However, too many slides can also distract, overwhelm, or bore your audience. They can also make your presentation too dependent on technology, which can fail or malfunction at any time. To avoid this, limit your slides to the essential ones that add value to your presentation. Use the rule of thumb of one slide per minute of speaking time, or less if possible.

3 Sign 3: You have too much research

Research is important for any presentation. It helps you validate your claims, support your arguments, and demonstrate your expertise. However, too much research can also backfire. It can make your presentation too complex, too technical, or too detailed for your audience. It can also make you lose sight of your main point and your audience's needs. To avoid this, focus your research on the most relevant and reliable sources that match your goal and your audience. Use the rule of thumb of three to five sources per main point, or less if possible.

4 Sign 4: You have too many revisions

Revisions are necessary for any presentation. They help you improve your content, your design, and your delivery. However, too many revisions can also harm your presentation. They can make you lose confidence, creativity, or clarity. They can also make you miss your deadline, or compromise your quality. To avoid this, set a realistic and reasonable deadline for your revisions. Use the rule of thumb of two to three revisions per presentation, or less if possible.

5 Sign 5: You have no feedback

Feedback is valuable for any presentation. It helps you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. It also helps you align your presentation with your audience's expectations and preferences. However, no feedback can also hurt your presentation. It can make you miss important errors, gaps, or opportunities. It can also make you unaware of your impact, or lack thereof, on your audience. To avoid this, seek feedback from trusted sources, such as colleagues, mentors, or experts. Use the rule of thumb of one to two feedback sessions per presentation, or more if possible.

6 Sign 6: You have no practice

Practice is essential for any presentation. It helps you refine your content, your design, and your delivery. It also helps you prepare for any challenges, questions, or surprises that may arise during your presentation. However, no practice can also ruin your presentation. It can make you nervous, unprepared, or unprofessional. It can also make you lose your audience's attention, interest, or respect. To avoid this, practice your presentation as much as possible, preferably in front of a live or simulated audience. Use the rule of thumb of one hour of practice per 10 minutes of presentation, or more if possible.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?