Technology is a powerful tool for enhancing your presentations, but it can also be a source of frustration, confusion, and distraction if not used wisely. In this article, you’ll learn what are the most common mistakes to avoid when delivering a presentation on technology and how to overcome them.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when presenting on technology is to assume that your audience has the same level of knowledge, interest, and experience as you. This can lead to either boring them with too much detail, confusing them with too many acronyms and technical terms, or losing them with too many assumptions and shortcuts. To avoid this, you need to do some research on your audience before you design and deliver your presentation. Find out what their background, needs, expectations, and goals are, and tailor your content, language, and style accordingly. Use examples, stories, and analogies that are relevant and relatable to them, and avoid jargon and complexity that are unnecessary or unclear.
Avoid assuming a homogenous understanding of technology among your audience; instead, conduct thorough research to grasp their diverse backgrounds, expertise levels, and interests to tailor your presentation effectively. Steer clear of jargon-heavy explanations that may alienate non-technical audience members; strive for clarity by using relatable metaphors and analogies to demystify complex concepts without diluting their essence. Refrain from overloading your presentation with technical details or overly abstract theories; prioritize relevance by highlighting practical applications and real-world examples that resonate with your audience's industry or personal experiences.
What is your goal? If you want to convince your audience then use a story or benefits and don‘t dive to deep into details. Have a look on the 2007 Steve Jobs presentation where he is introducing the first iPhone. Great technology, great presentation.
Another common mistake you can make when presenting on technology is to rely on your technology without testing it beforehand. This can result in technical glitches, compatibility issues, or unexpected errors that can disrupt your flow, undermine your credibility, and frustrate your audience. To avoid this, you need to test your technology before you present, preferably in the same venue and with the same equipment that you’ll use on the day. Check your internet connection, your slides, your audio and video, your remote control, and any other tools or devices that you’ll use. Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong, such as a USB drive, a printout, or a phone hotspot. And always arrive early to set up and troubleshoot any problems.
Prioritize preemptive tech checks to mitigate common pitfalls such as incompatible software or connectivity issues, ensuring seamless delivery and avoiding disruptions that detract from the presentation's impact. Leverage innovative backup plans and redundancies, such as alternative devices or offline modes, to swiftly address any unforeseen technical glitches and maintain audience engagement, safeguarding against the fallout of technology failures. Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement by soliciting feedback and conducting rigorous rehearsals with various tech setups, allowing for agile adjustments and proactive troubleshooting to preemptively address potential pitfalls before they compromise the presentation.
One needs to crosscheck your devices, audio, connectivity etc. and rehearse the presentation in advance to make sure everything is in place. Also have a Plan B in case of a technological failure.
A third common mistake you can make when presenting on technology is to focus too much on your technology and not enough on your audience. This can result in a dull, monotonous, or overwhelming presentation that fails to capture and sustain your audience’s attention, interest, and curiosity. To avoid this, you need to engage your audience throughout your presentation, not just at the beginning or the end. Use interactive features, such as polls, quizzes, Q&A sessions, or demonstrations, to involve your audience and get their feedback. Use visuals, such as images, videos, graphs, or animations, to illustrate your points and make them more memorable. Use humor, emotion, or surprise, to add some personality and warmth to your presentation. And use pauses, questions, or stories, to create some suspense and anticipation for your next point.
A fourth common mistake you can make when presenting on technology is to overload your presentation with too much information, data, or features. This can result in a confusing, complicated, or cluttered presentation that overwhelms your audience and makes it hard for them to follow, understand, or remember your message. To avoid this, you need to simplify your message and focus on the key points that you want your audience to take away. Use the rule of three, which states that people can only remember three things at a time, and structure your presentation around three main points, each supported by three sub-points. Use the 10-20-30 rule, which states that your presentation should be no more than 10 slides, last no more than 20 minutes, and use no smaller than 30-point font. And use the KISS principle, which stands for Keep It Short and Simple, and avoid unnecessary or redundant words, data, or features.
I agree with this statement. When delivering a presentation on technology, it's easy to fall into the trap of overwhelming the audience with too much information. Simplifying the message is essential to ensure clarity and engagement. The suggested strategies, such as the rule of three and the 10-20-30 rule, provide practical frameworks to structure the presentation effectively. By adhering to these principles and embracing the KISS principle, presenters can effectively communicate complex technological concepts in a concise and accessible manner. Simplification not only aids comprehension but also enhances retention, ensuring that the audience can grasp and remember the key points long after the presentation is over.
A fifth common mistake you can make when presenting on technology is to stick to your script or plan without being flexible or responsive to your situation. This can result in a rigid, boring, or inappropriate presentation that fails to address the changing needs, questions, or concerns of your audience. To avoid this, you need to adapt to your situation and be prepared to improvise, modify, or skip parts of your presentation depending on the time, the mood, the feedback, or the context. Use cues, such as body language, facial expressions, or verbal responses, to gauge your audience’s level of engagement, understanding, or satisfaction, and adjust your pace, tone, or content accordingly. Use transitions, such as signposts, summaries, or previews, to link your points and guide your audience through your presentation. And use feedback, such as surveys, evaluations, or follow-ups, to learn from your experience and improve your future presentations.
One thing you should keep in mind while giving presentations about technology is that you should cover all the pros and cons regarding it, especially about the type of algorithm it possesses. The pros and cons should be covered in such a way that it gives a clear understanding to the reader about the technology and how to utilize it to the fullest.