The Biggest Presentation Disasters and how to avoid them
It's everyone's worst nightmare: you start to deliver a presentation and everything seems to go wrong. In Theresa May's case, at the Conservative conference this week, the sign fell off the wall, she was interrupted by a prankster, her voice cracked and some of her words were copied from the TV series The West Wing.
Suddenly the challenges that many people face in business pitches or presentations seem to pale in comparison. I'm sure you've seen the technology fail, people forgetting their words, shaking with nerves or simply boring the audience. I want to help make sure that you never suffer from the same issues.
After 17 years of coaching 50,000 people I have lived through every challenge you may come across and want to pass on what I have learned so that you can excel in these critical events and get the results you deserve.
So here are three areas that are worth being prepared for:
1) Technology Traps - No matter how many times you check the batteries, bulbs, software or staging, something can always go wrong. The keys to success are:
a) Make sure you know what you are saying well enough that you can keep going, no matter what. Actors often say, "Amateurs practise until they get it right, professionals practise until they cannot get it wrong." You need to know your content so well that if a snake was dropped on your head you would still remember what to say and be able to get your message across. If you are struggling with this then you may need to simplify your content.
How Obama handled the moment when his Presidential seal fell off his podium
b) Plan B - To overcome faulty equipment always have a copy of your slides on a memory stick and have written or printed notes in case the slides or auto-cue fails.
c) Be Human - acknowledge mishaps, rather than pretending they didn't happen. The most exciting moment in any live theatre or speech is when something goes wrong. The key is to take a moment to react to it. That's what people want to see. Are you just going to robotically keep going, or are you able to handle the unexpected event with poise and confidence? If you deal well with the situation this will be your greatest moment. Even stopping a meeting mid-flow to handle a tough objection will be seen as a great strength and will be far more important than simply getting through the rest of your words and slides.
Theresa May reacts to a heckling prankster
2) Your voice - many people over-look this. You wouldn't run a marathon without doing some stretches and eating properly. You need to treat long presentations the same way. It is very rare for most people to speak continuously for 30 minutes or more, without pausing. So you must prepare properly:
a) Nourish - if your voice is struggling before a big event you need to avoid things that may make it worse, such as dairy, caffeine and alcohol.
b) Nurture - just as you stretch before running, the vocal cords need careful attention. If you are staying at a hotel for a conference check if they have a steam room, as this is great for soothing your throat. You can also hum quietly, with your mouth closed, to warm the voice up. If you go up and down in pitch (known as sirening) this will open up the full range of your voice too.
c) Hydrate - Be careful! Warm water may make you need to pee and cold water may make your throat feel dry. Instead have room temperature water and sip this long before you start, as well as during your talk. Again, the key is to be human. People need water. Don't rush it. Take your time. Just look in control and the audience will relax with you. Breathe and then keep going.
Sadly Marco Rubio has been haunted by the moment he hurriedly grabbed some water. He tried to turn this into a joke much later, but it fell flat. Drinking water wasn't the problem here, he just needed to take his time and keep the Presidential poise he was aiming for, pausing and then starting again when he was ready.
Rubio attempts to joke about the water incident
3) Authenticity - Seth Godin recently wrote that authenticity isn't about just being yourself, it mean that you are consistent in your words and actions, even when nobody is looking.
Theresa May has been heavily criticised for copying the script from the West Wing because we want our leaders to be able to express themselves in their own words, plus we can't believe that she will be authentic if her words are fictional.
May isn't the only one to do this. Melania and Donald Trump have both been seen copying someone else's words - take a look below!
Melania copies Michelle Obama's words
Trump takes tips from Legally Blonde
To be authentic and avoid issues like this I recommend the following:
a) Decide the heart of your message - What do you want people to remember three months after your meeting? How will this information benefit them?
b) Don't deliver a list, turn your message into a story that has an easy and memorable flow for you and them.
If you or somebody you know would like to excel at speaking, pitching or presenting then book a place on our Presentations with Impact masterclass.
You will discover tools that give you:
Presence and Impact - through advanced body language and voice techniques that enable you to adapt your style to have the greatest impact on the people around you
The business scripting system that compels people to listen - boost your results for pitching, presenting and persuading people with your ideas
Visual story-telling - escape death by slides and bullet-points with simple strategies that bring your message to life
There will be one trainer working with every 4 people, giving you the chance to put everything into practise with expert feedback and personal coaching.
Presentations with Impact masterclass - click here for full details
You can call Harriet or Sarah on 01462 511070 for more details and a brochure.
Best of luck with all of your presentations and I hope to work with you soon!
Richard Newman
Director, UK Body Talk Ltd.
Marketing Manager Colorcoat? at Tata Steel
7 年Caroline Christiaens think I had the snake on the head with the bottle of water!!!!
Coaching C-Suite Board Directors, Emerging Leaders and Senior Management to achieve greater success through expert Communication Skills including Public Speaking, enhancing influence and credibility in the marketplace
7 年As a Trainer/Coach/Consultant in public speaking - 26 years and 27 countries and over 100 000 people on courses I would disagree that Teresa May failed. I would say she won more support than she had before and to be in that position and keep going was phenomenal. As I don't and never have watched West Wing I have no idea what was copied. If we cannot quote the best or use some words from films and TV series then its a sad turn of events for speakers. Watching Richard Newman speak I would suggest he slows down and increases the difference in conversational gestures to between 15 and 20. Presently only using 6!!! Wide fingers also denote being unsure of the message or audience. Watch clips of David Cameron, you could read exactly how he felt about the audience and message he was using from his hands. We can all add knowledge and interesting points to those who are involved in the training and coaching of public speaking. Need any more information let me know and I would be very happy to speak to Richard but no email address!!!!! -