Common Mistakes in Presentations and How to Avoid Those

These days presentation comes in various formats, used at different occasions, prepared with different tools, and also delivered in unique ways. Given below are some of the variations I have come across in professional journey so far;

Formats: Visuals based (more use of infographics, images, creatives), Insights based, Facts based, Storytelling, Minimalistic, Elaborate, Multimedia (use of video, sound, visuals, and text), etc.

Occasions: Internal Meeting, Client Meeting, Partner Meeting, Statutory Meetings, Review Meetings, Product Launch, Events & Exhibitions, Classroom, Government Approvals, etc.

Why to improve presentations skills?

• You have a chance to be unique & likeable.
• Good presenters are valued in society as well.
• It makes you more smarter and safe in career.
• The managers and leaders must be good at it.
• Good presenters are valuable to industry.

How are presentations assessed for effectiveness?

• Fulfillment of objectives: This is the ultimate criteria for assessment of presentations. Each presentation should be prepared and delivered with a clear purpose and desired response.
• Audience engagement: An effective presentation engaged audience throughout. The presentations are engaging when those are relevant and interesting for the audience.
• Right positioning: There are a subtle and indirect messages based on what, why, and how you present. Based on your presentation, audience makes judgment about the presenter i.e. person, team, organization, etc.

Common Mistakes:

1. Not understanding the context (purpose - update, brainstorming, decision, duration, participants, protocols)
2. Inadequate research prior to drafting a presentation (on topic, audience, questions)
3. Not having an outline or flow (randomness, repetition, inconsistency)
4. Technical glitches at the time of delivery (slideshow, device, connectivity)
5. More focus on content rather than communication (more text on slides, not monitoring audience response)

Tips for Effective Presentations

1. Research:Design:Refine time ratio of 1:1:1
2. Rehearse presentation delivery a few times
3. Try to visit the presentation location in advance / visualize the scenario with available details
4. Remember, you present to communicate a message/set of messages
5. Reduce dependence on others in research, design, technical aspects, and venue arrangements