10 Ways You Are Ruining Your Presentation
You've taken the leap and started adding speaking to your marketing activities... but it just doesn't seem to be working. You envisioned tons of testimonials, endless new clients and a booked out speaking calendar.
Instead... you're hearing crickets.
If you can't figure out why your speaking strategy (or lack there of) isn't working... I'm going to go out on a limb and say you're probably guilty of one of these ten presentation fails.
Don’t you worry, friend. I’m not going to call you out and leave you hanging. If you find yourself guilty of one of these speaking sins, keep reading. You’ll also find a tip to help you turn that talk into a presentation you’re proud of.
10 Public Speaking Sins to avoid immediately:
(1) The introduction to end all talks
This is number one on the list for a good reason. I cringe every time I see it happen and it happens more than I want to admit.
I'm begging you: please, do NOT start your presentation by introducing yourself. The host JUST introduced you before you stepped on to the stage. There is no need for you to repeat what was just said. The audience already knows who you are. If you start your talk listing off all of your credentials and accolades, it’s going to come across as arrogant and the audience is going to check-out before you get to your good content.
Here’s How to fix it:
The first 30 seconds of your talk are essential to grabbing your audience's attention. Don't waste it on repeating your introduction. Dive right into your talk in a way that gets your audience to the edge of their seats ready to hear more.
(2) FACTS & FIGURES without connection
High value content is content is essential. We want to showcase your knowledge on our subject matter. However, we can do this with more than facts and figures alone. Information without illustration isn't retained well. Carefully selected stories help your audience connect with your content on a deeper level.
Try this instead:
Paint the picture for your audience. Share stories and examples that illustrate the importance of your content and how it applies to them. With every fact and figure you share, pretend the an audience member asked, "How does this impact me?"
Struggling with weaving story in your presentation? Check out “Why Your Business Presentation Needs a Story”
(3) unnecessary SOB-FEST
We're on the stage to serve our audience. It's difficult to do that when we're crying through the entire talk. Your audience is going to struggle to receive your message if they’re trying to decode it through your sniffles. If you can't deliver a clear message without a meltdown it's probably not time to share that story just yet.
Take it from our friend MaryAnn who has witnesses this as an audience member: “I love when speakers tell their story and are full of passion and emotion. But I don’t like when they start crying on stage. It makes the audience feel uncomfortable. I remember wanting to jump on the stage and give her a hug (and some tissues). Practice telling your story enough times in front of a mirror so that you’re not sobbing on stage.” - MaryAnn Skaro, www.tablescapesinstyle.com
Share stories you're READY to share. We can't lift up others if we're barely standing on our own.
It’s also worth noting that a good presentation does NOT require tears. Please don’t fabricate or exaggerate a personal story to bring more emotion to your talk. Your audience wants you to be genuine. Your story and content are more than enough. Let’s leave the theatrics for daytime tv.
Here’s how to fix it:
Be sure to select stories that support your message rather than distract from it. Not sure what story you should be sharing from the stage? Check out “How to Share a Story Your Audience Actually Cares About”
(4) untouchable expert
Every-time that you grab the microphone and step on to the stage people are automatically going to place you on a pedestal. Your mission should be to kick that pedestal over and get on the same level as your audience. No one is going to ask for your help (or hire you) if they're not comfortable approaching you. The last thing you want to do is further that divide by appearing untouchable or out-of-reach.
Do this instead:
Show your audience that you’ve been in their shoes and understand where they are at right now. Position yourself as an ally in their corner who wants to help them succeed. Bridge the gap between you and the audience and you'll be ten steps ahead of the rest.
“We’re not in the business of chasing fame or recognition. We’re in the business of delivering transformations. Good stories help us deliver transformations for our audience.” - an excerpt from “Why Your Business Presentation Needs a Story”
(5) Disconnected Offer
You’ve delivered an amazing presentation and the audience is completely on board with what you’re teaching. That is, until you get to the end of your talk and hard sell an offer that has nothing to do with what you were teaching.
Speaking is a powerful way to scale your business and I certainly want you to grow your business from the stage. Don’t waste the opportunity by haphazardly throwing an offer at the end of your talk.
Your conversion strategy should be the FIRST thing you identify when you begin crafting your presentation. If your on-stage offer is disconnected from your message your audience is going to smell your sales pitch coming from a mile away.
How to fix this:
Create an offer that is the logical next step in your presentation. If you’ve served your audience well from the stage the conversion should be seemly. Our students are converting as high as 97-100% of their audience members and you can too! Check out these podcast episodes to help you adjust your offer:
(6) SCRIPTED ROBOT
There's a fine line between being prepared and being a robot.
If you're having difficulty making a meaningful connection with your audience ask yourself, "How much of MYSELF have I infused into this presentation?" It is feels scripted, it probably is. Your audience wants to connect with YOU so highlight your personality.
Try this instead:
Practice memorizing your talk in chunks rather than word for word for a more natural flow. Check out Episode 81 on “How to Prepare for a Speaking Engagement” for practical tips on practicing your speech.
(7) UNPREPARED AMATEUR HOUR
Remember how I said the first 30 second are super important? Don't waste that valuable time figuring out how to turn on the microphone or advance your slides. We're trying to position you as the authority, not an amateur. Make sure that you’re comfortable with your talk, your slide, the stage, and any equipment you’ll be using during your presentation.
Avoid looking like an amateur by:
Do a sound check and test equipment BEFORE you step on the stage. Don’t forget to practice your talk like a pro: Check out Episode 81 on “How to Prepare for a Speaking Engagement” for practical tips on practicing your speech.
(8) NO CLEAR MESSAGE
You don't have to squeeze #allthethings into your talk. When we try to cram all of our genius into one presentation, our message gets lost. Don't overwhelm your audience with more than they can process. Your roll as the speaker is to guide your audience on a clear journey. That’s very difficult to do if the journey is leading to multiple different direction. If you're not able to sum up the message of your presentation into ONE sentence, it's time to go back to the drawing board.
Avoid this speaking sin by:
Get crystal clear on your message and craft your talk to support it. Ask yourself, “If my audience only remembers one thing from this talk, I want them to know ______.” The rest of your presentation should build a case for and support that message.
Make sure that you’re speaking on the right topic for your business rather than merging multiple topics into one. Use our free workbook to help select your perfect speaking topics.
(9) LEAVE THEM HANGINg
You've delivered this amazing talk and the audience is ready to take action. Don't leave them hanging! Make sure you're considering what the NEXT steps are for your audience. How can they go apply this information to their life or business? What is going to help them take action right away? Help your audience achieve a transformation by guiding them to the next step.
How to fix this:
Help your audience get a quick win before you even leave the stage. Identify what they need to do after the presentation in order to see a result and give them clear instructions to go do it!
(10) AUDIENCE DISCONNECT
Presentations are not one size fits all. Just because your talk for a corporate board room was a raving success, doesn't mean it's going to work for a small business networking event. Do your homework and find out how you can best support the audience from the stage.
How to Avoid this speaking sin:
Tailor your content to best fit your audience's needs. Take the time to speak with the organizer about your audience to learn as much as you can about their needs and desires. Deliver your presentation with your audience at the center of your content.
If you’ve found yourself guilty of any of these speaking sins, my homework for you is to make the recommended changes immediately. You have a powerful message to share with your audience and we don’t want any of these distractions getting in the way of you making the impact you’ve been called to make.
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Have you witnessed any of these speaking uh-oh’s in person? Maybe you’ve seen the sketchy sales pitch or scripted robot. Tell me about it in the comments or share it on Instagram and tag me (@JessicaRasdall)
