What is it that really gets up the nose of any audience, even one that is interested in what you have to say?
Following are the 'Top 7 Presentation Gripes' of audiences the world over and what you can do to avoid them.
Poor grammar and spellng errors (Yes I know - it was deliberate!)
Mark Twain once said: "I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way." Unfortunately not everybody agrees. So get it right and proof read. Don't trust spell check software either, as they don't always pick up the "Hear" and "Here" nuances afforded by the English language
Inconsistent style
A presentation fraught with accidental creativity. Different fonts and typeface sizes on every slide. Please stop this now!
Recycled presentations
The 'one size fits all' approach won't cut it with your audience or prospect. I have even seen a presentation done where the name of the competition was on the slide. Whoops! Don't let this happen to you. Treat each presentation as though it was the first time you have given it to this unique and special client!
Boring or uncreative slide design
The author is still struggling with the subtleties of the text box. Presentations appear to be by extreme beginners. There really is no excuse for this now. PowerPoint has some amazing features to help you have a bit of the WOW factor. If in doubt ask someone in your organization who knows how to do it, get them a beer or chocolates, and ask for help! At times I even use a plain white slide, not the usual (over used) templates and have found this to be a very welcome change, for all involved.
The meaningless pie chart and/ or graph
If you are going to use these, please explain why and what they really mean. Just ask: Is this information relevant and is this the best way to present it? Try and use an illustration that your audience can relate to in an effort to explain the factors involved.
Information overload
Where a company's entire history is crammed into one slide. Very close to this is where the presenter reads, word for word, the information on the slide. We can all read, what we need is for you to explain what it means in real life - make application of what is on the slide.
The 'waffler'
Once the presenter starts he can't - or won't stop! I am not speaking about well placed emphasis of main points, which is important - no this is where the speaker is bordering on falling in love with his own voice, or so nervous that he just can't/ won't shut up. Practice saying what you have to say by only using half the words you would normally use to explain the subject, and then you are getting closer to a waffle free presentation.
When you give your next presentation, keep these points in mind and your audience will thank you for it - and you never know - they might even ask you back!
Happy Selling!
Harry
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