I know it's not easy. You get up first thing in the morning to check your email. You instant message with your old college roommate once a week. You've begun to go by your online moniker in real life haven't you, Supercyber 79? My team has even heard that you met your spouse over the Internet.
If you've been breathing since the middle '90's, chances are there's little that you don't do without a computer. I can't remember the last time I used a stamp to pay a bill. Heck, I can't remember the last time I used a pen to write a letter. It's fast, convenient and simple to interact in any number of ways while staring into the soft, warm glow of your computer screen as you work, play and dream. However, just because you have mad computer skills doesn’t mean you can build or deliver the fairest presentation of them all. It takes time, patience, and lots of awareness.
There are a lot of “experts” out there who are all too happy to tell you the secrets of successful presenting. Unfortunately, much of what passes for advice these days is simply mythology.
Myth 1 - You Need a Magic Number of Visual Aids
How many times have you seen a presentation where the nicely designed slides confuse or completely overwhelm the overall message? We live in a visual culture and it's easy to include more visual aids than a presentation actually requires. Remember, the aids are supposed to serve the presentation, not the other way around. Let your message determine the number of visual aids you need for a given presentation.
Myth 2 – The Audience is Illiterate
All to often, a great presentation degenerates into a reading lesson as the presenter simply recites the information that's being projected. There can be a feeling of security in focusing the audience's attention on your captivating slides, but it doesn't make for a knockout presentation. Don't spell out your presentation for your audience. Captivate them by speaking to them in a dynamic manner and keep the focus on you.
Myth 3 – Your Graphs are Obvious
Sure you understand what your graph means at a glance, but will your audience? Graphs need to be big, bold, clear and – most importantly – simple. The graph is there to make what you are saying clearer, not more confusing.
Myth 4 – The Audience is Interested
Or they're not. Don't overestimate the perceived importance of your presentation. Take a moment to explain the relevance of your subject with pride in all the hard work you've done. Save the humility for the discussion afterwards.
Myth 5 – No One Will Cut Me Off
Never make this mistake. Even if you could squeeze an extra five minutes into your presentation, it's unfair and rude to your peers. Streamline your presentation and make it fit the allotted time slot. Chances are, it could use the editing.
Myth 6 – I've Got My Presentation Down
No you don't. The truth is, you can't be too prepared for your presentation. Being ready to do the presentation you want to give is half the job. Being ready to do the presentation you'll have to give when Murphy's Law takes over is the other half. You're not ready until you are ready for anything.
About the Author:
Scott Schwertly is an epic storyteller. Today, he owns and operates Ethos3 Communications (http://www.ethos3.com), a Nashville, TN-based presentation boutique providing professional presentation design and training for national and international clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to branded individuals like Guy Kawasaki.
He may live in Nashville, TN with his wife and three dogs, but he calls San Diego home – the place of his beloved San Diego Chargers. Scott has a B.A. and M.B.A. from Harding University, and he blogs almost daily at Stuff Presenters Like. (http://www.stuffpresenterslike.com)
