7 steps to make your presentation more engaging
Your content is important, but even more important is making a genuine connection with your audience.
A successful presentation demands that people sit up and take notice. Yet, when was the last time you found yourself drifting off during a monotonous slideshow? It was probably not that long ago.
It never fails to amaze me how often smart people make common mistakes and give bad presentations. These seven steps will save that big presentation from becoming naptime for the audience:
1. Learn your presentation.
A slideshow is not a teleprompter. This is the first mistake I see far too many speakers make. Take the time to practice in front of friends or close colleagues who will be candid in advising you afterward.
It’s always obvious to everyone in the room if you’re repeating someone else’s words. If you are not passionate about the subject, you can’t expect anyone else to be.
2. Know your audience.
This one’s another big pitfall. To whom are you presenting, and what is their knowledge of the subject?
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