Knowhow: Commanding Attention | Six mistakes to avoid when you address a crowd
The lights are on you and the microphone is poised before your lips. The audience has hushed and are ready for your sparkling presentation. But you’re scared out of your wits!
It’s perfectly normal to be nervous about speaking in front of a group, large or small. To make your next public address as painless as possible, review the following six mistakes that presenters often make. If you find yourself doing any of them, you’ll be prepared to make a quick course correction.
Talking About Your Company
Many presentations begin with the history of their company, the founder’s philosophy, and a listing of the company’s accomplishments. If you want to have greater impact on your audience then focus on them. All they really care about is what you can do for them, not what you are so great at doing.
Standing Far Away From The Audience
Do you hide behind your PowerPoint slides? Or do your stand as far away from the audience as possible? You may and not even be aware of it. To connect more with your audience and have a greater impact, stand center, or as close to the center as you can. Be as close to the audience as possible without making them feel uncomfortable. And be sure to take command of the room.
Turning The Lights Off
Do you put your audience in the dark? To keep your audience alert and to have greater impact, keep the lights on, open the curtains or shades, and only dim the lights or close the shades to the point where your PowerPoint is visible and easy to see. Total darkness is not necessary.
Viewing PowerPoint Center Stage
Many times you do not have a choice, but if you do, and if you want to have greater impact, put the screen off to the side where it is still easy for all attendees to see. Then put yourself center stage. You are the presentation, not your slides. Your audience prefers it that way!
Having A Lack Of Emotion
Are you expressive when you speak? Are you letting yourself let loose and show emotion? Many people don’t realize that 93 percent of communication is non-verbal. Which means most of our message is communicated through vocal tone and body language. Are you getting your audience to feel the way you need them to feel in order to take the action you need them to take? Your audience does not know how to feel or how to react about your presentation. They look to you for guidance. For greater impact, let your emotion come through.
Not Preparing Enough
Do you write out your entire presentation word for word of what you are going to say? Most people don’t and that’s why most presentations today are not as engaging, or effective as they could be. For greater impact, spend more time preparing your presentations. The more prepared you are, the more confidence you will have, and the more emotion you will have naturally. You will be able to connect with your audience, have fun with your presentations and get the results you want from all of your presentations. Most importantly, you will have greater impact!
Jacki Rose is a presentation skills expert based in Milford. She is the author of five books including “11 Steps to Powerful Public Speaking.” Visit www.JackiRose.com or www.PublicSpeakingCanBeFun.com for more information.
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