How to Use Your Projector

Top Ten Mistakes Made by Presenters

1. No Presentation Objectives
   If you don't know what your audience should do at the end of your presentation, there is no need for you to present. Knowing your objectives is the key to developing an effective presentation.



2. Poor Visual Aids
   Visual aids are designed to reinforce the main points of your presentation. Without effective visuals, you are missing a key opportunity to communicate with your audience.



3. Ineffective Close
   Closing your presentation is extremely important. The close allows you to tie up the presentation and spell out what you want your audience "to do". A weak close can kill a presentation.



4. Mediocre First Impression
   Audiences evaluate a presenter within the first 120 seconds of the presentation. Presenters who make a bad first impression can lose credibility and diminish their ability to effectively communicate.



5. No Preparation
   The best presenters prepare for every presentation. Those who prepare and practice are more successful in presenting their information and anticipating audience reaction. Practice does make perfect!



6. Lack of Enthusiasm
   If you aren't excited about the presentation, why should your audience be? Enthusiastic presenters are the most effective ones around!



7. Weak Eye Contact
   As a presenter, you are trying to communicate effectively with your audience. If you don't make eye contact with the audience, they will not take you or your message seriously.



8. No Audience Involvement
   The easiest way to turn off an audience is by allowing them to remain uninvolved. Use audience involvement to gain "buy-in".



9. Lack of Facial Expressions
   Effective speakers use facial expressions to help reinforce their messages.



10. Sticky Floor Syndrome
    There is nothing worse than a speaker who is glued to the floor. While there is no need to wander about aimlessly, natural movement helps hold an audience's attention.

from Presenters University