12. Reading slides

Have you ever sat through a presentation wondering what on earth the presenter is droning on about?If you have, it’s likely that the content was simply not relevant to you. It can be extremely frustrating listening to irrelevant content. Imagine how you would respond if an audience member stopped you half way through your presentation and asked; ’ Why exactly are you telling us this, how will that information help me?’Solution – As you craft your presentation, ensure that everything you plan to say, show or do is of relevance and value to your audience. If it’s not completely relevant, leave it out.

The moment you read text on a slide out loud to your audience, you are insulting their intelligence.You are suggesting to your presentation audience that they can’t read and so you will do it for them.I haven’t met anyone who likes or appreciates having slides read out to them. I have however, met countless professionals who agree it’s the ultimate presentation mistake yet continue to read slides themselves.Solution – Craft a conversation rather than a recital. Remember that your audience have come to listen to you speak, not to read to them.

What is your message?What is the one thing you want your audience to take from your presentation when they return to their car or desk?If your audience could ‘Tweet’ the content of your presentation with one, clear message what would they ‘Tweet’.If you don’t know the answer to that question your presentation will probably be forgotten in a heart beat.Solution – Set a clear, rich and compelling message. Make sure that everything you share supports it and don’t forget to repeat it.

‘The mediocre presenter believes that they can run through their presentation a couple of times beforehand and if it makes sense to them then it will be fine for their audience.The Mindful Presenter does everything they can to make their content a part of themselves and so they spend many hours rehearsing.Not memorising, just rehearsing.They know their content inside and out and leave no stone unturned in ensuring that everything they have crafted to say and the way they say it will be of significance to their audience.Mindful presenting is about internalising our message.Solution – Own your message – Internalise your message. Practice the verbal and non-verbal expression of your presentation.

‘The prerequisite to a brilliant presentation, before focusing on delivery, is to ensure that your message is supported by rich, relevant and rewarding content.’The primary purpose of any presentation is to share information with your audience. Disorganised, boring or irrelevant content is the fastest way to annoy, bore or lose your audience.Solution – Make your presentation content rich and compelling

What do you want your audience to do when you have finished presenting?If you don’t have a very clear answer to that question, it’s highly likely they won’t do anything at all with the information you share with them.Solution – Set a clear and meaningful objective for exactly what you want your audience to do at the end of your presentation. Make sure you tell them.

The mediocre presenter believes that their slides are their presentation. PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides or any other visual aid software is not your presentation. High-quality presentation software can help your presentation audience receive your content more effectively. This software exists to help rather than replace you as a presenter.Solution – Remember that your audience have come to hear you, not to see your slides. If visuals don’t add significant value to your audience, don’t use them.

How do you want your audience to feel?If you don’t have a very clear answer to that question, it’s highly unlikely that you will feel it yourself.If you don’t feel it the moment you begin to craft and deliver your presentation your audience won’t either.There are two types of presenter. The mindful minority understand the power of intention.Solution – Set a clear and meaningful intention for how you want your audience to feel emotionally.

Some presenters believe that ‘winging it’ is their way of improvising. This may work for you but it’s not fair to your audience. It’s highly likely that your audience will see that you are unprepared, and they won’t thank you for it.Solution – Don’t rely on your charm or talent. Do the work.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin FranklinSolution – Prepare, prepare, prepare.