Don’t Ruin Your Talk with These 7 Big Mistakes (483)
1. ENDING WITH A Q&A
Ask for questions just BEFORE the end. You want to end memorably.
Besides killing the impact created by a strong finish, a closing Q&A might get you no questions (awkward!), or leave people waiting to “get out of there,” souring their memory of the experience.
2. OPENING WITH ‘THANKS, IT’S GREAT TO BE HERE WITH YOU.’
The opening of the talk is the moment of highest anticipation. You want to hook them right off the bat - not waste time with pleasantries.
Get right into your narrative with something emotionally compelling. Thank them for the speaking opportunity later in the talk.
3. LOOKING AWAY FROM THE CAMERA
When you look at the onscreen image of the person you’re talking to during online calls instead of into the camera, you turn your face away from them.
This deprives them of the eye contact they need with you to connect with you and to trust you.
To maintain eye contact while imparting dense information, stick post-it notes with key words next to the camera lens. Sitting farther back will hide your eye movement as you view the notes.
4. USING HUMOR WITH NO SAFETY CUSHION
Use humor that causes no collateral damage to your speech if it bombs. Weave the humor into the fabric of the talk so if it doesn’t get a laugh you can keep rolling without looking foolish.
Generally, avoid jokes (unless you are 150% certain they will work), because senses of humor vary globally.
But do tell amusing stories that speak to what your audience is thinking - and show your knowledge of their business challenges.
5. FORGETTING THEIR KEY CONCERN IS ‘WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?’
The top-of-mind question for every audience is “Why am I supposed to care about this?”
You’ve got to provide contextual information that not only explains your ideas in big-picture terms but illustrates the benefits your ideas will bring them.
Show how the ideas you are rolling out have relevance to listeners' lives and work.
6. BURYING THE HUMAN INTEREST
Speakers often make the mistake of putting a story or information that would resonate with their audience as humans too far down in the speech.
A good test is to present your speech to an impartial third party (not a friend or family member) and ask them ‘When did you feel like nodding off,’ or ‘When did you feel I was pulling you in?’
Once you’ve determined what worked best, recast the talk to get the engaging material higher.
7. GETTING TOO COMPLICATED
Audiences are like motorists driving along a highway. A misplaced road sign could cause them to miss their exit, or take them down the wrong road.
Once you create the talk, practice presenting it. Try to feel where parts go on too long or seem unnecessary. Cut ruthlessly.
Learn how to protect your talks with smart speaking and presentation practices. Go to michaelbarris.com/mini-course to subscribe to a free public speaking series based on my bestselling book, “How to Become a Super Speaker: The 7 Principles for Speaking with Confidence and Connecting with Audiences.”
You will receive tips, strategies and take-action assignments to guide you toward becoming an empowered speaker who knows how to avoid the pitfalls that would prevent you from achieving your desired speaking results.
Be open to what works and what doesn't work - that's how you will build an effective speaking style, and that's how you will create unforgettable talks and presentations that accelerate your career growth.
MICHAEL BARRIS
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Michael Barris is the consummate evangelist for speaking better to be your best and create an impact with your career.
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