Do you know the top 5 presentation myths?

A presentation is really just the art of “giving something to someone.” Simply put, every time we present, we have the opportunity to “gift” information, ideas, challenges, solutions and so on to an audience. How well you do that determines whether it is a powerful presentation and whether it achieves its objectives or not. Winning presentations are one of your most priceless business tools. One of my favourite programmes we offer is Key Steps to Powerful Presentations, where I work with individuals and teams to get them. The past few weeks, it’s almost all I’ve been doing, and it’s been so rewarding to see people debunking myths and taking Key Steps to stand in their own power and… ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’

Here’s the top five myths I see people needing to debunk when it comes to presenting…

1. I’m not a public speaker. Reality: We all speak in public. Public speaking goes far beyond standing on a stage in front of hundreds of people. We’re presenting ourselves all the time. In fact, life is one big presentation. Every conversation is an opportunity to influence. Every online meeting is key opportunity to present yourself and your ideas. How do you show up? Learning how to speak and present well are critical skills that EVERYONE needs to have to increase their influence and success.
2. Great slides make a great presentation. Reality: There seems to be a common misconception that because “I have PowerPoint and some great slides; I am a speaker who can represent my organisation to others.” This faulty logic has led to a flood of poor presentations that waste time and cost millions in lost sales and productivity.
3. I shouldn’t be nervous. Reality: You can control and manage nervousness (breathing and visualisation are great techniques), but you can’t eliminate it. For most of us, the fear of making a presentation never goes away. Even professional speakers get nervous. They just reframe it and know that some nervousness is good. It keeps you dynamic. The goal is to channel nervous energy into a positive performance. Thankfully, this can be learnt.
4. I need to be perfect. Reality: Thankfully, you don’t and striving for perfection will just increase your anxiety. Remember that a presentation is not about you showing how great you are but an opportunity to assist your audience and show them how you can add value to them. The presentation is about them, not about you. And remember not to apologise unnecessarily… the audience had no idea what you had planned to say and therefore no idea that you made a ‘mistake’ unless you announce it.
5. Cover all your points. Reality: Consider the time frame and adapt your presentation. Give three major points instead of six. Condense your examples. Tell shorter stories. People are more likely to remember what you said if you take this approach instead of trying to squeeze too much into too short a window of time. A rushed and jam-packed presentation often leaves the audience feeling tired and/or overwhelmed. The audience need pauses to give them time to think, process and store in memory what you are saying.

As you imagine presenting yourself this week, what can you relate to and what Key Steps will you take to be the difference that makes the difference.

Namaste,

Sharon