President's Tip of the Week

The Seven Thinking Sins of Public Speaking, part 2
(11/3/08)

from Speaking about Presenting by Olivia Mitchell

3. I must not forget anything.

Truth: You're the only one that knows exactly what you're going to say. Your audience probably won't even notice.

Solution: Your goal is to remember to say the key points in your presentation. Have notes and take the time to look at them. If you know that you find looking at notes difficult in a presentation, practice. Practice with people in front of you. Here's how to look at your notes. Stop talking, look at your notes, know what you're going to say next, look up, find someone to talk to - look at them and start talking.

If it's really important put it in a handout. That way it's not a disaster if you forget a key point.

4. I must know more about the topic than anyone in the audience.

Truth: No you don't. This is a recipe for over-researching and stress. There will often be people in the audience who are more knowledgeable in the audience than you.

Solution: Your job as a presenter is not to know more than anyone else, but to communicate and explain what you do know with your own perspective.

See this post on presenting with experts in the audience for more ideas.