We’ve all been there – watching a presentation that has us wanting to reach for toothpicks just to keep our eyes open. Delivering an engaging presentation isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about connecting with your audience and sharing information that’s relevant, punchy and memorable.
Let’s dive into 11 rookie presentation mistakes you could be making – and how you can fix them.
1. No clear objective
Presentations without a clear purpose can feel aimless. If you don’t know what you want your audience to walk away with, they won’t either.
How to fix it: Before you start, ask yourself, ‘What’s the one thing I want them to remember?’. Then build your presentation around that key takeaway. Every slide and every point should reinforce that central message.
2. Weak introduction
Starting with an underwhelming introduction is like showing up to a party without saying hello. A boring start guarantees a tough crowd.
How to fix it: Open with a hook. It could be an interesting statistic, a thought-provoking question – or a short anecdote. Draw your audience in and make them want to hear more.
3. Reading off the slides
Relying on your slides as a script is one of the quickest ways to lose your audience. If you’re reading word-for-word, why should they listen? They’ve already read it.
How to fix it: Slides should be an enhancement, not the main act. Use them to highlight key points with visuals or short phrases. Practise until you’re comfortable speaking from memory with only minimal cues from your slides.
4. Missing the mark on relevance
Even the best-delivered presentation will fall flat if your content doesn’t match what your audience expects or needs. Presenting irrelevant or off-topic information can leave them confused or disengaged.
How to fix it: Be sure you understand the brief and your audience. What are their key interests or pain points? Then tailor your content to meet their needs and address the specific issues they care about. Always ask yourself, Is this relevant to them? If not, consider cutting it or reworking it to fit their expectations.
5. Information overload
Trying to squeeze every detail into your presentation can overwhelm your audience. When there’s too much information, people lose track of the message.
How to fix it: Prioritise your content. Stick to 3 to 5 key points. Use stories and examples – and simple visuals to reinforce them. If they need more details, you can always provide handouts or follow-up resources.
6. Not managing your time
Rushing through slides or finishing too early can make your presentation feel disjointed. Not managing time properly is a sign of poor preparation.
How to fix it: Plan how much time to spend on each section – and practise, practise, practise! During the presentation, ask someone to give you a subtle heads up when you’re 5 or 10 minutes towards the end time. And if you’re running over, have a clear sense of what you can cut or skip without losing the main message.
7. Lack of engagement
Speaking without engaging your audience will make them feel like passive listeners. You might as well be giving the presentation to a wall.
How to fix it: Ask questions, encourage interaction, or throw in a poll. Even something as simple as asking for a show of hands keeps people involved. Make them feel like participants, not spectators.
8. Forgetting about body language
What is your body saying while you speak? Your body speaks louder than your words. Poor posture, crossed arms or avoiding eye contact can signal discomfort or disinterest.
How to fix it: Practise confident body language. Stand tall, maintain open gestures, and make regular eye contact with different parts of the room. Use your movements to emphasise points. But avoid pacing or fidgeting.
9. A monotone voice
A flat, monotone delivery will lose your audience faster than you think. No matter how good your content is, a lack of vocal variety makes it hard to pay attention.
How to fix it: Vary your tone to match the content. Emphasise key points with a change in pitch, volume, or speed. Practising out loud is key. What sounds engaging in your head might not come across that way in reality.
10. Winging it
Even the most seasoned presenters stumble if they don’t rehearse. Winging it can lead to awkward pauses, filler words, or getting stuck on a slide.
How to fix it: Run through your presentation out loud several times – ideally in front of a colleague or friend who can offer honest feedback. The more you rehearse, the more confident and natural you’ll be on the day.
11. No memorable wrap up
You’ve just delivered a great presentation. So why end with a whimper? A weak or abrupt finish means your message won’t stick.
How to fix it: Wrap up with a memorable conclusion. Summarise your key points, reinforce your main message, and leave your audience with a strong final thought or call to action. A short, punchy takeaway can make all the difference in how your presentation is remembered.
Ready to step up your presentation game and avoid these common pitfalls? Our course, Presenting with Confidence, is designed to help your team learn how to captivate their audience, manage nerves and deliver like a pro.