As a student, you have probably experienced giving an awkward, boring, and confusing presentation – everyone goes through this. But think about the best presentation you’ve ever seen, or maybe just the last speech that inspired or motivated you. What was it about that speech that had that impact on you? Do you think other people felt the same way?
Believe it or not, you have the potential to deliver a powerful presentation, whether it is in college or at work. There are two primary mistakes students make that prevent them from being the best version themselves while giving a presentation, and they are:
1. Lack of Preparation
Practice is everything, and don’t just believe this because you’re reading it – learn it from the bests. Steve Jobs was well known for the presentations he gave when new Apple products came out; he approached his presentation like an artist. What many don’t know is that he spent days and even weeks preparing to make his speeches look effortless. Knowing well how your own presentation will unfold decreases your nerves and naturally helps you deliver a much better speech. Some believe that you can tell a lie confidently and everyone will believe it. That doesn’t mean that you should do that in a presentation, but it does say a lot about how powerful it is to be confident and comfortable when you speak.
2. Using Poor Slides & Visuals
Most people think that you need to be highly-detailed to impress others; however, when it comes to PowerPoint slides, it’s quite the opposite. Simpler slides are proven to be more powerful and enhancing. Avoid having long definitions in your slides; instead, use keywords, icons, and good-quality (non-copyrighted) images that relate to what you want to say. Use the information on your slides as support, and never add every single word you will say to read off the slides. Yes – that means that you actually have to memorize what you will say, but that is what presentations are all about. Steve Jobs probably wouldn’t have sold over 1.7 million iPhones in 2010 if he had just read everything he was going to say off his slides while presenting the iPhone 4, right? Here is an example of how a slide can look powerful and enhancing by following these tips:
You have the choice of being boring or inspiring to others with your presentations. Targeting and preventing these two common pitfalls could really set the base for you to deliver your best presentation ever, and who knows, maybe even earning a few A’s along the way.
By: Jesus Salaverria
