Eight Common Mistakes Presenters Make

Even the most well-crafted presentation can be undermined by poor delivery. Here are eight common mistakes to avoid.

1. Thanking Prospects for Their Time: This devalues your own time and suggests that what you have to say is not important.
2. Presenting with Hands in Pockets: This makes you look like a slacker and undermines your authority.
3. Presenting from a Sitting Position: Standing is a position of greater authority and can increase your persuasiveness.
4. Being Led Around by the Nose: Don't let the prospect take control of the meeting. You must lead the conversation to be effective.
5. Letting the Materials Upstage You: Your visual aids are just that - aids. You are the presenter, not the slides.
6. Keeping it Totally Serious: Humor can be a powerful tool for building rapport and increasing retention.
7. Failing to Practice: You must practice your presentation out loud to master the material and develop a smooth, confident delivery.
8. Having No Idea What Comes Next: Know your presentation so well that you can "presell" upcoming sections and keep the audience engaged.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can deliver a more powerful and persuasive presentation. See also Rules for Effective Presenting.