When I deliver the ATD Presentation Skills Certificate Program, I hear learners say way too often "that's the norm" or "that's what's expected" when explaining why they continue to follow bad presentation practices. But when did normal become synonymous with effective? Let's look at a few of the worst "normal" practices and consider changes that should become the new normal.
- Norm #1: Using copious bullet points, filling up each slide until there's almost no white space.
- The New Normal: Using only key words and phrases, not sentences, on slides. Drastically reducing word slides in favor of visuals—charts, graphs, illustrations, pictures—and more dialogue with the audience.
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- Norm #2: Reading from the slides. Continually turning to the screen to read so one's back or side is to the audience.
- The New Normal: Being prepared enough so that reading the slides isn't necessary. Making continual eye contact with the audience to engage them and read their reactions.
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- Norm #3: Using filler words—um, ah, you know—to the extreme.
- The New Normal: Replacing filler words with a pause to gather your thoughts and let the audience absorb what's been said. Practicing before the presentation so the delivery flows smoothly without the crutch of filler words.
- Norm #4: Handing out the PowerPoint deck as a takeaway.
- The New Normal: Recognizing that PowerPoint slides and your handouts serve two different purposes. In keeping with having less detailed slides, providing a more detailed handout that includes information and resources that will be useful to the audience after the presentation.
If you want to start examining and improving your existing presentation practices, join me at one of my upcoming ATD Presentation Skills Certificate Programs to create your own new normal.
