Comments on: How to stop worrying about forgetting what you want to say

By: Presentation Handouts

Presentation Handouts — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:38:47 +0000

[...] They allow you to stop worrying about forgetting what you want to say. [...]

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:54:26 +0000

Hi Jon

I agree with you that the need to be perfect is counterproductive to an effective and non-nerve-wracking presentation. I get very annoyed with articles with titles like “How to give the perfect presentation”. No such thing!

Olivia

By: Jon Thomas

Jon Thomas — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:17:36 +0000

Great topic. Many people fear presenting for one reason or another. Heck – 40% of Americans list it as there #1 fear. While I’d quickly say “practice” is really the only way to manage fear and ensure that you’re going to say everything you want to say, I think there’s another answer:

You’re not perfect.

Nor am I, or anyone in your audience for that matter. We’re all human beings and as humans, we forget things. It’s inevitable. We understand that presenters are humans and they’re going to mess up. Audience members are sympathetic and it won’t phase a soul as long as you don’t let it dominate your presentation like a tidal wave.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Make sure you break down your presentation into the most core elements and ideas, and work from there. As long as you hit those, everything else is gravy. Don’t sweat the small stuff. (I think I just hit a record for cliche’s in a blog comment).

Regards,
Jon Thomas
Presentation Advisors
http://www.twitter.com/Story_Jon

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:28:39 +0000

Hi Marcello

I’m delighted that you’re finding my blog and newsletter helpful. Congratulations on your presentation and go well with the next one.
Olivia

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:27:49 +0000

Hi Andre

Yes, I think there’s no problem with looking down at notes occasionally.
OIivia

By: Marcello

Marcello — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 21:24:35 +0000

Hi Olivia, I would like just to say thank thank you thank you… for your fantastic blog and your newsletters… it helped me a lot for my first presentation in front off some boss in Paris…

By: Andre V Milteer, M.A.

Andre V Milteer, M.A. — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:07:43 +0000

Olivia,
Your speaking tips, especially Note Taking and Handouts. I find that audiences are quite OK with a Speaker holding 3×5 cards in hand with casual glance-downs. Of course, nothing works like the 3Ps…Preparation, Preparation, and Prepar…