6 Don’ts to Avoid for a Successful Presentation

Giving presentations to an audience can be nerve-wracking for most people. It is a common fear to have, and the pressure can be intense, especially when the stakes are high. As the CEO of Decker Communications, Inc., Bert Decker knows a thing or two about giving presentations. In his quick six don’ts to avoid for a successful presentation, Bert highlights that the last three seconds are how people remember you. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid certain behaviors in a presentation. Here are the six don’ts for the end of your presentation:

1. Don’t Step Back

When you finish your presentation, avoid stepping back as if you were done with the performance. Instead, stand still, wait for a few seconds, and hold your posture. This will show that you’re confident, and it will give the audience some space to contemplate what they just learned. It is crucial to hold your posture to convey that you’re still present with the audience.

2. Don’t Look Away

Similarly, looking away or breaking eye contact immediately after finishing your presentation can signal insecurity and nervousness. It is essential to keep eye contact with the audience for a few seconds after you finish speaking. This will demonstrate that you’re still in control of the presentation, and it will give you time to read the audience’s reaction to your presentation.

3. Don’t Move on the Last Word

Avoid rushing to move after the final word of your presentation. Instead, let the last word resonate with the audience for a few seconds. This will create an emphasis on your message and make it more memorable. Additionally, it will show respect for the moment and the audience’s experience.

4. Don’t Raise Your Hands

Raising arms in the air or doing any other exaggerated movements at the end of the presentation can make you seem insincere or unprofessional. Instead, hold your hands by your side, or touch your hands together lightly in front of you. This will demonstrate that you’re comfortable, confident, and engaged in the moment.

5. Don’t Rush to Collect Your Papers

Rushing to collect your papers and shuffle around immediately after your presentation can be distracting and break the flow of the moment. Instead, stay in place for a few seconds to allow the audience to absorb the information, and then calmly and slowly gather your things. This will show the audience that you value their experience, and it will demonstrate your professionalism.

6. Never Blackball Yourself

Lastly, never criticize or underestimate yourself in front of the audience. It is crucial to maintain a positive tone and to reinforce your message. Even if you made mistakes during your presentation, avoid talking about them, as it may overshadow the main message of your presentation.

In conclusion, Bert’s six don’ts to avoid for a successful presentation can be crucial to make a lasting impression on the audience. Holding your posture, keeping eye contact, emphasizing the last word, avoiding exaggerated movements, staying calm, and avoiding self-criticism are the keys to appearing confident, professional, and memorable. By implementing these simple rules, you can create a deep impact on your audience and make your presentation a success.