Recently I contributed to a forum discussion on LinkedIn titled
"Are audiences too tolerant of useless presenters?" The topic was
started by Paul Boross.
As co-author of "The Presenter's Handbook" I responded with the following:
"Paul,
I also have sat through many a poor presentation, and like you thought 'How
have they got away with that?' This can be especially the case at exhibitions
where a guest speaker comes on stage and talks about a particular industry. At
these venues there is little, or more often no feedback required. I do though
write to the individual pointing out a few key improvements. As professionals
the key is trying to make those presenters understand that they need
improvement. That can be the difficulty! With regard to the audience and over
politeness, I have a feeling it comes down to their expectations. Unfortunately
there are so many poor presenters that audience expectations are low to start
with."
My question is what are an audiences expectation when
attending a conference or exhibition? Are audience members so numb from poor
presenting that they switch off before even entering the keynote presentation?
This
years Meetings and Events Australia designated their annual gathering in Sydney,
a PowerPoint free zone. In an article by Rob Spalding "The Presenter's
Handbook" argued that it was not PowerPoint to blame but the poor level of
presenter.
Just mention of the word PowerPoint can start to have a
negative effect on an audience. All too
often presenters read bullet points from one slide after another, have mistimed
video or simply do not engage with the audience as they are anchored to a lectern.
As part of coaching individuals we visit numerous
exhibitions and conferences on behalf of clients. This provides ample opportunity to view other
presenter's during the day. The signs of
audience boredom - tapping on pads, doodling, checking emails, looking around
the venue are all too frequent.
To raise audience expectations we at "The Presenter's
Handbook" believe that the quality of presenter must first be raised.
Try this exercise.
Write down 5 presentations that you have
felt the presenter has under achieved.
Now the hard bit.
Write down 5 presentations when you feel
you under achieved.
Which list proved easier?
You have to take a step
back as a presenter and analyse your own performance to improve.
What if someone has written your name in the first list? Don't get to negative, help is at hand with "The
Presenter's Handbook" containing 260 pages of help and advice so your name
does not appear in the first list.
Start improving your presentation skills and
raise audience expectation levels.
