Top 10 Content Management Mistakes by Melissa LewisHere, David Letterman style, are what I consider to be
Top 10 most common mistakes presenters make when organizing and preparing their content:
10) Not setting stage.
An introduction should be more than just "Hello. Today we'll be discussing _____." If you just jump into content without setting up presentation, it can get you off to a jumpy, disjointed start. An introduction should give audience a sense of who you are, what you're there to do and what's in it for them to listen.
9) Using ineffective notes.
It's almost always wise to have some notes handy to make sure you don't forget anything important, but if your notes are hard to follow or are distracting for audience, they defeat purpose. Trying to read from a crowded page of word-for-word narrative is a killer because you look down and have trouble looking up for fear that you'll never find your place again. Disorganized papers or cards can be cumbersome and messy. Keep clear, concise key-word-or-key-phrase-only notes handy to simply to jog your memory, not serve as an unnecessary crutch.
8) Using jargon or acronyms that leave audience bewildered.
When a listener hears a word or phrase he/she is not familiar with it causes what I call a "cerebral derailment". The listener's mind is chugging along happily with you until he/she hears an unfamiliar term and suddenly mind jumps tracks to wonder, "What does that mean?" Always define acronyms (even if you're sure they know what letters stand for) and, when in doubt, define any terms that could possibly be unfamiliar.
7) Planning backwards.
Many people begin to prepare a presentation by thinking, "What do I have that's cool?" (meaning visual aids, support points, stories, examples, etc.) Then they ask themselves, "How can I work it in?" This is backwards. Decide on what you want to accomplish and then ask "What do I have in way of support that would help me meet that objective?" If you plan backwards you may very well end up with a bunch of interesting information that is of no value to listeners.
6) Not knowing your objective and/or not sharing it.
In addition to being clear on point you want to make, you should also be clear on objective you wish to achieve. Do you want audience to make a decision? Show them options and ask for a decision. If you need their cooperation, make sure you explain why you need them and how they can help you. If your goal is to familiarize them with a topic, make that clear so you don't get bogged down in excess detail. Both you and your audience should be clear on what you're there to accomplish.
5) Not providing "signposts".
Imagine that you can get a new set of information two ways: 1) you can read it in a report or 2) you can listen to it in a presentation. What advantages do you have when you're reading that you don't have when you're listening?
