Common Pitfalls When Presenting

Take several deep breaths before you start speaking

Make it a rule not to read from your notes or from your PowerPoint slides but to talk directly to your audience

Maintain eye contact with the audience (or camera if it’s a webcast-only program) and speak in a conversational style

Don’t be afraid to use humour when appropriate

Engage your audience by making your presentation interactive through questions or polling

Know your audience and make sure that your presentation is practical and relevant to them

Use practical illustrations but avoid "war stories"

Practise in advance to ensure that your presentation fits within your allotted time

If you’re participating in a panel, pay attention while your fellow panelists make their presentations

After the program, watch your presentation on the archived webcast to find out how you can improve your public speaking skills